1:48 Bf 109G/K erla haube

A cockpit with a better view

The late Messerschmitt Bf 109s received a lightened canopy with fewer braces at the close of 1943. It was made by the Erla firm in Leipzig and among modelers and historians alike the name Erla Haube became established for it. The difference from the older, densely framed cover was fundamental in combat: the pilot could finally see rearward and upward, which was decisive when defending against an attack from the rear hemisphere.

The new cover appeared on late machines of the G version, became standard on the G-10 and G-14 batches and on the K version there was no other. It is sometimes also called the Galland Hood after the commander of the fighter arm who pressed for its introduction, although he did not draw the design himself. It is precisely by the framing of the canopy that a model can be told at first glance to represent an early or a late form of the machine.

Fewer braces do not mean easier masking, though, because the remaining frames are wider and their outline has pronounced curves. The shapes included respect the course of the new cover, so there is no guessing where the edge runs. Covering both sides makes it possible to tell the inner cockpit shade from the outer camouflage and to spray the frames before the cover is seated in place.

• Subject: the late forms of the German Bf 109 fighter in the G and K versions.
• The set is tied to the late type of canopy from the Leipzig works.
• The shapes are prepared for the kit by the brand Fujimi.
• The frames are masked from outside and inside.
• The model of the aircraft is obtained separately.
• Useful for building late production machines.