With the recent releases (and re-releases) of a few Me 410 kits, MMP’s book on the aircraft is quite timely.

The first 10 (out of 120) pages of this book describe the rather convoluted developmental history of the Messerschmitt Me 410, actually starting with the Me 210. The blurred lines between what constitutes a late Me 210 and an early Me 410 are well described. In fact, as the lineage is so confusing, MMP provides a good flowchart to clear it all up. At the end of this section are a brief few paragraphs describing the remaining two surviving examples of the aircraft (photos of these appear later).

After this, the next 20 or so pages are dedicated to describing each of the versions and variants of the Me 410, broken down into the Me 410 A and B models. Each variation is described with text, a scale (1/72) line drawing, and photos. Nice scrap view drawings are used throughout this area to highlight specifics, usually armament changes. Following this are a few pages of a ‘technical description’ of the aircraft – a generic description of the Me 410’s major characteristics (all-metal, twin-engine, monoplane, etc.). I would think the order should have been reversed, with this generic description coming before the discussion of the specific variants, but that is a very minor nitpick. Finishing off this section is a table listing each version and the corresponding Werke Nummern (serial numbers). This section alone will be of tremendous help to anyone trying to identify a particular airframe. A lot of work has gone into this area and it shows.

If a modeler finds this book useful in helping identify the different versions of the Me 410, then he or she will probably be even happier with the next section. Here we are presented with over 60 pages of detail photos, broken down by components. The majority of these photos are shot in color, and are of one of the two remaining original airframes (in the RAF Museum at Cosford, England). These shots are augmented with a few contemporary photos, some drawings from the original aircraft manual, and a few shots of the other surviving airframe at the Smithsonian.

This ‘details’ section of the book covers any and all areas that would be of use to the modeler. Nice, clear photos of the cockpit, landing gear, armament, and so forth. I’m sure any super-detailer would have all that is needed with these pages.

Rounding all this out, the book concludes with 14 pages of color profiles. Singular side-views of several aircraft are presented. One aircraft, “3U+CC,” has both side-views, as well as a top-view, shown. Each profile is accompanied by text that will be helpful to the modeler, describing particular attributes of the camouflage as well as the airframe itself.

This is definitely a worthwhile addition to your library. MMP provides a nice, concise description of the development of the Me 410 (well, as much as can be done!), and spells out clearly the differences between variants. Detail photos abound, and color profiles are the icing on the cake. Whole-heartedly recommended!

Thanks to MMP Books for the review copy and to IPMS/USA for allowing me to review it.