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Soon by RS Models a 1/72nd Messerschmitt Me 509 kit - ref. 92203 Source: http://rsmodels.cz/en/modely-letadel/plastikove-modely/1-72/92203/messerschmitt-me-509 V.P.

Bf.109G-6 Erla Weekend Edition 1:48 Eduard The Bf.109G series carried the Luftwaffe along with the supposed replacement the Fw.190 throughout the closing years of the war, despite being increasingly outclassed by the later marks of the Spitfire and the new airframes coming out of Allied factories. The Kit We have reviewed a couple of the new G series 109s from Eduard, such as the G-6 Early in Profipak format, which in this case shares the same plastic with this boxing, and eschews the fancy pre-painted Photo-Etch (PE) and the multiple decal options for the plastic core and a more pocket-friendly price-tag. Inside the box are four sprues of mid-grey styrene, one of clear parts, a pair of decal sheets, and a glossy instruction booklet, which is a step up from the older Weekend Editions, as are the two decal options. Construction goes along the same lines as the previous boxings, and if you were expecting an Erla Haube high visibility canopy, you do get one but it's not appropriate for the two decal options provided. Why? Erla was the Erla Maschinenwerk who had a factory near Leipzig before it became a by-word for the new canopy style that gave the pilot a better situational awareness by removing many of the frames from the greenhouse canopy and replacing it with fewer curved panels. As with all the newly tooled Eduard 109s, the kit has beautiful surface detail, a full set of mobilised flying surfaces, including the automatic leading-edge slats, and a pair of dual-layer flaps that sit behind the radiator baths as per the real thing. A scrap diagram shows the correct orientation of these, to help you avoid a screw up. There is a choice of a couple of different small stencil decals within the cockpit, and an alternative windscreen parts depending on which decal option you choose. Markings Two markings options are included, as previously mentioned, so you have a choice of schemes for your Gustav, as follows: Hptm. Heinrich Ehrler, Stab III./HG 5, Alakurtti, Finland, June 1943 W.Nr.15909 Hptm. Gerhard Barkhorn, Stab II./JG 52, Anapa, Soviet Union, Sept 1943 The decals are printed in-house, are in good register, sharp, have excellent colour density, and include both a decal for the instrument panel, plus four more for the seatbelts. They're a little two-dimensional compared to PE, but they're an awful lot better than no seatbelts at all. The smaller decal sheet contains all the stencils, with the last page of the instructions detailing their application away from the clutter of the national and squadron markings pages. Conclusion The weekend Edition's moniker may be a little optimistic for most modellers' timescales, but it's a great way of picking up one of Eduard's new 109s for a good price. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Next Scratchaeronautics resin kit will be a 1/48th Messerschmitt P.1112 V-1. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/Scratchaeronautics/posts/1469545753078477 Preorder: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=252795289123&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT#ht_1860wt_1037 V.P.

RS Models is to release 1/72nd Messerschmitt 309 kits - ref. 92201 - Messerschmit Me 309 V-1 and V-2 Source: http://rsmodels.cz/en/modely-letadel/plastikove-modely/1-72/92201/messerschmit-me-309-v1-and-v2 - ref. 92202 - Messerschmitt Me 309 V-4 Source: http://rsmodels.cz/en/produkt/default/messerschmitt-me-309-v4?katnum=92202&do=setLang V.P.

Why so few Messerschmitts? Ok yes, this is BRITmodeller, but no reason to leave out the most important Axis fighter in the MTO! I have a number of AZ 109s in the stash, and one of my favorite ones is White 9 ever since I saw it on the box of the older Italeri kit. According to the box, White 9 was flown by Staffelkapitan Emil Clade of JG 27 and operated from "Malemo" which I suspect is a typo of Maleme, Crete. I started work on this kit last week hoping to finish it by Thursday of next week as I am off on holiday and won't be at my modelling desk until the new year. Let's see if I finish. Here's the construction stages up until painting which I hope to do tomorrow. First off, spraying RLM 02 and 66 on the relevant bits Cockpit pic taken with flash All built up. Lots of putty...

