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Defence of the Reich...1/48 Messerschmitt Bf109G-10 (Erla), JG3


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#10/2020

As you may have noticed over the past years, my dad is a 109 aficionado. Like many others he waited sooooo long for a 1/48 Erla G-10 and was exited when Eduard anounced theirs. After opening the box and starting to build it my dad was disappointed. Well, it looks like an Erla but Eduard got the specific details (slightly) wrong.
The lower cowl looks like an early G-model, it should be more boxy and voluminous, more straight forward and not with such an upwards angle. The front fuselage, seen from above, is slightly asymmetric but it shold be way more. The vertical panel line on the left fuselage side at the height of the windshield should be 1-2mm more forward, as the lower end of the round quarter panel on the right fuselage side should be 1-2mm more upwards. Another thing that is wrong are the trim tabs on the elevators. Eduard got that wrong with all their late G-models, starting from the G-14 on. The early G models had single narrow tabs, the late models either a doublepack of narrow ones on each side or single wide ones.
On to the markings. Erla G-10 had smaller Balkenkreuz. Usually the ones on the fuselage matched exactly between the panel lines. Erla ones had some space to the lines. My dad realized that too late, so on the model you see the kit´s crosses. Also Eduard didn´t consider that Erla G-10 had the crosses on the wings in a more outward position than WNF or Regensburg. My dad used here smaller Balkenkreuz from a 190 and placed them in the correct position.
The upper camo with RLM 75/82 Eduard suggests is questinable. Usually the Erla G-10 were painted in 74/75/76.
It may be nitpicking but in times with easy access to wartime pics and technical drawings it should be no problem to get a kit done correctly....

Besides that, it was an easy straight forward build. Done oob, only added brake lines with plastic rods and lead wire. Used EZ Line and fishing line for the antenna and Gunze paints for the camo.


Build thread here

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235067682-defence-of-the-reich148-messerschmitt-bf109g-10-erla-jg3/

 

In December 1944, the CO of I. Gruppe, Oblt. Seidl received a new Bf 109G-10 off the production line at Erla in Leipzig. The Gruppe, at this time, was flying out of Paderborn, from which they conducted missions against American and British units. In all probability, Oblt. Seidl led the unit in this aircraft during Operation Bodenplatte on January 1st, 1945. The target was the air base at Eindhoven. The markings of the aircraft were supplemented by a white band ahead of the tail, which identified machines of JG 3, within the framework of the Defence of the Reich. Ahead of the fuselage cross was the Gruppe leader marking, and below the opening part of the canopy, the pilot had a personal marking applied, in the form of a numeral '8'. This marking was applied to aircraft flown by Seidl during his service with JG 53, during which he would acquire all of his 31 victories. An oddity on this aircraft is the absence of the lower wing crosses. The aircraft was equipped with a gun camera.

 

49737439633_829e2f15e3_b.jpgDSC_0001 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737439418_bfb911cb1d_b.jpgDSC_0002 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737982921_b857d5dd7d_b.jpgDSC_0003 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737438963_f04b7f841a_b.jpgDSC_0004 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737438818_1e7d60ddaa_b.jpgDSC_0005 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49738309637_2ac13e93ab_b.jpgDSC_0006 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737982131_67a3e648ec_b.jpgDSC_0007 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737981956_d8898f12d5_b.jpgDSC_0008 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737981836_a87e79626c_b.jpgDSC_0009 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737981656_d684e278c9_b.jpgDSC_0010 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737981431_61a2ec23ef_b.jpgDSC_0011 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737981261_39c0e05649_b.jpgDSC_0012 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49738308402_39855f81f8_b.jpgDSC_0013 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737980896_c42a445e68_b.jpgDSC_0014 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737437128_ed5c0aee92_b.jpgDSC_0015 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49738307752_94e0c0e995_b.jpgDSC_0016 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49738307532_7e4b453425_b.jpgDSC_0017 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49738307257_f056447dc5_b.jpgDSC_0018 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737979651_f85cc8a2b9_b.jpgDSC_0019 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49736902163_07822790b3_b.jpgDSC_0020 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

 

correct position of the mentioned vertical panel line

https://me109.info/display.php?from=site&lang=de&auth=e&name=version_display&fotonummer=8017

 

on the model

49737979446_437de51c19_b.jpgDSC_0020 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

correct round panel and shape of the lower cowl

https://me109.info/display.php?from=site&lang=de&auth=e&name=version_display&fotonummer=7199

 

and on the model

49738306252_c6789fff60_b.jpgDSC_0022 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

49737979136_c2bb8d2504_b.jpgDSC_0021 by grimreaper110, auf Flickr

 

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Any issues with the kit do not translate to the finished product. I can’t find a single issue with your dad’s work. Truly a master builder!

