Ofw. Walter Karbstein, 2./ZG 76

 

While researching his history of ZG 76, author Peter Kaššák came across a unique gun camera video from this unit. It was filmed by Ofw. Walter Karbstein of 2./ZG 76 on Sunday 2 April 1944. On this date, Bf 110 Gustavs of I. and III. Gruppe of ZG 76 were scrambled from Ansbach and Öttingen and participated alongside crews of II./ZG 1 in the defensive actions over the Reich as US bomber formations flew a major raid on targets in Austria and Yugoslavia, including the ball-bearing plant at Steyr. Some 28 Bf 110 Gs were airborne at 09:15 and, upon return at about midday, reported just one claim that would be confirmed - Walter Karbstein's attack on a lone B-17. Karbstein was in 2. Staffel, but flew his attack in cooperation with others. His victim was likely destroyed southwest of Linz at 5000 meters at about 11:15. Thanks to the Eric Zemper Collection of the 457th BG Association we can see this action on a short gun camera video clip - Karbstein's Bf 110 closes from astern on a lone B-17 which already appears to have had its port wing set on fire but continues to fly straight and level. Note the picture shake as the German pilot unleashes his salvos; 

 Just a short time after this action ZG 76 converted onto the Me 410 and battled against the 15th USAAF over the south of the Reich area. On one such sortie, flown on 27 June 1944, the Stab flight of Zerstörergeschwader 76 lost two machines - one of them was the Messerschmitt Me 410 B-2/U2 coded 'M8 + chevron 3', which crashed at Bánhida in Hungary. The crew, consisting of pilot Ofw. Walter Karbstein and his Bordfunker Uffz. Ernst Keller, were both killed. 

 A civilian photo of Walter Karbstein taken when he entered military service 

This material does not appear in the recent book published by Peter Kaššák and M. Žatkovič entitled 'Zerstörergeschwader 76 - History of the German Luftwaffe unit 1939 - 1945'. 

Since publication Peter's book has received excellent reviews from Luftwaffe and airwar history enthusiasts - " one of the best texts on a Luftwaffe unit of the past 10-20 years.." It is a high quality 'print-on-demand' title, available at the lulu.com book store and previously reviewed on this blog here. 

The Eric Zemper collection can be found at https://457thbombgroupassoc.org

new Luftwaffe books (4) - AÉROJOURNAL HS N°50, LA KG 26 "LÖWENGESCHWADER"

 

Caraktere are back in action after their recent 'difficulties' - a new 'special issue' devoted to KG 26, the Luftwaffe's anti-shipping Geschwader is just published. For just 15 euros this 120-page publication ( 150 photos, 20 profile artworks) written by a good friend of this blog, Bernard Roland, tells the (relatively unknown) story of the Löwengeschwader.

Contents:
- Creation of the ‘Löwengeschwader’ and the pre-war period
- From Poland to France: the time of lightning victories
- KG 26 during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz
- 1941-42: on all fronts!
- Late 1942 - Early 1944: Operations in the Mediterranean
- Facing the landings!
- The last months of the ‘Löwengeschwader'
- Conclusion and appendix

Go here to order      AÉROJOURNAL HS N°50 - LA KG 26 "LÖWENGESCHWADER"

Also on this blog;

An interview with Alexander Steenbeck, author of a comprehensive German-language history of KG 26

new Luftwaffe books (3), DFS 230 combat glider - Eagles of the Luftwaffe 3 (Mortons)

 

" When it came to daring raids, Germany’s airborne troops had a secret weapon during the Second World War: the DFS 230 combat and assault glider. Successful German attacks at Eben Emael, Corinth, Crete and the raid at Gran Sasso are synonymous with the type – which could carry nine fully-equipped troops, dive towards its target at an angle of 80 degrees and land within 20m of it...".

Arriving on the shelves in WH Smiths in the UK now, the latest title in Mortons' "Eagles of the Luftwaffe" series. A comprehensive history of the DFS 230 and its pilots in action, including Eben Emael, Crete and special ops in North Africa, France, Italy and on the Eastern Front. 