Eduard 1/32 "Weekend Edition" Messerschmitt BF109E-3 "Final Reveal" (8.17.15) Hello Chaps, So, she's finally completed and here are my "Final Reveal" photos of her. I hope you like?! If you've followed my build updates for this kit, you'll be aware of the fit issues that were present when trying to assemble the engine, bulkhead and firewall into the space provided, having to file around 2.0mm away on the width and length of the engine assembly and fuselage internal walls combined, along with filing down the length of the internal assembly and its location points within the fuselage to get it to fit. I also had to jack up the engine with spacers to ensure the exhausts stacks lined up with the apertures that they go through, as well as file the exhaust aperture to make them wider and longer due to the exhausts being larger and not going through. Regarding whether I think this is a VFM kit - "Value For Money" kit, the answer would be an unequivocal and resounding "No"! I base this on the cost of the kit compared to the newly tooled Revell Germany 1/32 BF109G-10 that I modelled. Although the Revell kit doesn't come with a Daimler-Benz DB601A engine, it does have nice cockpit and external details and goes together extremely well without the need for filler. The Eduard kit is 50% more expensive than the Revell Germany kit and one has to ask oneself..."Do I want to pay 50% more just to include an engine that is problematic to fit?". Also, if you chose not to display the engine with the Eduard kit, then I would say that you'd be wasting your money paying the extra for a kit that includes an engine, for it not to be used...you definitely should choose the Revell kit if you take that option and save yourself $12.00. The Revell Germany 1/32 BF109G-10 was $23.95 and the Eduard 1/32 BF109E-3 was $35.95. Regarding providing my scores for the overall quality of engineering, quality of molded product, quality of details included, quality of the instruction manual and the decals and packaging, I score as follows: Quality of Engineering Fits: 4/10 based on how badly engineered the internal assemblies were when fitting inside the fuselage halves. Filler was required in a few places. The worst gap was at the underside front end of the two fuselage halves. The gap was around 2.0mm, which led me to file down the sides of the oil cooler, the front exhaust stacks and the inside faces of the fuselage halves where they mated. Without destroying the exhaust stacks, there was still a gap of around 0.75mm that I filled. There were also gaps of about 1.0 to 1.5mm all around the rear area of the wing assembly where it joins the fuselage on the belly of the plane. I had to fill these areas, too. Quality of molded product: 9/10- the product is very nicely molded, parts are crisp and clean with just a few spots of flash. No warp was present on any of the parts and ejector pin witness marks were away from visual areas. I didn't have any sink marks to contend with and the canopy parts were nice and clear with minimal distortion when looking through. There are finely recessed panel lines and rivet details, although some of the rivet details are too fine for them to show when the plane is given a dirt wash during the finishing stage. A good rivet forming tool would cure that, should you have one and want to attempt improving them. Quality of details included: 8/10- The included engine, bulkhead and firewall have nice details that look good at the end of the build, but they require a lot of patience to get them to fit. The undercarriage is nicely detailed too and includes brake lines and treaded tyres. The cockpit is very nicely detailed and would be enhanced more with after-market seatbelts and foot pedals, but as always, I build "Out of Box" to establish a fair assessment of what you're getting for your money compared to similar kits. Quality of the instruction manual: 9/10- I thought it was very easy to follow, but, it would be nice if the painting instructions were in color. They are if you chose to buy the "Profi-Pak" version instead of this "Weekend Edition" version. Quality of Decals: 8/10- There is only one option for color and markings. The main decals are very good and go down well onto a gloss clear coat in combination with a good decal setting solution, adhering to recesses and surface features. However, some of the smaller stencils had a tendency to "Silver" which I hid with weathering and painting ove the silver areas. Quality of packaging: 9/10- the box is a two part base and lid construction with the base being very sturdy cardboard. I prefer the base and lid style rather than the open end version provided by Revell. Sprues are packaged in clear polythene bags. Further notes: I wouldn't recommend this kit to a beginner because of the fit issues, it's definitely a kit for the more experienced modeler who has patience to overcome the fit issues. Did I enjoy the build?- I did up until the fit issues arose, then it was a "Debbie downer" until those were overcome. Then after that, the rest of the build was smooth sailing. Would I buy this kit again? NO! I'd hope that Revell Germany would Introduce the engine details into their kits for an extra $5.00 which I'd pay willingly, as long as there were no issues. Or, I'd recommend the Trumpeter 1/32 BF109E models that come complete with engine details, a fret of PE and rubber tyres. If you'd like to see my "Final Reveal" video for this update, here is the link to that: https://youtu.be/ej54LH-n8iY Thanks for following along with this build and for your comments, much appreciated! Time to get back onto the Revell 1/32 Spitfire Mk.II when the replacements for the missing and damaged parts arrive next week! Happy modeling and have fun! Cheers Martin

