Eagle Editions | EC36: The Blond Knight: Erich Hartmann's Bf 109G-6
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Jerry Crandall of EagleCals have just released four new decal sheets for use in conjunction with Hasegawa's exciting new release of the Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 in 1/32nd scale. This, the first of four sheets to be reviewed here, is for the famous Luftwaffe Ace, Erich Hartmann.
EagleCals supplies the modeler with the choice of four different schemes. Three of the options are for Hartmann's Bf 109G-6 with the standard tail as supplied by Hasegawa. The final scheme is for the famous "double chevron" in white distemper with the tall tail option.
Upon opening the clear plastic envelope, the modeller is confronted with two full sheets of decals and six pages of instructions. Beautiful color side profile and top views are printed on high quality gloss paper. This should be of invaluable assistance to the modeller. Also included with the instructions, are two full pages of black and white photo's showing each of the aircraft. Extensive stenciling diagrams for the Bf 109G-6 are also enclosed. Completing the instructions, is the extensive text written by Jerry Crandall explaining in concise detail each particular scheme.
The markings for the first Bf 109G-6 are for "Yellow 1", W. Nr. 20499. This was Erich Hartmann's mount when flying with 9./ JG 52 in October 1943. The aircarft is finished in a scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76.
The next scheme advances us to August 1944, when Hartmann was again to be found flying "Yellow 1", this time in W. Nr. 166221 with 9./JG 52. Hartmann would achieve his 296-301 victories in this Erla-Haube equipped Bf 109G-6. At this time, the Erla-Haube canopy does not come with the Hasegawa kit. It will need to be purchased from aftermarket suppliers. The scheme is standard RLM 74, 75 and 76.
The third scheme supplied from EagleCals is for "White 1", W. Nr. unknown, in October 1944 while assigned to 4./JG 52. This Erla-Haube equipped Bf 109G-6 is again finished with the standard Luftwaffe scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76. Again, look to aftermarket producers for the correct canopy.
The final scheme is for "double chevron", W. Nr. unknown, when Hartmann was assigned to I./JG 53 in February 1945. This aircraft is a Bf 109G-6 (the aircraft could possibly be a G-14). As stated earlier, this aircraft was equipped with the tall tail option. Given the parts break down on the Hasegawa kit, I am sure this feature will be available in future releases. Again, you will need to find an aftermarket Erla-Haube canopy. The aircraft was painted with white winter camouflage over a scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76.
I highly recommend this accurate, well researched decal sheet to anyone wanting to follow the history of Erich Hartmann, the hightest scoring fighter ace in history. The overall presentation of information and quality of the decals are among the best in the business. This is a standard which we have come to expect from EagleCals.
Judy and Jerry Crandall dedicate this decal sheet to Erich and Usch Hartmann. It is is a fitting testament to their long term relationship with the Hartmanns. These decals will help to keep the memory of Erich Hartmann alive.
Review Samples Compliments of Eagle Editions Ltd.
© Mark Proulx
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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016