Saturday 30 March 2019

Book Review: German Destroyers, Robert Brown



Despite being a long-term 'dyed in the wool' 1/72 military modelmaker I'm currently flirting with the idea of making model ships (I have kits for a U-boat and the battleship Bismarck). I was offered this book for review, by the publishers (Pen & Sword, on their nautical imprint Seaforth), and thought 'why not?' 

Lavishly illustrated throughout, the book starts with a chapter on design. It's interesting to learn, given the German reputation for design and building excellence, that this class of ship fared pretty poorly. Many ideas that were good on paper failed to translate into real benefits. Indeed, a number of clever ideas wound up working against seaworthiness. The exposition on design is followed by a detailed look at Z39, which is done via images derived from its period of postwar American ownership.

But it's pages 17-45 that really form the core of the book, comprising two chunky, informative and well illustrated chapters, the first on available model products (both full kits and partial aftermarket detailing sets), and the second showcasing some very impressive modelmakers' works. Chris Flodberg's 1/350 Z30 (also pictured on the cover) is particularly impressive, in no small part due to the amazing rendering of a heavy sea.

Three further chapters - colour schemes, appearance and plans - add to the wealth of useful visual reference this slim but info-packed book offers. And the whole is finished with a small bibliography. I always think specialist books such as this should, as a matter of course, have a glossary (inc. any abbreviations, etc.). That's the only real omission here that a landlubbin' armour modeller like me really notices.

Anyway, all told, a very attractive and useful publication. Further grist to my mill of nautical modelmaking fantasies. Perhaps I will actually build a small Operation Sea-Lion flotilla one day... hmm!?

5 comments:

  1. I always enjoy reading books about the ship design process, and this sounds very worth looking at.

    The Germans seemed to go for a mixture of developments of rather old-fashioned designs (e.g. the BISMARCK-class were very similar in design to the battleships being built in 1918, and did not incorporate some of the developments other countries had made in the light of their WW1 experience) and untried experimental engineering (their high-pressure/temperature steam machinery seemed to be plagued with problems).

    All the best,

    Bob

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bob, yes, indeed, it's a fascinating topic. I know very little about it. But thanks to books like this, I'm learning more. Regards, Seb

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    2. Seb,

      There are some excellent books about warship design out there. I have read most of Norman Friedman's books about US and British warship design as well as D C Brown's numerous books about the development of warship design.

      All the best,

      Bob

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    3. I got another book recently as well, a Seaforth publications book of the original design drawings for the Helgoland. The pictures are amazing. Not read the book yet though... Thanks for the recommendations.

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    4. Seb,

      To tell the truth, I am a bit of a warship nut! (I had hoped to join the Royal Navy but was turned down due to my bad eyesight.) In terms of bookshelf space, I have over 5m devoted to warships, compared to approximately 8m of wargame and military history books.

      All the best,

      Bob

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