After the G-2 variant (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234992901-148-messerschmitt-bf109g-2-by-hobbyboss-released/) next HobbyBoss Awfulschmitt "Gustav" kit is a 1/48th Bf.109G-6 - ref.81751 Release expected in late August 2016. Source: http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=article&a=show&id=55&l=en No box art, just a picture for illustration. V.P.

Hello Guys, Because I have to wait 8 weeks now for the missing part and damaged part to arrive from Revell Germany for my Revell 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IIa, I'm now going to start a new kit that will be my 2nd entry into "Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary GB" both on here and on YouTube- hosted by Ukscalemodeller and CharlesScaleModelling. This is Eduard's "Weekend Edition" of this model. You can buy what is called a "Profi-Pak" version that is more glitzier, that includes a full color booklet, photo-etch and more color/marking options. This kit was kindly given to me by a modeling buddy and so the sprues had already been taken out of their bags and some parts had been removed from their sprues. The Box is made from a two-ply card base and a single-ply lid making it very sturdy, which I prefer moreso than the single ply Revell boxes that open at one end. The box contains a 8 page black and white instruction/assembly/painting and decaling booklet. Only one option of color/markings is offered, that of Major Otto Bertram's aircraft who was a Luftwaffe ace fighter pilot with 22 kills credited to him that earned him the "Knights Cross of the Iron Cross".... The instructions look straight-forward and the color call outs are for Mr. Color and Hobby Color only, so conversions to your preferred paint will be necessary. Front Page 1 and Back Page 8 Pages 2 and 3 Pages 4 and 5 Pages 6 and 7 There are two sheets of decals/stencils that are very thin, nicely registered, almost zero carrier film around the edges and they are a nice satin/matt finish. Decal Sheet Stencil Sheet The kit comes with 6 olive colored sprues and one clear sprue, but as mentioned earlier, because this kit was given to me, the sprues had been taken apart. But, here are photos of all the parts on their sprues or removed with some close ups too, to show the nice fine panel line and rivet details and also how nicely molded these parts are. There is zero flash on the majority of these parts, with the tiniest amount in a few places. The parts are crisp and clean with zero warping/distortion and ejector pin marks are absent from seen surfaces. One thing that I'm excited about is that this kit includes a Daimler-Benz DB601N engine and removable cowlings to display it if you wish to do so, unlike the Revell 1/32 BF109G-10 build I did recently that didn't include one... The Clear Sprue is very clear with thin molded parts that include riveted frame details. They are free of any aberrations and very little distortion of image when looking through them... At first sight, this kit looks like a really nice kit, well engineered and excellently molded, although it would have been nice to have one or two more options of color/markings. This kit is available from on-line USA distributors for $35.85, which is about 24.00 quid in the UK, which is $12.00 (8.00 quid) more than I paid for the Revell 1/32 BF109G-10, although the Revell kit didn't have an engine and open cowling options. At the end of this build, I'll let you know my thoughts on how well it goes together and compare it to the Revell kit I built to establish my personal opinion on whether it is good value for money. Okay, with that out of the way, I can now go and wash the parts in readiness to make a start on her next Monday! I have the grandson coming soon and he's here until Sunday evening! In the meantime, if you'd like to see my YouTube "In-Box-Review" video for this kit, here is the link: https://youtu.be/H23GCnQS9os Happy modelling and have fun! Cheers Martin : )

Kora Models has just released a 1/72nd Hirth Lastenträger (resin) & Messerschmitt Bf.109G (AZmodel) in Mistel configuration - ref.72019 Source: https://www.lfmodels.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2351&zenid=56lk5f17ssm86s4aj36k7tvfi2 Box art V.P.

