Military Model Scene

Eduard have a number of variants of the 109 in their range, which is reflected by the number of parts on the sprues noted as 'not for use'.  That also means you will have more bits and pieces to add to your spares box.  As a ProfiPack series kit it means that in addition to a neat plastic kit you also get painting masks for wheels etc and a set of etch brass details to use, particularly in the cockpit with pre-coloured instrument panel and seatbelts.  Fit of parts is always good in my experience of Eduard so no issues with that.

The key element of the kit, other than the lovely detail inside and out, are the colour and marking options, which in this case offer not only a couple classic Luftwaffe schemes but also a couple of more unusual ones which will look that bit different in a collection of 109 models.  You get 5 options and these are for -

​

• A. Bf 109G-4 flown by Lt. Av. P. Protopopescu, flying with Escadrilla 57, part of Grupul 7 Vanatoare at Kirovograd in what is now Ukraine during June 1943.  In a basic Luftwaffe camouflage of the period but with the German national markings oversprayed with Romanian markings, which coupled with the yellow identification markings used on the Eastern Front make for a colourful choice.  It also has the pilot's nickname, 'Don Pedro', on either side of the nose.

• B. Bf 109G-4/trop, W.Nr. 15013, as flown by Lt. U. Seiffert flying with 8/JG 53 from Tindja in Tunisia during April 1943.  It has the sand colour upper surfaces and pale blue undersides with white wing tips and spinner.  It also uses the optional parts in the kit for the larger tropical filter on the port side of the engine.

• C. Bf 109G-4/R6, W.Nr 14946, flown by Maj. W. Ewald of Stab III./JG 3 flying from Kertch in the Soviet Union during April 1943.  A standard Luftwaffe scheme with splinter finish camouflage on the upper surfaces, mottled fuselage sides. pale blue undersides and yellow ID under the engine and the wing tips.

• D.  Bf 109G-4/R6, W.Nr. 19566, an aircraft flown by Italian Ten. G. Gianelli of 365 Squadriglia, 150 Gruppo Autonomo based at Sciacca on Sicily in July 1943.  This has one of the more interesting colour schemes as the original Luftwaffe camouflage has been altered with additional paint, particularly on the upper wings and fuselage as well as the very different looking Italian markings.  It also carries the white wing tips ID markings used in the Mediterranean area.

• E. Bf 109G-4/R6, W.Nr. 14997, flown by the famous Lt. E. Hartmann, flying with 7./JG 52 from Taman in the Soviet Union in May 1943.  A standard Luftwaffe camouflage finish, but a bit more unusual as his markings were simply sprayed on top of the markings of the previous user, which makes for an unusual look.  Hartman was the most successful fighter polit of all time, finishing the war with 352 victories so an aircraft of a pilot from a very notable career.

​

Thanks to Eduard for this example.  Kit reference is 82117.

​

Robin