Scale Plastic & Rail

Fw 190 Dora Vol 2

‘The Focke Wulf Fw 190 DORA, Vol.2 (D9, D11 & D13)
Author: Jerry Crandall
Publisher: Eagle Editions
ISBN: 978-0-9794035-1-4

I was absolutely thrilled to receive the follow up volume to Jerry Crandalls acclaimed book on the Focke Wulf Fw 190D ‘Dora’ series, and I think the first thing which struck me about this book was its weight. This was then superseded by the quality of this publication, from its glossy pages to the amazing detail and content being delivered. You can tell instantly that this was something very special.

The book is hardcover and contains 400 glossy pages, with many parts in colour, and covers the D9, D11 and D13 variants of 190. Contained within are 377 photos, many of which are previously unpublished, and 54 fabulous colour profiles to accompany various subjects within the text. A large number of colour photos are interspersed throughout this volume. There is a Foreword by Doug Champlin, who was the previous owner of D13 “Yellow 10”. A section on Dougs restoration of this machine is included. Jerry Crandalls’ Preface tells us how his interest in the Fw 190D was begun, and how it remains with him to this day, both through his work and through people he has been lucky enough to associate with in his research. The Preface and Foreword are superb, and shouldn’t be skirted over. I'd kill for a collection of 190 parts such as Jerry has collected. You'll see these within this book.

Just about every single aspect of the Dora is included within this book, from the colourful machines of Jagdverband Jv44 ‘Papagei Staffel’ (including the Me 262 jet fighters), through to colour references using actual parts of crashed/scrapped Doras, and amazing documentation reproduced for the first time which has its own importance in the history of this machine. One such reference regards to paint patents for one-coat formula paints. Other highlights include:

As a reference book, this is second to none. Detail diagrams, colour drawings and photographs of many interior as well as exterior areas of the aircraft, make this a highly valuable resource. There really is no excuse, as a modeller, NOT to get it right! To this end, Eagle Editions have released 4 sets of EagleCals decals to accompany this volume (available separately) which depict the various machines within both the text and photographs. A review of these will come shortly.

For the Luftwaffe Historian, there is so much valuable evidence of the service of the Dora for it to be a vital component on your book shelf.

The book is prolific with Profile Notes to accompany the various machines illustrated, as well as Unit histories. Jerry has published many photos showing the fate of some of these machines, laid to scrap on fields and autobahns, possibly providing some great Diorama opportunities. Sections include those on captured machines and ones which have so far proven to be unassigned. Cutaway diagrams and reproductions of factory drawings are included. Alongside this, you’ll be left in no doubt of how cables and pipes run around a Dora; again, invaluable for the modeller.

One of the crowning moments in this book is the ENTIRE listing of Dora Werknummern, with notes added for aircraft losses and the fate of the aircraft, when known. That is an amazing accomplishment and just goes to show how thorough this book is. An absolute gem.

So what do we think?

I simply can’t see there being any publication regarding the Dora which will supersede this. It has to be nigh on impossible, and you really have to see this book to even get an inkling of what I mean. For the Luftwaffe enthusiast, occasional reference reader, and the modeller alike, this book is an important release and should seriously be considered for purchase. Make sure you add this to your collection.

Overall 11/10 (yes, you read that correctly!)

Many thanks to Eagle Editions for supplying this book. This item currently retails for $95USD directly from Eagle Editions. Check your local book retailer for variations.