Hello I would like to ask some questions about those mentioned recce versions. I did search from my own references and from the net but if anyone have other opinions and knowledge. First, would anyone be able to help about 109G-4R-3 with two auxiliary fuel tanks on wings, how they were attached ? Did they have similar stubs like on those WGr.21 rocket launchers or rack or what ? I have found some pics but just would like to know if someone knows better and more. Also, what were those long things like pipes coming forward on those tanks ? Second, Pierre Clostermann describes on his book 'The Great Show', how he shoot down a recce 109 with two wing mounted drop tanks. I know that it was Ian Blair who made the claim and that the 109 was apparently 109G-6R-3 1.(F)/120 A6+XH flown by Quednay. Now the question, would the 109G-6 recce have used those auxiliary tanks ? Did G-8 use or could have been used similar tanks. I know that this is difficult but any info and output would be highly appreciated ? TIA Teemu Haajanen

Lemkits aka LEM kits (http://lemkits.com/) is to release a 1/32nd Messerschmitt P.1101 resin kit. Source: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=61289 V.P.

Dear Fellow Modellers, I've just finished this build in the KUTA GB (after not managing to finish it in time for the Battle of Britain GB, in the Summer of 2015) and thought I could post a few more pictures here. The WIP thread can be found here. Notable points of the build: This took me about 6 months to finish (from the end of July 2015 to almost the end of January 2016) but it was built in parallel with several other models (which are still to be finished, by the way...) It's the first model I finish using PE (Eduard's Zoom set) and I'm happy with the results, though working with PE can be really fiddly The camouflage consists of some mottling and stippling all over on the fuselage sides. I'm happy with the paint finish, though the stippled camouflage should be denser I had to cut the canopy in order to pose it open. I'm afraid the canopy paint finish and varnish of the transparent areas is not perfect due to masking removal... Use of Micro Sol over Alclad Klear Gloss doesn't work, which combined with thick decals caused some difficulties in making the decals conform to the panel lines Weathering: Vallejo dark wash, chipping, Vallejo pigments Here are general views of the model: The cockpit: Details of the cockpit, taken at the time of closing the fuselage: Weathering of engine cover and cannons Weathering: wing roots chipping and exhaust stains Weathering: top surface of wings: Weathering: underside Together with the other Bf 109 of my collection (a Bf 109 G10, RFI here) Thanks for looking. All comments are most welcome. Cheers Jaime

This was something of a themed build, begun in 2014 in acknowledgement of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings. One of their early kits, representing the half-fabulous initial high-altitude variant. A few were issued to FAG.123 at Guyancourt, with the thankless task of providing adequate photoreconnaissance cover of the Normandy area in the weeks following the invasion. Significantly increasing an aircraft's wingspan and area (and this was little more than two plugs inserted between the existing G-5 wings and fuselage) rarely works well, and this was no exception. The aircraft was only present for a brief time, being ostentatiously left outdoors in the hope that the Allies would take care of it. 'Oh Heinrich, you make me shudder' one Luftwaffe airman is said to have remarked. I am unsure about the historicity of some of the details, but the camera setup of the G-5, with a tall fin of the final variants, and a longer tailwheel (not needing so much AoA on takeoff), along with the removal of all guns bar the engine cannon seemed consistent enough, along with the overall RLM76 scheme. I hope you like it. http:// http:// http:// http:// http:// http:// http:// http://

