1:32 Me-109 G-14

A late Gustav in the defense of the Reich

A set of die-cut masks for the Bf 109 G-14 kit in 1:32 scale from Hasegawa. Inside there is covering of the cockpit from both sides and a pair of masks for the national marking.

When only an outline was left of the marking

Toward the end of the war German marking was being simplified. The full form of the cross with filled arms gave way on many machines to a bare light outline sprayed straight over the camouflage. In some places it was done with a brush by a mechanic and it showed: unevenly wide, with slightly different proportions on the left and the right side. There were several reasons, from saving paint to an effort not to give a gunner a conspicuous aiming point. For a modeler that means a precisely cut mask suits the factory version, whereas a field repaint is more faithfully finished by hand.

What sets the G-14 version apart

It came about as an attempt to bring the differences between the many sub-variants of the late Gustavs into one standard. Most machines received a tall wooden rudder and an enlarged canopy with a better view to the rear. They flew mainly over German territory against bomber formations and their fuselages carried the colored identification bands of the individual formations.

A note on the build

Two insignia masks is the most modest allowance in this range, so for completing the other places it is advisable to count on a decal sheet or on hand work. Hold the mask by its edge while applying it; a fingerprint on the adhesive side will show as a stain. Offcuts from the same sheet come in useful for blanking small openings in the fuselage.