Valiant Wings has just released the 24^th volume in it’s Airframe and Miniature series, dedicated to the Junkers Ju88C through T models. This follows on the heels of volume 23 which covered the Ju88A through B series.

The book consists of 256 pages, including over 200 photos (of operational as well as museum aircraft), scale line drawings, color profiles, several model builds, a set of 1/48 plans and more. The contents are printed on high-quality, semi-gloss pages, with heavier stock covers. This book follows a similar format to others in the series.

The first 25 or so pages, titled “preface” (one of the more in-depth prefaces I have seen!) pick up where the previous volume ended, and dive into an historical overview starting with the Ju88C. This overview continues through later models and into post-war usage as well as captured airframes.

Once past that lengthy introduction, the “Airframe” is presented. This consists of 3 chapters (totaling about 70 pages) each dedicated to the various series (Ju88C to F, Ju88G to H, and Ju88P to T). Page by page each of these chapters show the evolution of the aircraft, with small side profiles (and photos) of each sub-variant. The author is very clear and concise in explaining the changes, upgrades and modifications. The last chapter in the “Airframe” section has 35 pages of descriptions, some excellent color profiles and photos giving an in-depth look at the various camouflage and markings applied to the Ju88. I found the discussion of night fighter camouflage of particular interest. Any casual observer of Luftwaffe night fighter paint schemes might be surprised at the actual variety that existed.

Next up is the “Miniature” section. Here is a list of every Ju88C through Ju88T kit currently in production (as of early 2024), as well as those considered the best in each scale (whether in or out of production). This is broken down by scale, and every kit has a full description of parts, decal options, accuracy issues (with some correction suggestions), and a good general evaluation. This is the perfect place to turn if you are considering what Ju88 kit you might want to purchase. Directly after this the reader will find full-build articles (including some nice photos) of one 1/48 scale and two 1/72 kits. The next chapter, titled “Building a Collection,” walks through every variant of the Ju88, step by step, with accompanying isometric drawings that highlight the changes with each new variant. The final chapter in this section, “In Detail,” is 70 pages worth of a treasure trove for the modeler. Every possible physical aspect of the Ju88 is covered here in a combination of detail photos (museum and operational aircraft), drawings reproduced from original manuals, and descriptive text. Airframe details, cockpit layouts, engine wiring, armament configurations, etc. are all covered in depth.

The appendices are just as useful as everything else in this book – they consist of a listing of all kits ever produced of the Ju88, all decal sets available (with photos and markings options for each sheet), and an extensive bibliography. Finally, there is a beautiful set of 1/48 scale plans for the Ju88 inserted at the very end of the book.

If a modeler is interested in having one reference on this aircraft (well, two if you were to get the Ju88A-B volume), this would be the one. This is aimed squarely at the modeler. It has in-depth coverage of details modelers are interested in, as well as a serious look at the kits and accessories available. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to Valiant for providing the review copy, and to IPMS for allowing me to review it!