SMN report: In many ways, the plastic kit industry has never been in better form, at least for the excellence and accuracy of kits like the Airfix Supermarine Walrus and this Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf109.
The German ModellFan magazine agrees too, and has given awards for both these models. Here's what Tamiya has to say about the 1:48 scale Bf109 G-6:
- Highly detailed DB605 engine.
- Separate parts for 20 mm cannon pods.
- Polythene cap allows drop tank to be fitted on or off.
- Two air intake options, standard or with dust filter.
- Standard or Galland panzer canopy rear armour plate.
- Canopy open or closed.
- Main and radiator flaps up or down.
- Seated pilot figure.
- Three marking options, plus canopy masking stickers, and a colour painting guide.
Tamiya mini-magnets can be used to show open and closed engine cowlings.
Polythene cap attachment method allows removal and refitting of the centreline drop tank (below).
Underwing 20 mm cannon pods (below) are supplied as optional equipment.
The canopy (below) can be assembled open or closed. The gunsight uses a separate transparency.
With more than 30,000 produced, the Messerschmitt Bf109 remains the most widely built fighter ever, the G-6 variant being the most common: 13,000 were made.
Bf109 G-series aircraft were fitted with the powerful Daimler-Benz DB605 engine, and from the G-6 on, had dual 13 mm MG131 machine guns. Some also had a pod-mounted 20 mm cannon under each wing. The Bf109 G-6 was deployed on both the Western and Eastern fronts, and served until the end of World War II. Variations on the 109 theme were built later in Czechoslovakia and Spain, where the Hispano Aviacion HA-1112 continued in service until the 1960s.
Scale stats
Tamiya: Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6
Scale: 1:48
Assembled length: 188 mm (7 in)
Assembled wingspan: 207 mm (8 in)
Manufacturer’s ref: 1:48 Aircraft Series 117