1:48 Bf 109G-2

The Gustav in the form in which it entered service

The G-2 form belongs to the first batches of the generation that received a high-altitude engine with the possibility of pressurizing the cockpit. Externally it is recognized by a canopy still divided by many frames and by the small bulges above the weapons, on account of which the machines at the front quickly came by their nicknames. Its deployment was wide, from the Eastern Front through the Mediterranean as far as North Africa, and with it a varied palette of field oversprays that were laid over the factory camouflage on the spot. It is exactly this diversity that makes the early generation a rewarding subject for a collector of finishes.

A sharp edge against a soft transition

The real markings were sprayed onto the aircraft through metal or paper stencils and their edge therefore tends not to be perfectly sharp. A stuck-on decal, by contrast, always has an absolutely precise edge, which in a small scale comes across in places as almost too clean. Film can do both: pressed down around the whole circumference it gives a sharp outline, slightly lifted it lets a fine overspray arise that comes close to the period result. On machines remarked in the field that choice is the most interesting thing masking offers.

What hides in the envelope

The pieces are cut to the canopy frames of a particular kit; a separate part aims at the inner side of the glazing. The stencils of the national markings are enclosed in two sets. Degrease the base before sticking them down, transfer the film with tweezers and apply the paint in thin layers. The contents are films only. For the build, prepare a plastic model, thinned shades and good light, because the parts are small.