In need of heavy fighters to
counter the growing threat of Allied bombers, the Italians acquired
approximately 200 Bf109G6s. Some of these fighters were configured in the
Rustsatze R6 format which carried the MG 151/20mm cannon under wing gun pods,
specifically to deal with the American four engined heavies.
This is the very good Hobbycraft
1/48 scale Bf109G6. The kit is easy to construct with no assembly difficulties.
The kit has nicely engraved recessed panel lines although I rescribed the panel
lines on the fuselage. The cockpit interior is fairly well detailed with good
detail on the instrument panel. The plane depicts G6 white 15 of the 365a
Squadriglia, 150o Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre "Gigi Tre Osei"
W.Nr. 18367 based in Sciacca, Sicily, June 1943. The plane is
painted RLM 74/75/76 camouflage with 70/02/74 mottling. German insignias
and radio callsign letters are overpainted with grigio-azzurro chiaro, typical
of foreign built aircraft in Italian service. The canopy frames are
painted RLM 66. Polly Scale Paints were used for all paints and I used
AeroMaster Decals - Italian Air Force Bf109G/K 48-007 which reacted well to
setting solution. Overall a pleasant kit to build. Highly
Recommended.
Specifications:
Aircraft: Messerschmitt Bf.109G6/R6
Manufacturer: Messerschmitt A. G.
Type: Fighter
Year: 1943
Engine: Damiler Benz DB 605A, 12-cylinder V, liquid-cooled 1,475hp
Wingspan: 32 ft 0 ½ in (9.95m)
Length: 29ft 7 1/8 (8.84m)
Height: 8ft 2 ½ in (2.49m)
Weight: 6,834lb (3,095 kg) (Loaded)
Maximum Speed: 386mph at 22,640ft
Ceiling: 39,370ft (12,000m)
Range: 528miles (850km)
Armament: 2 13mm MG 131 MGs, 2 MG151/20 mm cannon
Crew: 1
References:
World Aircraft, World War II – Part I, Sampson Low Guides, E. Angelucci
and P. Matricardi, 1978.
Messerschmitt Bf 109 in Action, Squadron/Signal Publications, J. R. Beamna,
1983.
Messerschmitt Bf 109, La Bancarella Areonautica, G. Alegi, 2002.
Vince
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