Bf.109G-5 Update sets for Eduard 1:48 Eduard As is usual with Eduard's new kits, they work in tandem creating aftermarket to enhance their already excellent models, aimed at the modeller that just has to go for the maximum detail when they build. At time of writing there are two sets in the initial batch to go with the new Bf.109G-5 we reviewed here, and I'm sure others will follow shortly, as there are also some new sets just coming out for the Bf.109G-6 we reviewed here a few months ago. Update Set (48893) As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE) and Mask sets, this arrives in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions behind. It contains parts that are more detailed than their plastic counterparts, which will give your model a more in-scale look. The radio compartment door and surround are replaced, as are the covers in the gear leg tunnel within the gear bay. The rear radiator flaps have new parts with folded egses, the flaps with their complex arrangement are replaced by more detailed parts, and the gear bay doors are replaced with a lamination of several parts with detail etched into both sides that far surpasses the styrene parts. A new oleo-scissor, tie-down loop and brake cable are also added to the leg. Finally a base for the underwing antenna and straps for the fuel tank complete the sheet. Brassin Cockpit (648263) The set arrives in the familiar Brassin clamshell box, with the resin parts safely cocooned on dark grey foam inserts, and the instructions sandwiched between the two halves, doubling as the header card. Inside are four bags of resin parts, two small sheets of PE, a square of acetate, a single decal on a tiny sheet, and of course the instructions. The resin parts create a complete replacement cockpit with highly detailed parts assembled from the resin and PE. The instrument panel can be made from resin and the decal, or a lamination of pre-painted PE for the ultimate in detail. Seatbelts, rudder pedals and other fine parts are made up from PE, while the balance is to be found on the resin casting blocks. To fit the set you will need to remove the detail from the fuselage sidewalls, which can be done using a combination of sanding and scraping with the edge of a blade. Even the head-armour is laminated from acetate sheet and PE parts for scale thickness, and the canopy can be held open with a tiny PE part. Conclusion There's more to come but this initial batch of parts will hit the spot if you're looking to make your model even more detailed, but don't either have the time or inclination to scratch build everything. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Bf.109G-5 Profipak 1:48 Eduard The G series 109s were arguably the definitive version of the aircraft, incorporating all the improvements from the many previous versions before. Known collectively as the Gustavs, there were numerous sub versions before and after the G-5, improving the design incrementally with things such as better radio performance, rack fittings for bombs and fuel tanks as they went along. The G-5 was developed alongside the G-6 as the pressurised cockpit version of the 6, so both airframes were broadly identical except for the canopy and some cockpit fittings. Both versions also had the same armament, with two 13mm MG131s fitted in the nose instead of the smaller MG17s, which necessitated blisters over the gun bay to accommodate the larger breeches and ammo feeds. Two 15mm MG151 cannons were mounted in the wings giving it formidable fire power for the time. Production of the G line finished in late '44 to be replaced by the simplified K series that was required due to the deteriorating situation at that stage. The Kit This is a reboxing of the G-6 kit we reviewed here, with identical sprues as you'd expect, but amended Photo-Etch (PE) and decals to portray the differences. Inside the usual Profipak box you get four sprues in grey styrene, a sprue in clear, a sheet of PE, two sheets of decals, a sheet of pre-cut masks (not pictured), and of course the usual well-laid-out instruction manual in colour with the paint and markings options at the back. The first differences are in the instrument panel, but you could be forgiven for not noticing once it's built up. Positioning of the aerials is subtly different too, and there's no Erla-Haube clear-view canopy option (although it is still on the sprue with others) for this model, as the pressurised canopy needed to be strong. Some decal options use the altered head-armour panel, which is no-longer curved over the pilot's head, but blocks the whole rear canopy off, with two small view-ports in the top corners and is supplied as one clear part for ease. The final differences as far as construction go are a choice of underwing antennae, and omission of the un-sloped fuel tank from the build. More parts for your spares box! Markings As seems traditional with Eduard Profipak releases, there are five options in the box with a fair amount of variation in colours and schemes to suit most folks. The decals are printed anonymously and have a strange vibrant blue background and slightly lumpy texture of the adhesive coat under the printing, although that won't make a jot of difference to the finish once the adhesive melts in water. From the box you can build one of the following: W.Nr. 27 119, Flown by Fw. Hecker, 9./JG 54, Ludwigslust Air Base, February, 1944 – grey mottled wings and grey undersides W.Nr. 27112, Flown by Maj. Walther Dahl, the CO of III./JG 3, Bad Wörishofen, December, 1943 – RLM76 wings and underside W.Nr. 26 082, Flown by Flg. Victor Widmayer, 7./JG 11, Oldenburg Air Base, October, 1943 – Stepped splinter pattern RLM74/75 wings, RLM76 underside with one wing painted black 1./JG 300, Flown by Fw. Hans-Werner Gross, Bonn – Hangelar Air Base, March, 1944 – wiggly RLM70 wings over RLM76, with a black underside Flown by Uffz. Hermann Berdelmann, 1./JG 300, Herzogenaurach Air Base, July, 1944 – RLM74/75 splinter pattern on wings over RLM76 Register, sharpness and colour density are good, and you are supplied with instrument decals should you wish to use them instead of the PE, and you'll be relieved to hear that the spinner spirals are provided as decals. The smaller sheet contains all the stencils that brings the model to life, and everything has a thin glossy carrier film cut close to the edges of the printing. Conclusion Winner, winner, chicken dinner as Bri4n would say. Superb detail, simple to use PE parts to improve on the styrene, and everything engineered to give you maximum detail while making the build as simple as possible. The kit will sell well, and this was evidenced by the scarcity of samples when our review sample was being dispatched. Watch out for upcoming reviews of the extras from Eduard aimed that those that want to push the detail to the max! Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hello again, this is my follow up to the "Jagerbomber" I posted up a few weeks ago. The mask set came with two versions so I decided to use the second on another iconic German vehicle. Great kit to build and no issues with the fit. Thanks for looking, Siffo.

