Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Book series/Air Forces/Wingleader products

Postlethwaite, Mark: Supermarine Spitfire Mk I in RAF Service. 1936 to the Battle of Britain 25,95 €

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:45:08 +0200

Krajci, Milan: Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Units in the Battle of Britain. Part 1: JG2, JG3, JG26 25,95 €

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:05:08 +0200

This book is the first of three in the "Wingleader Photo Archive" series devoted to Bf 109 Units in the Battle of Britain. This is a project that the authors were actually working on some years ago but which stalled through the lack of decent photographs. With the launch of the "Wingleader" series, they saw a way of revitalising the project using all the profiles that had been prepared, and introducing a lot of newly discovered 109 photos. The result is slightly different to the "Spitfire" Mk I book in that this one concentrates on the units rather than the history of the aircraft itself. The great thing is that each "Staffel" has a specially commissioned profile by renowned digital artist Piotr Forkasiewicz, (39 in this book alone and 8 extra pages because of it), making it a remarkably colourful read in every way. The aim of this book is to help the reader identify and understand the various styles of camouflage and markings used by the Bf 109 units during the Battle. Some had large numerals, some small, some had heavily mottled sides, others pale blue. Most had emblems and some carried both the Gruppe and Staffel emblems at the same time. The colours of the markings were also significant of course, and again this book explains the system behind them.

For each of the fighter squadrons covered here (JG 2, JG 3 and JG 26) there are specially commissioned aircraft profiles by renowned digital artist Piotr Forkasiewicz. The aim of this book is to help the reader identify and understand the different paint schemes and marking styles used by the Bf 109 units during the battle. Some had large numerals, some small, some heavily stained sides, others were simply light blue. Most had emblems and some wore the group and squadron emblems at the same time. Of course, the colours of the markings were also important, which is also explained in this book.

Krajci, Milan: Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Units in the Battle of Britain. Teil 2: JG27, JG51, JG52 25,95 €

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:55:21 +0200

Volume 4 of the "Wingleader Photos Archive" series. This book is the first of three in this series dealing with the German fighter squadrons that were equipped with the Messerschmitt Bf 109E during the Battle of Britain. This work, as well as the other editions on the subject, differs slightly from the book on the Supermarine "Spitfire" Mk I, in that it focuses on the units rather than the history of the aircraft itself.

Alexander, Richard: Avro Lancaster Mk. I/III. Early Production Batches 1941-1943 26,95 €

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:30:13 +0200

After devoting the first four volumes in this series to Battle of Britain subjects, we now turn our attention to another icon of British aviation, the Avro Lancaster. The problem with the Lancaster was always going to be how to break it down into manageable sizes. We considered chronologically but it didnt quite tell the story as we wanted, so in the end we went for a layout by production batches and therefore serial numbers. This has thrown up some interesting details along the way and we can guarantee that even the biggest Lancaster fans will learn some new facts from this book. Part One therefore covers serial numbers L7527 to JB748 which chronologically is roughly 1941 to the end of 1943. The plan is to feature later serials in a second part and then a third part will cover the MkII and other special Lancaster types like the B1 Special and the Type 464 (Provisioning) "Dambuster" version.

In the author's opinion, a strictly chronological approach does not quite do justice to the subject. In the end, it was decided to organise the book according to the production batches and thus according to the serial numbers of the aircraft produced. This has brought some interesting details to light and even experienced "Lancaster" specialists are likely to find some new facts in this work. This first part 1 on the Avro "Lancaster" deals with the aircraft with the serial numbers L7527 to JB748, which chronologically corresponds approximately to the period from 1941 to the end of 1943. In a second part, later serial numbers and in a third part the variants Mk. II and other special "Lancaster" types, such as the B1 "Special" and the "Dambuster" version of the Type 464 (Provisioning) will be dealt with.

Robinson, Neil/Postlethwaite, Mark: Supermarine Spitfire Mk V in Europe and North Africa 25,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:25:08 +0200

The Spitfire V was originally designed as an interim variant. Based on the Mk I/II airframe, but powered by a Merlin 45, the Mk V entered service in early 1941, and was marginally better than the Me 109F at high altitude and more heavily armed (Mk Vb). The Mk Vc appeared in October 1941, fitted with the universal "c" wing (developed for the Mk III), which could carry either eight machine guns, four 20mm cannon, or two cannon and four machine guns - the two cannon/four machine gun combination being the most common. Holding its advantage over the Me 109F during the summer, the operational debut of the FW 190A in September 1941, found the Mk V somewhat outclassed, but despite this, it remained the main RAF fighter until the summer of 1942, when the Mk IX was introduced, but low level LF Mk Vb and Vcs remained in use into 1944. The Mk V was also used in large numbers overseas, in the defence of Malta, and in the North African and Far East campaigns, as well as equipping several other countries' air forces, including the USAAF.

