Eagle Editions | EC38: Bf 109G-6s JG 54 and JG 51
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
These decals are the third installment of newly released 1/32nd scale markings from Jerry Crandall of EagleCals. The decals are designed for use with the Hasegawa Bf 109G-6. Four sets of markings are supplied for aircraft from JG 51 and JG 54.
You are supplied with six pages of instructions similar to Jerry's earlier releases for this model. Color side profiles and topside views are printed on high quality gloss paper. Detailed text for each aircaft is included explaining in detail its paint scheme, equipment installation and history, when known. Photographs are included for three of the aircraft, acting as an additional reference for the modeller. A detailed drawing is included, explaining the differences between the Bf 109G-5 and G-6; I will elaborate later in this review. A full page of instructions are included depicting the location of all stencils.
The decals are printed by Microscale, thus assuring a very high quality. They are printed on two sheets of decal paper, in perfect register and very thin. Carrier film appears to be kept to an absolute minimum. I have not tested these decals yet, however, I expect no problems from decal setting solutions.
The first aircraft discussed is "Yellow 1", a Bf 109G-6, W. Nr. 440141. This was the aircraft flown by Oblt. Wilhelm Schilling in February 1944 when assigned to 9./JG 54. The markings for this aircraft can be applied to the Hasegawa kit straight out of the box. The scheme is RLM 74, 75 and 76.
The second aircraft for which markings are supplied, is for the unusual scheme of "Yellow 11". Jerry lists this aircraft in his notes as a Bf 109G-5, W.Nr. 27119, assigned to 9./JG 54. The aircraft was lost in April 1944 right after take off while being flown by Uffz. Gerhard Kroll. The accompanying diagram in the instruction sheet fully explains the modifications that are required of the Hasegawa kit. The Bf 109G-5 was a pressurized variant that required the addition of a compressor bulge on the starboard cowling. This part is available in the Hasegawa kit. The modeller must also scratchbuild a new rear bulkhead to attach to the canopy framework. Most modellers should have no difficulty making this out of sheet styrene, using the enclosed diagram as a guide. This aircraft carried an unusual scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76 with a heavily oversprayed, pale mottled camouflage.
The next aircraft comes to us from 7./JG 54. It is a Bf 109G-6, W. Nr. 15573, flown by Oblt. Rudolf Klemm in the Spring of 1944. This aircaft was equipped with underwing 20mm cannon pods which are available in the Hasegawa kit. The scheme is standard RLM 74, 75 and 76.
The decals for the last aircraft are for a Bf 109G-6, "White 7", W Nr. 163269. It is finished in the colorful markings of Elias Kuhlein, when assigned to 4./ JG 51, June 1944. No photographs of this aircraft are included with the instructions. It is finished RLM 74, 75 and 76.
Jerry Crandall has supplied the 1/32nd scale modeller with some very interesting paint schemes for two Bf 109 variants with this release. I highly recommend these well researched, quality decals to anyone wishing to add something different to their new Hasegawa kit.
To see these EagleCal Decals on the Hasegawa Bf 109G-6, click here
Review Sample 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