Eagle Editions | EC48: Bf 109G-4s JG 27, JG 52, JG 53
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Jerry Crandall continues his fascination with the Bf 109G, with the release of the latest decal sheet from Eagle Editions in their EagleCals decal line. EC#48 supplies markings for four Bf 109G-4s designed for use with the new Hasegawa or Revell/Germany kit.
As with all other decals sheets that I have reviewed from EagleCals, Jerry continues to print his instructions in a familiar format. This would include color profiles of each aircraft, black and white photos, color chips and specific aircraft details. Complete stencil locations are also included, with the entire package printed on high quality glossy paper. I regard them as complete mini-histories of each aircraft that anyone interested in the Luftwaffe or the Bf 109G would enjoy reading.
As an added bonus, the instructions provide additional information about the Bf 109G-4 and the role it played in the transition from the Bf 109G-2 to the Bf 109G-6. Many characteristics of the Bf 109G-4 are detailed, which modelers should find helpful.
"White 25" is a Bf 109G-4 from 1./JG 27. This aircraft operated in Northern Austria in early 1944. The aircraft is finished in a standard RLM 74/75/76 scheme. References for this scheme are made in Prien and Rodeike's Messerschmitt Bf 109 F,G,K.
Next is "Yellow 3" a Bf 109G-4 from 6./JG 52 in Russia. Fw. Hans Waldman flew the aircraft in June 1943. Jerry has included a very large black and white photograph of this airplane. From the photo the 660mm x 160mm tires on F style spoked wheels are clearly evident. Waldman's personal dog emblem is also shown, as is the exact location of the fuselage cross.
"Black 12" comes from 5./JG 52. This Bf 109G-4 was flown by Uffz. Peter Duttman in Russia, July 1943. This aircraft is also equipped with F style wheels and 660mm x 160mm tires. The aircraft is finished in an RLM 74/75/76 scheme.
The final aircraft is a very uniquely painted Bf 109G-4 trop assigned to 8./JG 53 in San Pietro Sicily. Oblt. Franz Scheiss flew "Black 1" in February 1943. As with many Luftwaffe subjects, controversy does surround the color scheme for this aircraft. Jerry states that JG 53 was in the process of altering its basic RLM 79 II Sand Gelb scheme with the addition of Dark Green in different combinations. It is suggested that Dark Green (RLM 80) has been added in a splinter pattern on the upper wings and horizontal tail. A large black and white photo has been included for those wishing to make their own interpretations. I am sure modelers will find the color top side view of this aircraft to be very helpful. The decals for the 37 victory bars clearly show the appropriate roundels or stars above each victory. This was achieved by matching the bars with Scheiss' victory list. In my opinion, this is a clear indication of well-researched markings. For those modelers wishing to do additional research, more photos can be found of this aircraft in Volume 2 of Prien's history of Jagdgeschwader 53.
A complete set of stencils is included with locations pointed out in the instructions. The drawings are representative only therefore references should be checked for specific details and differences between variants.
Micro Scale prints the markings for EagleCals on two sheets of paper. They are in perfect register and appear to be very thin. To ensure proper registration, some individual markings are designed with separate colors and are to be applied in layers. A minimal amount of carrier film is visible and I am sure that these decals will apply with little difficulty.
Eagle Editions offers a very extensive line of decals and resin items for those that are unsatisfied with some out of the box details found in the Bf 109G series. I am sure that many will find a well researched alternative set of markings very appealing. To those modelers that strive for complete accuracy in their work, I can recommend EagleCals without hesitation.
Review Samples Compliments of Eagle Editions Ltd.
© Mark Proulx 2003
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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016