A17003 1:24 Messerschmitt Bf109G-5/6

About this item

The BF109 was one of the most important Luftwaffe fighter aircraft of the WWII. Designed by Professor Messerschmitt, the Bf109 A-0 version entered service in 1937. Early versions were flown by the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War, and the Luftwaffe during the Invasion of Poland. In 1938, the Bf109 E, the first major design update, featured a larger, more powerful DB601 engine. Improved radiators tackled the extra heat generated and were moved to the modified and reinforced wings. It became a symbol of the Luftwaffe in the skies over England. In 1940, Messerschmitt engineers working on the Bf109 F reduced the wing area and introduced new rounded wingtips that were seen on all subsequent variants. The redesigned tailplane eliminated the supporting struts, and fuel capacity was increased to extend the range to 1700km. The DB605 engine was easier to manufacture than the complex DB601E. Updates raised the power output to 1455bhp. The Bf109, when fitted with this engine, became the Bf109 G “Gustav”. The pressurised Bf109 G-1 began production in Feb 1942. The non-pressurised Bf109 G-2 followed in May 1942. In 1943, the nose-mounted guns were upgraded to the 13mm MG 131, leading to the distinctive bulged engine cowlings of the G-5 and G-6 models (most produced variants). The G-5 featured a pressurised cockpit, with an engine driven compressor and sealed canopy glazing. It could be fitted with two additional MG151/20 cannon in under-wing gondolas, as well as a 300l fuel tank, rockets and bomb racks. Tropical equipment allowed it to serve in the dusty conditions of North Africa. This 1/24 scale model can be built with or without the fully detailed DB605 engine. The engine cowlings and oil cooler can be posed opened or closed. Choose to build between two types of engine cowlings (MTT and Erla). The canopy can also be posed open or closed (two types included). Additional engine and cockpit parts included for G-5 (pressurised cockpit version). Features optional 300l fuel tank and wing cannon “Gondolas”, ailerons, elevators and rudder that can be offset to add life to the model. The radiator and wing flap position can be customised. Many optional parts included to suit specific aircraft builds, such as rudder pedals, gunsights, trim wheels, instrument panels, undercarriage wheels/tyres and windscreens. Detailed nose armament with machine guns, gun mounts and ammunition boxes are included. Slide moulding used to allow the capture of fine detail on engine cowlings, fuselage, exhausts and gun barrels Includes instruction sheet, paint layout sheet, masking sheet and decals for 5 versions: Bf109G-6/Trop, WNr.15270, Yellow 14+-, 6./JG53, Rammaca, Sicily, Early-Jul 43. (A), Bf109G-6/Trop, WNr.15270, Yellow 14, 57th Fighter Group, Pachino, Sicily, Summer 43. (B), Bf109G-6/Trop, WNr.15270, VX101, No. 1426 Flight, RAF Collyweston, England, Apr 44. (C), Bf109G-6, WNr.166224, White 10+-, 4./JG3, Nogent-le-Roi, France, Aug 44. (D) and Bf109G-5, WNr.27119, Yellow 11+I, 9./JG54, Fw. Emil Hecker, Ludwiglust, Germany, Feb 44. (E)