During the late 1930s, many of the world's air forces were looking to produce a long-range twin engined escort fighter with the performance of a single-engined fighter. For the most part, they were not successful, though a case could be made for the P-38 and Mosquito. However, both of those planes were developed after the initial batch of 'heavy' fighters were produced.

Undoubtedly the most prolific of the batch was the Bf-110. Against obsolescent aircraft, it was able to do a credible job. Even against updated fighters, it could hold its own in the hands of a skilled pilot, but operations during the Battle of Britain proved that it was not able to protect itself, much less the bombers that were entrusted to their care. The 110 was then used as a ground attack aircraft and later as a very successful night fighter.

In areas where the opposition wasn't as fierce as Northern Europe, such as the Mediterranean or Balkans, or even Russia, the aircraft proved itself to be quite useful. Its greater range made it perfect for over-water flights and for missions in the expanse of the North African deserts. However, despite many upgrades, it was still not the plane that most would want to take into battle against determined opposition.

Though Airfix or Frog can probably claim to have done the first 1/72 Bf-110, the Monogram kit is probably better than those others. A new kit this isn't, having a heritage back to the late 1960s. This particular boxing has an initial copyright date of 1967. However, in over all finesse, this is the better of the three. Though I'm not positive as to the subtype, it is definitely not a D and probably a C or E. My bet is with the E variant as this kit comes with bomb racks that may not have been part of the 110C.

A kit of the 60s, it has engraved panel lines and a rather bare cockpit consisting of a seat onto which the pilot is glued. The rear gunner gets glued directly to a pair of posts attached to the fuselage side. No floor, no side detail and no instrument panels. In fact, you are supposed to cut out the instrument decal and paste it in place with white glue! Fortunately, the cockpit greenhouse is pretty thick so you may not miss the fact that there isn't any detail! Needless to say, the wheel wells are not boxed in at all.

All of that aside, this really isn't that bad a kit. The shape is correct and there are a nice set of bombs to go along with the kit. The bomb racks are part of the wing underside so removing them will require major surgery. The kit also comes with a stand, something that most modern models have long forgotten. OK, so it isn't going to win any contests right out of the box, but for those who like to scratchbuild, it will be fun!

Instructions are typical for the time with an exploded view and several construction steps. There is also a painting guide for parts that lists just generic colors. However, long time Luftwaffe builders should be able to figure them out and match them as well as exterior colors to the appropriate RLM color. You get markings for two aircraft, both from ZG 26 and similarly painted, though one has red bands/stripes and the other yellow and white. The decals in my old kit were not bad for 30 years old, but I'm not sure how well they'd work. Fortunately, there are tons of aftermarket sheets for the 110 so I'm sure something could be found to replace them.

Definitely not the kit for those who want lots of detail, however, it does make into an accurate model and is a kit that one could recommend to a beginner. It has few parts compared to modern multi-version kits and yet still looks the part. If you want something quick and relatively easy, this is one you should seek out. They can be found at swap meets for a mere pittance of what a modern kit of this size would cost.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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