Cutting Edge CED32028

1/32 Bf-109G6

"Foreign Gustavs"

product # CED32028

Review by Steve Bamford on Jan 15 2004

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This is a new decal sheet from Cutting Edge Modelworks. The sheet features markings for 4 different Bf-109 G6's in 1/32 scale.

The Bf-109G was a very potent version of this critical fighter for the Luftwaffe during the later stages of WW2. With it's ability to carry underwing gondola cannons, this version of the 109 had evolved into a very effective fighter in the hands of a seasoned pilot. It still had short comings such as the poor visibility through the framed canopy and the cramped confines of the cockpit. The narrow track landing gear was another issue of concern at poor landing strips or in the hands of an inexperienced pilot.

This decal sheet deals with 4 Bf-109G6's in foreign service, two are Finnish and 2 are in Regia Aeronautica markings.

The first plane is a Bf-109 G-6 with Regia Aeronautica, 365 Squadron, 150 Gr. Aut out of Sicily in the summer of 1943. This plane has RLM 74 and RLM 75 on top of it's wings and fuselage with white wing tips and RLM 76 on the underside. The theatre band on the rear of the fuselage is white. Engine chin cowl is RLM 04 yellow. The prop spinner is white. The forward half of the fuselage and tail have mottling. The original Luftwaffe markings have been painted out by an Italian Grey colour. For markings this plane has white "3653" with artwork of a palm tree in the desert on the side of the fuselage behind the canopy and a white cross on the rudder.

This particular plane had the early headrest and no DF loop or base and the canvas cover for the tail wheel was missing. The underwing cannon gondolas are a definite option on this plane and could definitely be included if you built this plane. This plane has the tall antenna mast.

The second plane is a Bf-109 G-6 Tropical W.Nr. 165267 with the Finnish Air Force in June 1944. This plane has RLM 74 and RLM 75 on the on top of the wings and fuselage and RLM 76 on the fuselage sides. The underside is RLM 76 blue. The fuselage has mottling from front to rear and over the whole tail and rudder. The theatre band on the rear of the fuselage and the wing tips are RLM 04 Yellow. The engine chin cowl is RLM 04 Yellow on the forward half. The prop spinner is black and white. For markings this plane is "MT-451" in black on the side of the fuselage with white "0" on the fuselage side in front of the canopy. This plane has the short antenna mast and the tropical filter was installed on the chin scoop.

The third plane is a Bf-109 G-6 with Regia Aeronautica, 364a Squadron, 150 Gr. Aut out of Sciacca, Sicily in the summer of 1943. This plane has RLM 74 and RLM 75 and an Italian Grey colour on top of it's wings and fuselage with white wing tips and RLM 76 on the underside. The original Luftwaffe markings have been painted out by an Italian Grey colour. The theatre band on the rear of the fuselage is white. Engine chin cowl is RLM 04 yellow. The prop spinner is white. The forward half of the fuselage and tail have mottling. For markings this plane has white "3641" with artwork of a palm tree in the desert on the side of the fuselage behind the canopy and a white cross on the rudder. This particular plane had the early headrest and no DF loop or base and the canvas cover for the tail wheel was missing. The underwing cannon gondolas are fitted on this plane. This plane has the tall antenna mast.

The fourth plane is a Bf-109 G-6 Tropical W.Nr. 165185 with the Finnish Air Force in July 1944. This plane has RLM 74 and RLM 75 on the on top of the wings and fuselage and RLM 76 on the fuselage sides. The underside is RLM 76 blue. The fuselage has mottling from front to rear and over the whole tail and rudder. The theatre band on the rear of the fuselage and the wing tips are RLM 04 Yellow. There is an RLM yellow band around the front of the engine cowling. The prop spinner is black and white. For markings this plane is "MT-408" in black on the side of the fuselage. This plane has the short antenna mast

The decals were flawlessly printed and the clear carrier film is trimmed very close to the crisply printed colored areas, which is always good to see.

No stencils are included so you'll have to use the kit decals for the various stencils to complete one aircraft. Colours are solid and will cover very well. This decal sheet has a good variety of noseart and colour schemes.

Click on images below to see larger images of the instruction sheets

I love foreign scheme 109's, and the Finnish ones being shortly after the D-day landings makes these of interest to me.

The instructions are clear and an extra 2 pages of text instruction is included with a small bit of info about 4 of the planes as well as B&W drawings indicating stencil placement.

A very nice product and highly recommended.

Steve

I would like to thank Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.