Eagle Editions | EC40: Bf 109G-6s JG 1, JG 11 and JG54
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
This is a review of the first of four exciting new 1/32nd scale releases from Jerry Crandall of EagleCals. This decal sheet is to be used in conjunction with Hasegawa's popular Bf 109G-6. The modeler is supplied with four interesting new schemes to choose from.
Jerry supplies some of the best instructions on the market today. They are printed in color on high quality glossy paper. Extensive painting instructions are included showing left side profiles and upper wing views. Text is used to further elaborate specific features for each aircraft. The instructions also include complete stencil diagram drawings, color chips and photographs of three of the aircraft in black and white. All additional references are mentioned for those modelers wishing to further study any of the four aircraft.
The first aircraft is the Bf 109G-6 "White double chevron" flown by Oberst Hannes Trautloft in the summer of 1943 when he was flying with JG 54. This is a Bf 109G-4 converted to a Bf 109G-6 and it is finished in an unusual scheme of RLM 74, 75, 76 oversprayed with a mottling of RLM 70 and RLM 71. This aircraft retained earlier spoked main wheels so some aftermarket parts will be required to complete this scheme. Further minor modifications will need to be undertaken on the Hasegawa kit as detailed, but they should not be beyond the scope of an average modeler.
The next scheme is "Yellow 9", a Bf 109G-6 flown by Fw. Emil Hecker in the spring of 1944 with 9./JG 54. This is a tall tail Bf 109 finished in a scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76. At the time of this review some cross kitting would be required to complete this scheme. It would necessitate the use of a standard canopy added to the Hasegawa G-14 in 1/32nd scale as it comes with the tall tail option. Or the tail from the G-14 could be added to the Hasegawa G-6 equipped with the standard canopy. Perhaps the aftermarket community will take note of this for their future releases by releasing a new resin tall tail.
No photographs are included for the next aircraft, "Black 14", a Bf 109G-6. The pilot is unknown for this Erla-Haube equipped aircraft flown with 8./JG 1 in February of 1944. The aircraft is finished in a scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76. The wings have an unusual camouflage applied. There are large additional areas of 74 added to the wing that appears to be almost black as printed. While visible in the instructions no color is mentioned in the text. An aftermarket canopy is required or you could add a canopy from the Hasegawa G-14.
The last aircraft is a Bf 109G-6 equipped with 20mm cannon gondolas flown by Hptm. Anton Hackl in January 1944 with III./JG 11. The aircraft is finished in a scheme of RLM 74, 75 and 76.
The decals are custom printed by Microscale, so quality is assured. The color saturation and registration is perfect with an absolute minimum of carrier film. As with previously reviewed decals from EagleCals, these markings are very thin and I would expect few problems with their application.
I highly recommend these and other products from EagleCals for your 1/32nd scale Hasegawa Bf 109G-6. Jerry Crandall has a reputation for supplying highly accurate, well-researched markings for your Luftwaffe needs and that is maintained with this new release. This is a complete package of reference material, instructions and decals that provides great value for your dollar.
Review Samples Compliments of Eagle Editions Ltd.
© Mark Proulx 2002
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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016