The 109 E-7 Trop is not an actual finished model. She was finished last winter, but weather conditions are now the best ones and I´ve not posting this model here on britmodeller. (best european modelling forum ever ) This Tamiya kit is nowadays still topically. It`s nearly built out of the box, only minor additional details were added. The list is short: adding new rivets with "Rosie the riveter some drain pipes Trop filter from Eduard Exhaust pipes from Moskit Cockpit from True Detail Background for photoshooting was my 1/48 hangar as for my Saab Gripen. I hope I`ve not strained too much your nerves with too many pictures... Thx for watching. Greetz Dirk

HpH is to release a 1/18th Messerschmitt Me.109E fiberglass resin kit. Source: http://www.hphmodels.cz/index.php/en/news/item/367-bf-109e-1-18 V.P.

Hello, and thanks for your interest in this topic. This is the third Bf-109 I've built in a row, this time it's AZ Model's new Bf-109 G-14. In my opinion, this kit is on par with the Fine Molds kit in terms of accuracy and detailling, but sells for less than half the price. Assembly is easy, with good engineering and flawless surfaces. Only a little filler was used for the wing/fuselage joint and on the fuslage halves. I added Brengun photo-etch set, Rob Taurus vacu canopy (designed for Revell's Bf-109 G-10, but suitable for this model as well) and Eagle Cals decals from "Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-14s (EC72-43)". The model was painted RLM74/RLM75/RLM76 with Gunze/Mr.Hobby acrylics, sealed with Alclad matt varnish, and weathered with artist's oils. The markings represent "Yellow 10" from 3./JG77, Euskirchen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Germany, 1945. I have not found any photographic reference for this machine, relying on the decal sheet instructions only. The spinner spiral comes from that decal sheet, too. The pitot tube is a metal item from Fine Molds accessories, and seems to be a little bit too long! All rudders have been re-positioned to add interest. Photographs by Wolfgang Rabel of IGM Cars & Bikes. Hope you like it! With kind regards from Vienna, Austria Roman Schilhart

Pics from Jim of the one at Cosford

Ref. AK148002 Source: https://www.facebook.com/AKinteractive.official/posts/1062704810417911 V.P.

Meng is to release a new variant from its Hornisse (see also http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234928050-148-messerschmitt-me410b-2u4-a-1-hornisse-by-meng-released/ ), the 1/48th Messerschmitt Me 410 B-2/U2/R4 - ref. LS-004 Source: http://www.meng-model.com/new.php?id=511 V.P.

