1/24 Trumpeter Me-109 G-6

by Marcos Bonfim

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When I saw the 1/24 Trumpeter ME-109 G-6, I decided to make a Diorama. The first step was to choose the paint scheme. I would like to reproduce the model that was flown by Erich Hartmann, the famous German ace known as “Ace of the aces”. After a selection research I chose a paint scheme based on the picture “The Knight at Dawn” by Jerry Crandall, mainly because it was a scheme published by a renowned researcher and author of several specialized publications about the subject.

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History of the knight at dawn, by Jerry Crandall

The Painting: The reorganization of the Luftwaffe's Fighter Gruppen in the fall of 1944 resulted in 4th Staffel JG 52 transferring to JG 3 thus 7th Staffel JG 52 replaced the 4th Staffel into the II Gruppe ailed used the 4th Staffel's small white numbering system.

During October 1944, Erich Hartmann was given command of the 7th Staffel and was utilized as part time Gruppenkommandeur. At this time they were based in Hungary .

Of all the known aircraft flown by Erich Hartmann this Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 was the most colorful. The standard camouflage of the three grays, 74, 75, 76, appears to have been modified by overspray possibly of 76 gray. Note the black scallop design is different than the 109 G-6 flown by Hartmann in February 1945 when with JG 53. Also note the absence of the D-F loop antenna. Contrary to other renderings of this aircraft, it is strongly felt that it had the yellow under cowling as did most 109's at this time.

The Kit

It have 272 parts in light grey and clear injection molded plastic; metal shafts for ailerons and flaps; rubber tires and ignition harness; photo-etched parts for control surface hinges; 2 x springs; markings for two aircraft. two sets of fuselage halves supplied (option of clear or grey styrene); constant and crisply engraved panel lines; restrained flush rivet detail; good quality moldings; nice attention to detail; workable control surfaces; nicely detailed engine and cockpit parts; very thin, clear and accurate transparent parts; includes drop tank, gondola cannon and G-5 cowling bulge as options.

In a general way the kit is very good and with excellent fit and it doesn’t need significant modifications. The first problem that I found is not due to the kit itself, but of the chosen version because the Trumpeter kit that I acquired, the ME-109 G-6 early version, doesn't come with the “Galland type” canopy as the intended Hartmann’s model. This canopy, however, is available on another model from Trumpeter: The I-109 G-6 Later. Fortunately a friend has a spare Galland canopy and gifted me. Luckily it came in double in his kit! God exists! The kit also doesn't come with belts and harness. To improve my model I made these parts in photo etched, of my own production, as well as some interior details.

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I painted my model with automotive painting in the scheme obtained from the site of Eagle decals. I had no decals for this version so I painted the “black smashed egg” nose detail of the type and the heart, characteristic markings of Mr. Hartmann. To accomplish the diorama I also used a 1/24 Mercedes 540 from Heller, painted it in the scheme of the Luftwaffe support cars colors without further modifications.

That’s the final result!

Marcos

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Photos and text © by Marcos Bonfim