1:24 Bf 109G-6

The Gustav and its bulges

The G-6 version became the most numerously built Messerschmitt of the whole family, and its recognition mark became the two bulges on the engine cowling, under which the breeches of the heavy machine guns of thirteen millimeters were hidden. The cockpit was produced in two forms at the same time. The older canopy had a dense network of bars, while the later lightened part from the maker Erla had considerably fewer of them and gave a proper view to the rear. The cut of a mask is always worked out for one particular shape of framing, so before building it is worth comparing the clear part with what is in the bag.

The face of the frames and their reverse

The set encloses a double set of masks. The first is stuck onto the outer side of the glazing and copies the metal bars, the second fits the reverse surface so that the frame looks right when seen into the cockpit as well. On a model this large that is not cosmetics, because a canopy slid back leaves almost its whole area open to a look inside and the reverse of the bars is then in plain sight. Besides the glazing there are three sets of masks for national markings in the package.

Markings sprayed, not stuck on

Paint applied through a mask sits directly on the surface, so no glossy edge of a film appears on a cross and the marking does not ripple anywhere. That shows well on the matte late camouflage schemes, where the glossy area of a decal would show through even under matte varnish. The set holds the masks alone; the plastic parts of the Gustav are bought separately and the builder chooses the shades according to the scheme he wants to work out.