Although it was flown by some of the Third Reich's best aviators, there are few accounts in English that have told the story of the DFS 230 or related something of what it was to fly, fight and die in the first combat glider put into service by the Luftwaffe - until now. The text describes the development of gliding in pre-war Germany and the genesis of the DFS 230 and looks at some of the type's major combat deployments, with chapters devoted to Eben Emael, Corinth, Crete and less well-known theatres such as North Africa. The DFS 230's role in the freeing of Mussolini (Gran Sasso) and the hunt for Tito (Drvar) is also covered in detail, as is its deployment against the French resistance in southern France. The last chapter details DFS 230 missions into Budapest, Breslau and Berlin during April 1945 - one way flights to Hell. The text features newly translated first person accounts and many 'new' photos from private collections. Note that the book is considerably larger than indicated in amazon's blurb - page count is 183 and format size is B5 (19cm x 25cm).

More, including free UK postage from the publisher here

New Luftwaffe books (2) KG 40 'world in a ring' Geschwader history by Chris Goss - Chandos Publications

 

To quote Chris Clifford writing on 'Key Model World', "..if you've ever read anything on KG 40 chances are it was penned by Chris Goss ". From 1997's 'Bloody Biscay' to both Classic 'Sea Eagles' volume to Osprey's Fw 200 and Do 217 units, all of this KG 40 material has now been packed into a hefty new 312-page hardback from Chandos. 

This is another beautiful unit history from them - as my friend Simon put it, ' a very high quality product indeed and a standout unit history. I found the appendices worth their weight in gold alone. Author Chris Goss has detailed every single combat loss, major damage or accident in the war in intricate detail -over 1000 aircraft alone. Anyway, well done Chris and Rich - worth every little penny and then some.."

A little 'late' perhaps to be 'reviewing' this book - there are literally only a few dozen copies left of the initial 800 print run. Nearly all gone within one month of going on sale. And Chandos doesn't reprint - or at least not until a sufficient number of requests have been received to make it worth their while. (info courtesy of Chandos owner R. Carrick)

Aside from a top-notch product, you have to remember that the subject of the book, KG 40, was a particularly unique Geschwader in the history of the Luftwaffe; a maritime multi-role strike wing that flew reconnaissance, conventional and guided bombing missions along with maritime strike/fighter sorties across its FIVE Gruppen.  KG 40..

- was the only formation to operate five different types of aircraft operationally.
- was the only unit flying the Fw 200 Condor in anger - a pre-war civil airliner that should have been retired in 1942.
- was a rare unit to put the He 177 into service, a type that took three years to reach the front-line to then be withdrawn after less than one year on operations.
- deployed the Do 217 in II./KG 40 on the 'Baedeker Blitz' over the UK during 1942

- operated the Ju 88 C (and 'R') variants in the day fighter role.

Author Chris Goss writes in his postscript;

" ..there is no longer anyone alive who flew in KG 40 but it is my hope that this volume serves as a lasting tribute to the many who fought and died in this Geschwader.." Job done.

 

Also on this blog;

Olbt. Wilhelm Schmitter, Ritterkreuzträger of II./KG 40

Hptm. Albrecht Bellstedt, V./KG 40 ace

Overall  (including props, radial engine fans) blue-grey low-viz Do 217 E in II./KG 40 during 1942

new Luftwaffe books (1) - Zerstörergeschwader 76 - History of the German Luftwaffe unit 1939 - 1945 - edited 06/05 20h00 CET

 

Peter Kassak has released his new 'print-on-demand' title 

 "..I am very excited to announce that the ZG 76 book is available for ordering. Here is a short blurb: Zerstörergeschwader 76 - History of the German Luftwaffe unit 1939 - 1945 by Peter Kaššák and Marek Žatkovič. Soft cover, 414 pages (80 grams coated paper) printed in color (however, most of the photos are B/W). Maps, appendices (losses, victories, COs, bases) and 46 color profiles (sample below). Price: 60 EUR.."

