The Bf 109G is the epitome of this iconic Luftwaffe fighter of World War II. Produced in large numbers, it served in most German fighter units along with those of allies such as Hungary, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Trumpeter’s new
Bf 109G-6 is a welcome addition to the growing list of late-version 109s, which has in the past been somewhat limited in 1/32 scale.
Upon reviewing the kit contents, I concluded that Trumpeter has basically scaled down its 1/24 scale Bf 109G-6 kit to 1/32 scale. The kit is cleanly molded in neutral gray plastic and features a full engine, fuel cell, ammo containers, radiator detail, a full cockpit, drop tank, underwing cannon, photo-etched-metal detail parts, and vinyl tires.
Following the instructions, I started with the cockpit construction. Options include either a plastic or photoetched-metal seat bucket along with photoetched-metal seat belts. The instrument panel is provided as a solid clear part. I drilled out the instrument faces so I could more easily paint the panel and show each instrument decal placed behind, or “inside,” the panel.
Trumpeter has molded the fuselage with separate panels for the engine compartment. This makes the front fuselage susceptible to warping, as it was in my kit. Installing the cowling panels helps eliminate the warp. I believe if you plan to have the cowling panels open, it will be a challenge to true up the fuselage in this area.
The engine creates a very tight fit for adding the cowling parts, particularly the lower cowling part. I needed several dry runs to figure out an assembly plan. An important detail became obvious — the lower cowling assembly must be installed first when bringing all the fuselage parts together. This will help spread the fuselage. I believe any other sequence will narrow the fuselage, creating a fit problem for the lower cowling part and large gaps at the wing roots. Also, do not glue the cockpit/engine module — just test-fit its position so it has some movement.
Part K11 is not listed on the instruction assembly diagrams; it is the tail wheel well cover and should be used for this G version.
The wing went together easily. All the flying surfaces and flaps are separate parts, allowing for varied positions and a more natural appearance.
I painted the model using Hobby Color Luftwaffe paints. Decals are given for three Bf 109G-6 aircraft. These worked very well, conforming to surface detail with just a small amount of decal solution.
My primary photographic reference was Aero Detail 5: Messerschmitt Bf 109G, by Shigeru Nohara and Masatsugo Shiwaku, Dai Nippon Kaiga, ISBN 978-4-499-20589-4. I also found useful JG 27, Vol. IV, by Marek J. Murawski, Kagero, ISBN 978-83-60445-12-9. It has excellent photos of Bf 109Gs in the unit for which I had selected decals.
Based on the references, the Trumpeter kit is a mixed bag of accuracy. It has better proportions for the cowling forward of the windscreen than Hasegawa’s kit, but there are shape issues going back from the cockpit to the tail. The rear cockpit angle seems too steep, and the tail and rudder profile look off.
I completed my Bf 109G-6 in 28 hours. I had high hopes for this kit, but fuselage fit and shape issues were a disappointment. On the positive side, the completed model does look as sleek as a Messerschmitt.
It’s not for beginners, but large-scale Luftwaffe modelers who are up for a challenge should give this kit a try.