1/48 Hobbycraft Messerschmitt Bf-109G6/R6

Italian Messerschmitts Part I

by Vince Tassone

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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

Photos and text © by Vince Tassone