 Available at lulu.com at this link

"..Zerstörergeschwader 76 had two eras of its existence. The first installment was active from the first days of WWII until 1941. A description of this very combat-active and successful episode of the unit history is published as the first part of this book. The second installment, which is a matter of the second part of this book, was active from autumn 1943 until early 1945. It has been a long time since. Many men in the unit also had active duties linked to other units, and it is hard to trace all of the facts. But what was available to us from the known sources, is compiled in the text on the following pages. We believe that this work may be considered as a decent tribute to all men of the ZG 76, and we hope it can be a starting point for other researchers in, if not broadening this work, then just bringing more information and facts about partial events involving ZG 76...

a review from Giampiero Piva

"..This month I had to decide whether to buy the Chandos KG 40 volume or Peter Kassak's ZG 76 and my choice was the latter. Let’s say right away that from a historiographical point of view it’s a magnificent work, accurate in detail and accompanied by numerous images. If we look at it from a modeller's viewpoint, I would say that the photo quality is not always the best (maybe it depends on the type of paper used) and a good number of them are in quite small format. However the color profiles are good..[..].... Considering that the authors certainly didn't start with the idea of producing a work for modellers, we're 'settled' to have in our hands one of the best texts on the history of a Luftwaffe unit published in the last 10-20 years..."

 

(A final word - this book is a print-on-demand service with printers on each continent (Asia, Australia, UK, France, and three locations in the USA), the delivery and postal costs are as low as possible, and the book is dispatched from the nearest location to the purchaser.)

Peter Kassak's other books via lulu.com are available here

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review Day 9

 

Day 9 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build.

 
Loading a VW-Kübelwagen onto a Go 242 in North Africa ..

Adding some of the larger pieces of PE - the Gotha's control surfaces are festooned with mass balances - even the trim tabs. The Gotha must have been a very heavy aircraft to fly. 

Step 32. Building the  undercarriage/ wheeled dolly/skids. Skid parts are numbered incorrectly but they only fit one way. Two small pieces of etch to fold. 

This effectively concludes the build. Thanks for looking in and for comments and suggestions. 

A few more images of the finished model here

Below;'TD+IU' one of the kit decal options. Click to view large..

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review Day 8

Day 8 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build 

Step 25 - adding the flaps and ailerons. These all slide into place beautifully, along with the elevator. Only I'm not too sure how to position them. Looks like the Gotha has flaps that are both inboard and out-board of the booms. See the ECPA-D photos below by PK Gremelsbacher. Note Gremelsbacher was KIA during March 1944 so his images are public domain.  

A view of Steps 26 and 30 in the instruction booklet  - the various PE details to be added to the wings and tailplane. That just leaves the steps covering the landing gear.

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review day 7

Day 7 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build. 

Almost finished masking the glazing - no getting away from it, there's a fair bit of work here. 

I found that a smear of Perfect Plastic Putty was required around the canopy. Dry fit of the cargo ramp/tail in the open position using metal rod to replace the plastic attachments. At least I can get it to sit open without too much help. I know absolutely nothing about how the ramp door operates. Note in the image of the real aircraft below, the door opens much higher than I have it positioned here. Note too that this image appears to show one of the aircraft on the decal sheet  - or finished in a similar scheme. Mottles are brush-painted.

Building the wings. Perfect fit but I still managed to break one of the supporting struts by trying to force it into place - should have drilled open the locating hole. No issues with the tail booms - although the instructions have the boom parts numbered incorrectly. Take care fitting the tailplane  - I was not 100% not sure which way is 'up' - although part 'F21' does need to be on the lower surfaces ... 

Steps 25 - flaps and ailerons - and steps 26 and 30 - the various PE details to be added to the wings and tailplane - still to do.

Steps 32 and 33 - the undercarriage and skids  -can probably be completed once painting and decaling is done. 

Another image of a Go 242 seen here at Heraklion on Crete, en route to North Africa. Check out the ECPA-D website (imagesdefense.gouv.fr) for more like this..there are useful images in the DAK 238 file which show plenty of details. I particularly needed to look at the lower forward fuselage window - which in this image appears to be partially over-painted.

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review day 6

 

Day 6 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build. 

Not much to show today. Some work on seams - there is a bit of one on the lower surfaces where the sides fit - and finishing off the canopy masking. Two cockpit decals applied - these are noted in the instructions with the grey inverted triangles. Here's a rear view looking at the internal details with the roof etc cemented in place. Note only two MGs placed - the rear-most two positions can be reached through the open ramp door. I've left the seats out, as ideally I want to show the cargo door open with a Kubelwagen or similar being loaded. It has been suggested that I leave the roof off until painting is completed to avoid breaking the MGs but that would make for a rather fragile structure, like a box without its lid - the Gotha is after all merely a 'glorified' box with wings..

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review day 5

 

Day 5 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build. 

In fitting the fuselage sides we have completed the first 7 steps of this build.

