Chris Wauchop adds detail to Revell’s 1:32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-10 Erla Production
Once upon a time, not really all that long ago, it was commonly believed that there was a variant of the Bf 109 G-10 fitted with the DB605AS engine. In fact, quite a number of books included reference to the "Bf 109 G-10/AS".
This was a fair assumption based on examination of wartime photos. A number of very late-war Bf 109 G-10s were observed with the streamlined "asymmetrical" cowl but without the characteristic lower chin bulges. These aircraft also shared another trait - the crescent-shaped fairing on the fuselage side below the port side of the canopy was substituted with a simple, flat rectangular panel.
Subsequent research uncovered the true story. These aircraft were powered by the DB605D engine like the rest of the Bf 109 G-10 family. However, they were the subject of an attempt at the Messerschmitt Erla production facility to further streamline the front end of the bulging fighter.
SKILL LEVEL:
INTERMEDIATE
SPECIFICATION:
Revell 1:32 Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-10 Erla Production. Kit No. 04888
PAINTS USED:
Gunze Sangyo Aqueous Hobby Color-H-65 RLM70 Black Green, H-70 RLM02 Grey, H-417 RLM76 Light Blue, H-421 RLM81 Bron Violet, H-422 RLM82 Light Green, H-24 Orange Yellow, H-23 Shine Red, H-15 Bright Blue.
• Tamiya Acrylic-XF-1 Flat Black, XF-2 Flat White, X-18 Semi Gloss Black, XF-Dark Grey, XF-64 Red Brown, XF-3 Flat Yellow, XF-7Flat Red.
• Tamiya Lacquer-LP-70 Gloss Aluminium.
• Windsor & Newton Galleria-Matt Varnish.
MATERIALS AND AFTERMARKET ADDITIONS:
• Various Evergreen plastic rod, strip and card.
• Fine copper wire.
• Lead foil and wire.
• Gunze Sangyo-Mr Surfacer 500 liquid filler, Mr Metal Primer and Mr Mark Softer.
• Vallejo Acrylic Resin Plastic Putty.
• HGW Micro fibre fabric seat belts for Messerschmitt Bf109G-10 No.132542.
• Prismacolor PC949 Metallic Silver pencil. l Albion Alloys fine brass wire and tube of various sizes.
• Invisible mending thread. l Tamiya Masking Tape of various sizes.
• Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, Tamiya-Extra Thin Quick Setting Cement.
• Revell Contacta Professional plastic glue.
TOOLS USED:
l MDC Rivet making tool. l Tamiya Plastic Scriber. l Culiau Customizer Professional Engraving Pen. l Lots of cutters, scalpels, drills, tweezers, clamps and sanding materials.