Dogfight Doubles - Supermarine Spitfire Vb / Messerschmitt Bf109-E Airfix 1:48 The air war over Malta in WWII was a bloody battle with the odds stacked hard against the residents and small Allied presence there. The island posed significant strategic value to the Axis forces to prevent attacks in its shipping lanes interrupting supplies to their forces in North Africa. Initially under assault from the Italians, the Germans reinforced them in early 1941. Malta was under threat not only from military attack on the island itself, but from resource and food starvation as a result of attacks on the ships bringing supplies to the small fortress. In February 1941 Bf109E fighters of Jagdgeschwader 26 led by former Battle of France and Battle of Britain ace Oberleutnant Joachim Munchenberg gained air superiority operating from Sicily when their experienced crews overwhelmed the RAF pilots many who had limited combat experience based on Malta. As well as the RAF crews lacking combat experience, their Hurricanes had seen better days, let alone being already inferior to the 109E in good service condition. German efforts against Malta were strained due to resource distractions elsewhere, namely the Balkan Campaign and the attack on the Soviet Union. In mid 1941 this left the Italians taking the lead in attacks on Malta. With the weakening attacks and the influence of Air Commodore Hugh Lloyd, the RAF were able to get supplies through to the island, both in materials and aircraft. By July 1941 around 120 Hurricanes including some newly delivered Mk.II’s with a heavier punch and 60 bombers were now available to create an offensive from Malta. Despite heavy losses in low level shipping attacks, the RAF offensive continued, however in early 1942 German reinforcements were moved to Sicily where they could defend the shipping lanes using Bf110’s and Ju-88’s with great effect. This impact not only affected the RAF strike capability, but also the defensive capability yet again over Malta. In March 1942 Spitfires began to arrive on Malta from the carrier HMS Eagle as part of Operation ‘Spotter’. Opponents by this time were the more effective Bf109F and Macchi C.202’s which were outclassing the Hurricanes providing the back bone of the defensive operations. Despite the presence of the Spitfires, attacks on Malta severely hindered their ability to be effective, many being destroyed on the ground, however as supplies of new fighters got through as part of Operation Bowery in May ‘42, the tides began to turn in the RAF’s favour as Axis losses steadily increased. Hugh Lloyd was replaced with Keith Park of Battle of Britain fame in July ’42. His experience and abundance of British fighter planes by this time led him to take the enemy on using tactics favourable to the British. By October 1942, it was clear to the Germans that the RAF were too strong to be defeated on Malta, so their efforts were turned to North Africa. After almost 2 years of continual bombing and near starvation, the residents and British forces based on Malta had overcome the odds and defeated their Axis rivals. The kits Two of the iconic aircraft that operated during the air war over Malta were the Messerschmitt Bf109E and the Supermarine Spitfire Vb. First of all, to clear up any confusion, whist this set is sold as a ‘Dogfight Double’, as mentioned above, the Spitfire wasn’t available during Joachim Munchenbergs time when based on Sicily using Bf109E’s, he would have been opposing Hurricanes. The Spitfires of 229 Sqn would more than likely of been opposing the new Bf109F’s and Macchi C.202’s in ’42 onwards. With that out of the way, both kits are the newer toolings supplied by Airfix. The pack comes in an end-opening box with artwork of the two aircraft enclosed. It also comes with a stand to display the two aircraft in combat pose and a set of brushes, paints and glue. Each aircraft is individually wrapped. We have previously reviewed both aircraft kits on Britmodeller, so please see the links below for more information about the plastic: BF109E BF109E Tropical (same plastic as the ‘E’ review above) Spitfire Vb The stand comes in black plastic with a self adhesive label and Airfix moulded emblem to finish it off. Be aware if you decide to display the aircraft on the stand, then you will need to leave the slipper tank and drop tank off the Spitfire and Bf109E respectively and the holes for the stand need to go there. If this set is for a young or novice builder, you have to drill the holes for the stand yourself following the instructions. For this you will need a 2mm drill bit. Materials to build the kit As well as 2 brushes and two tubes of Hornby glue, 10 small pots of Humbrol acrylic paints are included to paint the aircraft. Including a 2mm drill bit would have been a good addition to this pack given the need to use one if you want to use the stand included. Decals Decals for two aircraft are included: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb, No. 229 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Qrendi, Malta, December 1942 Messerschmitt Bf109E-7, aircraft flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Muncheberg, 7./JG26 “Schlageter”, Gela, Sicily, Spring 1941 The decals are in excellent register with a semi-matt finish and look superb. Having used some of the recent decals by Airfix, I’ve been very impressed with how they settle down. A good selection of stencils are also included for both aircraft. Conclusion Given that this set includes new tooling for both aircraft and different decals than the single box options, it offers excellent value for money. Both kits build up in to great renditions in their own right and together will form a superb display of history ignoring the reality that they didn’t actually see combat with each other. As a young modeller myself (many, many years ago!!), I was captivated by these heroic periods in aviation warfare and these sets remind me of where my passion for both aviation and modelling came from. As such, I’m sure that these latest efforts by Airfix will have the same impact on today’s budding young modellers or even us older ones on a nostalgic trip! Review sample courtesy of