Falconer, Jonathan: Short Stirling Mk I/III in RAF Service 25,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:55:10 +0200

The Short Stirling has come in for a lot of Flak over the years, both literally and metaphorically. Hampered by a poor service ceiling and a Dastardly and Muttley style undercarriage, it has always lived in the shadow of the more illustrious Lancaster and Halifax. However, most crews that flew the Stirling were very fond of the aircraft and although its capabilities as a bomber were never as strong as its contemporaries, it blossomed into an extremely useful glider tug and Special Duties aircraft towards the end of the war. This aspect will be covered in our second book on the aircraft. As usual in this series, most of the space is devoted to high-resolution original wartime photos, which are examined very closely to pick out details that have been hiding in plain sight for over 70 years.

However, most crews who flew the Short "Stirling" still liked this bomber, although it fell behind other bomber types of its time in many respects. In the later stages of the war, the Short "Stirling" proved to be a very useful tow plane for cargo gliders and aircraft for special missions. This "second career" of the Short "Stirling" will be dealt with in a follow-up volume of this series.

Thomas, Andrew: De Havilland Vampire in RAF and Overseas Service 25,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:30:11 +0200

When the makers of this series first looked at doing the Vampire in this series, they quickly realised that there wasn't too much point in concentrating on the technical details of what was a very simple aircraft. Instead, it seemed to make sense to focus on the operational side so it was clear that Andrew Thomas was the man to approach. Using a combination of his and other photo libraries, the editors have managed to find photos to illustrate every RAF Squadron that flew the Vampire, plus they've got a good sized section to cover overseas use of this early jet fighter. They've selected profiles to cover various camouflage and marking variants and have also included colour examples of squadron bars where appropriate.

Using a combination of his and other photo libraries, the editors have managed to find photos to illustrate every RAF Squadron that flew the Vampire, plus they've got a good sized section to cover overseas use of this early jet fighter. They've selected profiles to cover various camouflage and marking variants and have also included colour examples of squadron bars where appropriate.

Krajci, Milan: Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Units in the Battle of Britain. Part 3: JG 53, JG 54, JG 77, LG 2, EprGr 210 28,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:45:05 +0200

This book is the third and final part of the "Wingleader Photo Archive" series devoted to Bf 109 Units in the Battle of Britain. It covers JG 53, JG 54, JG 77, LG 2 and EprGr 210. These Bf 109-books are slightly different to the usual WPA books in that they concentrate on the units rather than the history of the aircraft itself. The great thing is that each Staffel has a specially commissioned profile by renowned digital artist Piotr Forkasiewicz, making it a remarkably colourful read in every way. The aim of these books is to help the reader identify and understand the various styles of camouflage and markings used by the Bf 109 units during the Battle. Some had large numerals, some small, some had heavily mottled sides, others pale blue. Some had emblems and some carried both the Gruppe and Staffel emblems at the same time. At the back of this book is a handy two page guide to all Unit emblems carried by Bf 109s during the Battle of Britain.

Robinson, Neil: Bristol Beaufighter Mk I, Mk II and Mk IF in Europe and North Africa 25,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:25:08 +0200

When the authors first decided to do the Beaufighter in this series, it was clear that it would take at least two volumes to do the type justice. The big question was, how to split them? Night fighters/Day fighters? Fighter Command/Coastal Command? In the end, they opted to group the photos by sub type, so in this volume you have all the Mk Is and Mk IIs and the Mk VIf. The Mk VIC will appear in the next volume/s along with the Mk X and later Mks.
As usual in this series, they devote most of the space to high-res original wartime photos, which they examine very closely to pick out details that have been hiding in plain sight for over 70 years.

Falconer, Jonathan: Short Stirling Mk IV/V in RAF Service 25,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:30:11 +0200

Although the Short Stirling didn't reach its full potential as a bomber, it did perform remarkably well as a glider tug and paratroop transport and was readily available to take part in all airborne assaults on the Continent from D-Day onwards. It also played an important role in sustaining resistance groups. These modified converted bombers were known as the Stirling Mk IV and over 600 of them were built. The Mk V filled another urgent requirement for transport aircraft at the end of the war and in this guise it did modestly well.
As usual in this series, the makers devote most of the space to high-res original wartime photos, which they examine very closely to pick out details that have been hiding in plain sight for over 70 years. So, if youve never heard of low-tow and high-tow, strop guards and bridles, this is the book for you!

