1:48 Bf 109G-6

The most common face of the fighter units

The sixth Gustav reached the units in 1943 and became the form of the Messerschmitt that most period photographs carry. It was the one that took all kinds of additional equipment, from gondolas with cannons under the wings to rocket tubes, and that is why it differs so much from machine to machine. The constant remained the two bulges on the cowling, under which the breeches of the heavy machine guns were hidden.

An alignment plastic cannot hold

Two weapons side by side are treacherous in that the eye recognizes at once when they do not point in the same direction. On an injected part a deviation is common, because a thin rod twists in the mold as it cools and further crookedness is added by the pressure when it is broken off the sprue. Straightening it back is not possible; styrene bends plastically only once. A metal tube holds its axis by itself and can still be aimed while it is being seated, before the glue sets. When the model is then placed facing you, both muzzles come out parallel and the finished work looks precise, even though the viewer cannot name the reason.

Overview of the contents

• covering of the framing from outside and from inside
• a double set of masks for the national insignia
• metal tips for both cowling machine guns
• a replacement dynamic pressure sensor of metal

There are no decals and no plastic components of the aircraft in the package. The model has to be obtained separately. On this machine in particular it is worth recalling that a masked spraying of the insignia takes subsequent abrasion and dusting with pigment as well as the surrounding finish does. Photographs of field units show markedly worn machines, and a decal film with such a surface treatment usually gives itself away by a glossy edge.