Step 8 Installing the MGs. Still undecided how to do this as they will obviously interfere with masking the windows. Some modellers install them and then cut off the barrels. I don't see really the point of doing that - I'll just try and exercise extra care..

Step 9/10 Building the seats for the troop-carrying option. I'm not planning to glue these permanently in place. 

Steps 11 and 12 cover the roof framework and fitting

Steps 13/14/15/16 adding details to the canopy and glueing the glazing in place. Some of these steps involve just a couple of parts and are probably best left to the end of the build. The pilots' instruments are glued inside the glazing before attaching to the fuselage (Step 15)

Go 242 cockpit with pilot instruments and two control yokes..

Step 17 and 18. Building the cargo tail ramp. Nicely detailed floor and tail gunner  position. Whether 'open' or 'closed' Step 20 would have you install the cargo door now before construction of the wings or booms. It will be far easier of course to paint and decal it separately if posing it open, especially as the attachment 'struts' seem so feeble. Those on my kit were bent/warped. In fact I doubt they will be 'solid' enough to support the weight of the tail in the open position which is a disappointment. Not sure what to do here - will probably have to cut off the plastic struts and use some rod. (one of my daughter's hair clips perhaps.. )

Cargo door/tail ramp in the open position for the unloading of a flak gun 

That's Step 20 out of 32 - minus one or two details -  essentially completed. Well over half way through. Thanks for looking in...

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review day 4

 Day 4 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build.

Day 4 of this build has mostly been 're-visiting' steps 5 & 6 from yesterday.  I worked out how to fit the frame parts into the fuselage sides - the aerofoil-shaped part slips into the aerofoil-shaped recess - and ultimately this seemed an easier option for joining it all together. The frames for the rear fuselage are also fitted at this stage.

I made another error - as I knew I would - by getting two of the  'open' fuselage 'portholes' the wrong way round so these had to be removed and swapped around. I also looked at the MG 15s as supplied in the kit. Not bad. They are going to have to be inserted into their mounts before the fuselage roof goes on.

Here everything is stuck together and I'm putting it aside to dry. 

A quick 'dry-fit' of the roof and the cockpit glazing. Again, a pretty good fit, any gaps you might notice here will disappear when it is all glued down. Next, detailing the canopy. There are etch control levers and the pilots' instrument panel to be inserted inside the cockpit glazing before securing to the fuselage. Note the open section is another gunner's position which can be shown either open - with MG - or closed. There's also a PE harness for this section...

That's it for Day 4. Thanks for looking in...

IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A - German cargo glider new-tool 72nd scale. Build review day 3

 

Day 3 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build

At the end of day 3 the cockpit has been 'detailed' with the kit PE harnesses and I've done a little 'chipping' by scratching the 02. Not really a fan of etch but IBG have done well here with some excellent scale details in etch that is thin and flexible. The forward internal frames  have been fitted along with the fuselage glazing.

Thanks to Jerzy (George) for answering the question about the Gotha's MG 15s that we asked yesterday.

Jerzy writes.." a diagram of the MG mountings in the Gotha from a friend. The MGs were mounted vertically, supported from the bottom in boxes - you can see them in the drawing below .."

Step 5

Deals with the fitment of the cargo hold/fuselage lattice-like frame as seen in the manual drawing above. As another modeller appears to have done, I deviated slightly from the instructions which would have you fit these pieces into the side of the fuselage halves - where placement is a little uncertain - to mount them directly on the side of the floor where there are recesses designed to accept them. This method has the advantage of allowing you to concentrate on installing the window/portholes into the fuselage halves.

Step 6

The fuselage halves are finished in a red-brown (doped canvas) not unlike the interior of the Swordfish for example (a build on my modelling blog). It does appear that IBG missed some information about interior colors in the manual. I've painted  these areas slightly less red-brown than others - more of a 'filter' over the 02. But the frame is steel rod, so I've picked this out with a silver pencil. 

The windows are easy to install being mounted in a frame which appears that it should be of wood - although this may just be IBG's method of ensuring the window fits securely. There are obviously options to fit open windows at the MG mount locations easily identified on the internal framework.

BMW 801 'power egg' being unloaded

This image taken inside the Gotha shows a gunner at his window..the spent cartridge 'collector bag' is a separate part on the cockpit and tail gunner's positions.