These modified and rebuilt bombers became known as the "Stirling" Mk. IV and over 600 of them were built. The Mk. V variant filled another urgent need for transport aircraft at the end of the war and also performed satisfactorily in this role.
As usual in this series, the makers devote most of the space to high-resolution original wartime photographs, which depict the Short "Stirling" Mk. IV and V in great detail, revealing details that have remained unseen for over 70 years.

Thomas, Andrew: Gloster Gladiator in RAF and Overseas Service 25,95 €

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:45:10 +0200

For quite a few years, Simon Parry and Mark Postlethwaite have been building up a huge library of original WWII aviation photos, partly as a hobby but mainly to help provide photos for the books that they publish. With over 30,000 now in the collection, they realised that they had more than enough to produce a series of photo books on individual aircraft types and sub-types. They set out to make the series as ideally suited to modellers and artists as possible, so large photos, using A4 landscape format, and minimal text except for extended captions. Effectively their aim is to produce a 21st Century version of the Profile Publications series of books from the 1960s, using the latest technology to reproduce their wartime photos to the highest standard possible.
This series is unique in that it will be able to provide large format original photos up to full A4 landscape format width, which is at least 50% larger than any standard book can deliver. Combined with the specialist knowledge of a team of historians and contributors, each book should provide unbeatable and accurate references for any modelling or painting project.
The publishers always wanted to do the Gloster Gladiator in this series and so they were delighted when Andrew Thomas offered to take on the task. The RAFs last biplane fighter certainly saw a lot of action, mainly in the Middle East, so they thought it could make quite an interesting book, especially when combined with the colourful pre-war schemes and more exotic foreign air force liveries. And so it proved, as you'll see when looking through this book, the Gladiator appeared in many different guises.

This series is unique in that it provides large format original photographs up to full A4 landscape format, which is at least 50% larger than most other publications. Combined with the expertise of a team of aviation historians and contributors, each book should provide unbeatable and accurate references for any modelling or painting project

Postlethwaite, Mark: Heinkel 111 Units in the Battle of Britain and Blitz 25,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:55:04 +0200

For quite a few years, Simon Parry and Mark Postlethwaite have been building up a huge library of original WWII aviation photos, partly as a hobby but mainly to help provide photos for the books that they publish. With over 30,000 now in the collection, they realised that they had more than enough to produce a series of photo books on individual aircraft types and sub-types. They set out to make the series as ideally suited to modellers and artists as possible, so large photos, using A4 landscape format, and minimal text except for extended captions. Effectively their aim is to produce a 21st Century version of the Profile Publications series of books from the 1960s, using the latest technology to reproduce their wartime photos to the highest standard possible.
This series is unique in that it will be able to provide large format original photos up to full A4 landscape format width, which is at least 50% larger than any standard book can deliver. Combined with the specialist knowledge of a team of historians and contributors, each book should provide unbeatable and accurate references for any modelling or painting project.
The publishers always planned to do Luftwaffe bombers in this series but never imagined that they have enough photos to do them individually. However, after consulting Chris Goss whose Luftwaffe photo collection continues to grow on a daily basis, they realised that the Heinkel He 111 was now more than achievable.
They decided to restrict the book to operations over the UK as the Russian and Mediterranean Theatres could probably be covered in a separate volume. Theyve also included the early war operations over England as these produced some of the best photographs of the captured Heinkels.
The photos are arranged by Kampfgeschwader (KG) and theyve included a panel for each (KG) with a list of official code letters and colours of each squadron, (the individual aircraft letter represented by an X). Also included are the usual detail pages where the editors focus on one particular aspect such as grenade launchers, formation markings and the differences between the P and H series.

They have also included the early wartime missions over England, as these produced some of the best photographs of the captured Heinkels.
The photos are arranged by combat squadron (KG), and for each KG there is a panel listing the official identification letters and colours of each squadron (the letter of the individual aircraft is represented by an X). Also included are the usual detailed pages where the editors focus on a particular aspect, such as grenade launchers, formation markings and the differences between the P and H variants.

Higgins, Terry/Robinson, Neil: Beaufighter Mk VIc, Mk X and Mk XI in NW Europe 26,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:55:10 +0200

Following the first volume on the Beaufighter which covered the early Mks and was predominantly about the night fighter versions, this volume covers the later wartime Mks and is mainly concerned therefore with the strike fighter versions.
?The UK based Beaufighter Strike Wings caused havoc to shipping from Norway to France, with the heavily armed Beaufighter perfectly capable of firing bullets, cannon shells and rockets, not to mention dropping torpedoes, depth charges and bombs.
?In this book, renowned Beaufighter expert Terry Higgins and modelling legend Neil Robinson share their deep knowledge of the subject and identify the various modifications, paint schemes and upgrades that were applied to the Beaufighter during this period.
As always, weve optimised every photo to help the reader look deep into the shadows to see these features and have labelled them where necessary.

