Mess 109's

[Germanjim]

Hi looking for some info I have a trumpeter 1/32 messerchmjtte 109g I would like to use it in a diorama with a Mercedes aircraft refuelled I fancy putting a second 109 in what I would like to know is would there be any other 109 marks in the same squadron (because there is so many good 109 kits out there) plus I'd get bored building the exact same kit 2.


Jim

[stona]

Hi Jim, it depends to a large extent on the dash number (the -6 or -10 for example) that comes after the G. Late in the war it was possible that more than one dash number might be present in the same unit. Very late in the war it was also possible that you might find a G-10 or G-14 in the same unit as a K-4.


If you give me a better idea of what you are planning I can give you a more precise answer. Of course it's your diorama and only you can decide how historically accurate you want to be!


Cheers


Steve

[Germanjim]

The kit I have is a 109G-2 so any one that would go with it is fine, aircraft isn't my strong point I tend to stick to German armour and soft skins, if there is an alternative aircraft that would be in the same airfield in: foc wolf only got the messch because I had the refueller and trailer so anything you can suggest for time period etc would be appreciated.


Thanks jim

[Guest]

Why not use the Trumpy Me-262? Kinda like the old & the new

[Germanjim]

Well I need to do some research on the possibilities I'm no expert on planes armour and vehicles are more my cup of tea hopefully I'll find some info on the Internet.


Jim

[stona]

The Bf 109 G-2 was built from May 1942 through February 1943. It didn't replace the G-1 (which differed only in having a pressurised cockpit) but the F series to which it is similar.


Next up came the G-4 which began production in late 1942, deliveries began in November that year. Unfortunately, at least for you, the G-4 differed from the G-2 only in detail. It had a different radio and antenna arrangement and bigger wheels with slightly different undercarriage geometry, and small bulges on the upper wing. The larger tail wheel couldn't retract either.


The next visibly different version was the Bf 109 G-6. This started to reach the front line units by February 1943. The G-6 is the first to feature the 'Beule', bulges on the cowling to accommodate the spent belt feeds for the heavy MG 131 machine guns which replaced the MG 17s as the cowling guns. This was the only significant difference between an early G-6 and a late G-4, but it is a very visible one.


It's just about possible that you could find a G-2 and G-6 on the same airfield. They probably wouldn't belong to the same unit.


If you want to have a visiting Fw 190 in your diorama, the version contemporary with the Bf 109 G-2 would be the Fw 190 A-4, though the A-5 started production in November 1942 and would also be possible.


Cheers


Steve

[Germanjim]

Thanks Steve much more information than I could ever have gleaned I will take a look to see what models are available from the various manufacturers, do you know of any figures available pilots or ground crew. Thanks again


Jim

[dave]

If the Luftwaffe was anything like the RAF you could have a different aircraft from a different unit, that put down at the airfield because he got lost, low on fuel or combat damage.

[stona]

If the Luftwaffe was anything like the RAF you could have a different aircraft from a different unit, that put down at the airfield because he got lost, low on fuel or combat damage.

Training flights also landed at front line airfields. The supply of fuel for training was so limited in 1942 that some training unit commanders called in favours from old friends still serving in front line units to get their training aircraft re-fuelled. An older type with markings for an advanced flight school is definitely feasible.


Cheers


Steve

[stona]

Thanks Steve much more information than I could ever have gleaned I will take a look to see what models are available from the various manufacturers, do you know of any figures available pilots or ground crew. Thanks again
Jim

Masterbox do a reasonable set of figures, including a pilot (not posed in the cockpit but putting on his parachute) which is usually available at a sensible price.


Dartmoor Military Models (DMM) used to do some good white metal figures, though the pilot was early BoB era and not suitable for 1942/3, the mechanic (black man) would be fine for any period. I'm not sure if they are still available.


There are some decent figures in the Verlinden Luftwaffe repair station set in resin. Again the pilot is early-ish and it would be a big investment just for the figures. It can usually be found online.


For a seated pilot I'd recommend the one from PJ Productions who comes with options for head gear etc. He'll set you back about a tenner but is a very nicely done chap. He'd be okay for your period too. Suitable seated 1/32 pilots are hard to find! The old 21st Century kits had some very good seated pilot figures in them and you might find someone willing to part with one.


Cheers


Steve

[stona]

Some figures:


Masterbox. Sorry you can't see much of the crewman on the wing.






Dartmoor Military Models. The 'lion cub' with his head in the bucket is from somewhere else.






Verlinden. Two of the crew figures, a rather bad snap shot as this is on display, hence the glass shelf!






I think this pilot, fitted with a RB Productions harness, is one from a 21st Century kit, transposed to a Hasegawa Bf 109.






I do like a figure or two with a model. Most people have no idea how big, or small, these aircraft were but by adding a human figure whose size everyone can recognise, the correct sense of scale can be established.


Cheers


Steve