Eagle Editions | EC81: Bf 109 G-14/AS & G-10s KG(J) 6, JG 52, JG 300
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
This is a review of another decal release from Eagle Editions for the Hasegawa Bf 109G-10 in 1/32nd scale. You will note that the sheet includes markings for the Bf 109 G-14/AS. I will expand upon that later in this review.
Four airbrushed profiles are supplied by Tom Tullis depicting the left side of each aircraft The artwork is extremely well done befitting Tullis' reputation as an industry-leading illustrator. The camouflage patterns are shown in full color on the upper surface plan view. This also shows proper placement for the upper wing crosses. As the undersides are RLM 76 on each aircraft, only scrap views are included.
As I stated in the opening, some markings are for the Bf 109G-14/AS. This is a very simple modification to the Hasegawa Bf 109G-10. It requires the rescribing of the oil filler and cold start access panels. All this is explained in full detail with the instructions using small sketches.
Jerry Crandall provides a number of details pertinent to each aircraft. He includes such items unit assignment, date and location. Complete painting instructions are included for each aircraft. Interpreting colors of late war German aircraft can be difficult and Jerry's experience is very helpful with this. Stencil placement makes reference to a Bf 109 G-6. Additional references should be consulted specific to the Bf 109s of this decal sheet. References for three of the subjects are identified as Luftwaffe Over Czech Territory from JaPo and the forthcoming book on JG 300 from Eagle Editions.
The first aircraft is a Bf 109 G-10, "Black Chevron" of KG(J) 6. The W. Nr. and pilot are unknown. Unfortunately little is known about this aircraft due to missing parts. It is finished RLM 75/76/83. The rear fuselage band is reversed to the aircraft found on EC#80-32 reviewed elsewhere on LSP.
The next aircraft is a Bf 109 G-14/AS. The markings depict "Yellow 1" when flown by Ofhr. Klaus Grothues of JG 300. The aircraft had small upper wing bulges. These items are supplied with the Hasegawa kit. The aircraft was finished RLM 74/75/76. The RLM 74 could also be RLM 83. The gear legs and wheel hubs are red, making this a very unusual scheme.
"Green 3" is another Bf 109G-14/AS from 11./JG 300. Lt. Wili Trabert flew this aircraft from Mark Zwuschen, Germany in late 1944. It is finished RLM 74/75/76. The RLM 74 could also be RLM 83. The aircraft sported the red defense band of JG 300.
The final aircraft is "White 11", a Bf 109 G-10 from II./JG 52. This is one of a number of aircraft that surrendered at Neubiberg on May 8th, 1944. The color scheme is difficult to identify and beyond the scope of this review. However, it is explained in the text of the instructions. This scheme is also dealt with in Brett Greens book Augsburg's Last Eagles available from Eagle Editions.
The decals are printed in register with no visible carrier film. They appear very thin and I am sure they will respond well to decal setting solutions. I have not tried the markings so I can't comment on the ease of application. However, they are printed by Microscale, and they do have a solid reputation in the business.
Eagle Editions continues to offer some very interesting schemes for late war German aircraft. Their work is widely recognized and I am sure these new decal sheets will be very popular. I recommend them to modelers and historians alike for their extensive reference material and accuracy.
Review Sample Compliments of Eagle Editions.
© Mark Proulx 2004
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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016