Postlethwaite, Mark: Lancaster MkI/III. Late Production Batches 25,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:50:05 +0200

This book, along with the previous "Wingleader Photo Archive" (WPA) no. 5, form an essential guide to the wartime Main Force Avro Lancaster, using high-res wartime photos to illustrate key features of each serial batch to guide modellers and historians in the future. With previously unpublished colour images of "Village Inn" and "Monica III", this book is a must for any Lancaster enthusiast.
?The last volume (WPA 5) covered Mk I/III early production batches up to 1943 (L7527 to JB748), whereas this one covers Mk I/IIIs from 1943 to the end of the war (HK535 to SW279). Avoided are post-war Lancasters and other Mks as they will appear in a future volume. Also set aside for a future volume is a more in-depth look into the interior of the Lancaster and the various equipment that was carried.

Thomas, Chris: Hawker Typhoon. 1940 to Spring 1943 25,95 €

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:20:08 +0200

Chris Thomas, the son of a Typhoon pilot, is probably the worlds leading expert on the Hawker Typhoon and has an incredible reference library on this classic fighter. Originally the editors thought about having one volume on the Typhoon and one on the Tempest, but with Chriss archive and knowledge, they think that they may stretch to four or even five books on the two aircraft.
This first one covers the early days of Typhoon development and operations and includes the usual mix of high-res wartime photos, informative captions and plenty of "I never knew that" moments, especially in the area of recognition markings which these early Typhoons saw their fair share of.

This first book covers the early days of 'Typhoon' development and operations and contains the usual mix of high-resolution wartime photographs, informative captions and plenty of 'I didn't know that' moments, particularly in the area of identification markings, of which these early 'Typhoons' made ample use.

Thirsk, Ian: DH Mosquito Bombers. Part 1: Single Stage Merlin Variants 28,95 €

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:50:05 +0200

This series is unique in that it will be able to provide large format original photos up to full A4 landscape format width, which is at least 50% larger than any standard book can deliver. Combined with the specialist knowledge of a team of historians and contributors, each book should provide unbeatable and accurate references for any modelling or painting project.
This first volume in an ongoing series about the different Mosquito-variants covers Mosquito bombers fitted with single stage Merlin engines (from a visual point of view, that means those without the extra intake immediately under the spinner).

Allam, Peter: Avro Lancaster. Part 3: Mks II, VI, X, Type 464 and B.I. (Special) 1942-1945 28,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:55:10 +0200

Having covered the wartime Mk. I and III in the previous two books, this third book completes the Lancasters wartime career by looking at the other Mks that flew with RAF Bomber Command. These other Mks are the radial engined Mk. II, the Canadian built Mk. X, the experimental Mk. VI, the Dambusters Type 464 and the Grand Slam carrying B.I (Special). Produced in smaller numbers for various reasons, these Mks rarely get a lot of coverage in mainstream books so weve tried to do them justice in this volume.

As with all the books in this series, the publishers enhanced the photos to pull out the shadow detail and have added arrows and letters to identify points of interest.

Robinson, Neil: Westland Whirlwind in World War Two 28,95 €

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:50:10 +0200

Volume 19 of the "Wingleader Photo Archive" series. This series on famous WW2 aircraft and their variants is unique in that it provides large format original photographs up to the full width of A4 landscape, which is significantly larger than in most other publications. Combined with the expertise of the author and other contributors, each book should provide accurate references for the construction and painting of models of the respective aircraft types.

The focus of this issue is the British heavy fighter/fighter-bomber Westland "Whirlwind" from the time of World War 2. It was the RAF's first single-seat fighter equipped with a machine canon.

Robinson, Neil: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX in RAF Service, NW Europe and the Med 28,95 €

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:50:10 +0200

Volume 20 of the Wingleader Photo Archive series. This series on famous WW2 aircraft and their variants is unique in that it provides large format original photographs up to the full width of A4 landscape, which is significantly larger than in most other publications. Combined with the expertise of the authors and other contributors, each book should provide accurate references for the construction and painting of models of the respective aircraft types. This edition takes an in-depth look at the legendary British Supermarine "Spitfire" Mk. IX fighter as it was used by the Royal Air Force at home and in the North West European and Mediterranean theatres of war. The large format photographs are accompanied by informative captions.