Revell boxing of 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf109 G-10, of 11/JG 27 based at Schleswig-Holstein March 1945 (at least that's what the instuctions say. The instructions are also dated 1998 and I have been reliably informed that although fairly basic the accuracy of shape is second to none. Eduard etch set for cockpit and inside chin scoop, Hasegawa pilot figure from their Luftwaffe Pilot Figures & Equipment set and a basic attempt to add subtle rivets using the Trumpeter Master Tools Rivetter. Freehand airbrushed upper surface camo scheme and first attempt at freehand airbrush mottle. Just missing antenna cable which I will add soon. Will also need to change the Morane antenna mast under the port wing to natural wood as I have just learned here they were wood and just clear varnished. Couldn't get the stand attachment out. It was well and truly wedged in. On the stand Stand removed using Inpaint And the three 1/48 scale builds on one stand. WIP thread here Comments and suggestions welcome. Thanks for looking.

By the end of November 2015 I was getting quite confident. I had already decided on the next build a month earlier as I had been eying up the old Revell 1/48 Bf109 G10 which I had bought some years previously for silly money (£5 if I remember correctly). I had recently picked up some photo etch sets for various intended projects at Scale Model World and also picked up a rivetting tool. I also have the Hasegawa Luftwaffe pilot figures and equipment set so the lack of a pilot was not an issue. Unfortunately I cannot find the pictures I took of the initial stages so we start at the completed cockpit enhanced with an Eduard photoetch set fully enclosed in the fuselage and the wings and tail already on. The various scoops around the nose have been hollowed out as have the exhaust stubs. You will also note that I made the cardinal sin of assuming something without checking references and cut off the square bulge for the enlarged battery behind the pilot and made it flush with an engraved door as in the E model. Did not realise my error until all was buttoned up and painted so it's not going to get corrected. I have come to the realisation that I need a LOT more practice with photoetch but I did manage to get it mostly in without too much anguish. Managed to fettle the gear into the up position (I really prefer them flying ) Cut out the solid navigation lights and created clear ones fron clear sprue cut to a right angle, drilled at the back and the relevant colour of Tamiya clear popped in the hole. Glued to the wing and then sanded and polished to shape. Red didn't turn out so good. Happy with the green though Those hollowed out and painted exhausts I felt he looked better with the 'tache although he now looks more likely to say 'Tally ho chaps!' In his office Canopy on The pencil lines show where I have added the rivet lines using the Master tools rivetter although I couldn't get the rivets to show on the picture Used custom Tamiya mixes for the RLM 76,81 and 82. RLM 76 applied after a nice undercoat of primer and a preshade. Note the prop spindle is now missing. That is the result of a mishap whilst undercoating whereby the spring clamp I was using to hold the plane sprung off sending the freshly primered 109 nosediving to the front dorstep where it proceeded to cartwheel with all the grace of a wounded gymnast hard against the wall. Not a happy bunny. Fixed it by drilling out the centre and glueing in a length of plastic rod of the appropriate diameter when the time came to add the prop Freehanded the camo but did use blutack sausages for the demarcation between upper and lower and Tamiya tape for the nose My first attempt at freehand mottling with an airbrush begins, I had also feathered in the demarcation between the RLM 76 and the top camo colours. 2nd mottle colour on 3rd mottle colour on and the nose is now a very fetching shade of RLM 04 Gelb Gloss coated and decals on. Didn't use the decal for the green fuselage band as it didn't go all round the fuselage at the location it was supposed to be at. All the bits on, some weathering courtesy of the new set of Flory washes I got from Telford, a bit of exhaust staining topped with a coat of Tamiya Matt Clear and we're just about done. Swastika came from a very old Xtradecal set of assorted sizes and I ended up masking around the fuselage decals and painting the fuselage band with my own approximation of the green. And you even get a shot of Phil's fingers too:) Comments and suggestions always welcome.