1:32 Bf 109G-6

The most numerous Gustav

The G-6 version became the most widespread form of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. It began coming off the lines during 1943, and at first glance it was set apart from earlier Gustavs by the prominent bulges on the engine cowling, under which the breeches of the 13 mm MG 131 machine guns were housed. They were complemented by a cannon firing through the propeller hub and by underwing gun pods if the machine was to deal with heavy bombers. Power came from the DB 605A engine, supplemented on later series by methanol mixture injection. It was on the G-6 that a rebuilt sliding section of the canopy appeared with fewer frames, which had shaded the pilot's view on landing.

What is inside

The package consists of self-adhesive film with the shapes of the frames pre-cut. The cut matches the clear parts of the large 1:32 kit by Revell. Both surfaces are masked, so the inner side of the frame can take the cockpit shade and the outer side the fuselage camouflage.

The framing of a Gustav is among the denser ones, and outlining every bar by hand with a brush takes a whole evening.

Recommended procedure

• Clean the canopy of fingerprints; film holds unreliably on grease.
• Transfer the smaller pieces with the tip of a toothpick or with plastic-jawed tweezers.
• Before spraying, check that the edge of the mask is not standing up in a little arc anywhere.
• Once the film is peeled off, go over the edges of the frame with a mild thinner if paint has stuck where it should not.

The set does not deal with the national insignia. Anyone who wants to mask the crosses and numbers as well will reach for a wider Montex package.