 

 Thanks for doing such a detailed write-up, it’s interesting to have some background on the pilot as well as the kit itself. 

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That's a cracker. 👍 👍  I'm constantly amazed at the knowledge and expertise shown by you pros and your attention to detail.  As the site's official duffer I'm happy if they come out with the right number of wings!

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It is such a shame Eduard have dropped the ball with the G-10 Erla, as you say, we (109 nuts) have waited a long time for a decent one to come along. I did wonder if they would get the oil cooler shape right but it didn't cross my mind they would get the position of the engine cowl panels wrong, that is such a fundamental and unique feature of these aircraft that I never thought they could get it wrong! The markings are another well known feature but Eduard have got markings wrong so many times before that doesn't come as much of a surprise. Maybe the aftermarket industry will bring out the correct oil cooler and cowlings?

Despite your Dad's disappointment he has turned out another very nicely finished Bf109 to add to his already impressive collection.

 

Duncan B

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On 4/5/2020 at 2:41 PM, Bangor Lad said:

Despite the concerns about the shape, this is still a very fine 109.

 

17 hours ago, redcap said:

Really nice build and camo work - well done.

Gary

 

14 hours ago, RadMax8 said:

Any issues with the kit do not translate to the finished product. I can’t find a single issue with your dad’s work. Truly a master builder!

 

 Thanks for doing such a detailed write-up, it’s interesting to have some background on the pilot as well as the kit itself. 

Copied Eduard´s info about the aircraft and pilot 😉

 

12 hours ago, Uncle Pete said:

That's a cracker. 👍 👍  I'm constantly amazed at the knowledge and expertise shown by you pros and your attention to detail.  As the site's official duffer I'm happy if they come out with the right number of wings!

 

11 hours ago, mick said:

excellent work

 

11 hours ago, Mig88 said:

Another fantasticly finished kit! Simply great!

 

Miguel

 

10 hours ago, Duncan B said:

It is such a shame Eduard have dropped the ball with the G-10 Erla, as you say, we (109 nuts) have waited a long time for a decent one to come along. I did wonder if they would get the oil cooler shape right but it didn't cross my mind they would get the position of the engine cowl panels wrong, that is such a fundamental and unique feature of these aircraft that I never thought they could get it wrong! The markings are another well known feature but Eduard have got markings wrong so many times before that doesn't come as much of a surprise. Maybe the aftermarket industry will bring out the correct oil cooler and cowlings?

Despite your Dad's disappointment he has turned out another very nicely finished Bf109 to add to his already impressive collection.

 

Duncan B

 

 

Thanks a lot for your kind words!

Nevertheless my dad will build the big wheel Erla 109 too when/if Eduard releases it.

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Excellent build, looks very sharp and photogenic!

 

This is one of myfavourite 109 versions as well. Seeing builds like these really makes me want to get one of these Eduard kits, which is a bad thing because I don't have the space to build in 1/48!

 

I don't understand though why some people are saying there are issues with the kit. I've been one to criticise 109 kits in the past for relatively minor accuracy issues, but this one looks absolutely fine to me. I've read many reviews of the Eduard releases, as I've considered getting them, and have not found much negativity beyond some personal subjective opinion regarding the cowling shape (which I don't see a problem with).

Edited by Vlad
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On 4/6/2020 at 11:29 PM, Oberleutnant said:

Very nicely done although it's a pity not having the swastika on the tail.

My father decided to not apply a full swastika anymore. I know it´s no problem here to show a full one. Here in Austria we have very similar laws concerning our dark past, like Germany. My dad is worried that maybe some idio§ may cause legal trouble...

 

On 4/6/2020 at 11:48 PM, lyn said:

well done 1st class job

 

On 4/7/2020 at 1:08 AM, Retired Bob said:

It still looks a mighty fine 109. :thumbsup:

 

On 4/7/2020 at 1:16 AM, Wulfman said:

Another beautiful build !

 

Wulfman

 

On 4/7/2020 at 3:37 PM, Vlad said:

Excellent build, looks very sharp and photogenic!

 

This is one of myfavourite 109 versions as well. Seeing builds like these really makes me want to get one of these Eduard kits, which is a bad thing because I don't have the space to build in 1/48!

 

I don't understand though why some people are saying there are issues with the kit. I've been one to criticise 109 kits in the past for relatively minor accuracy issues, but this one looks absolutely fine to me. I've read many reviews of the Eduard releases, as I've considered getting them, and have not found much negativity beyond some personal subjective opinion regarding the cowling shape (which I don't see a problem with).

Basically it looks like an Erla G-10 but Eduard could have done better, regarding that there is some fine Czech research work available like JaPo books etc....

 

 

Thanks a lot gents!!

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