Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6

The history

Willy Messerschmitt’s Bf 109 first flew in 1935 and was still in front-line service ten years later. With more than 33,000 built, it was the most-produced fighter in history, and the G series, the Gustav, was its most numerous version.

The G was built around the larger Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. The G-6, in service from early 1943, replaced the two 7.92 mm MG 17 guns above the engine with 13 mm MG 131s, heavier weapons for a war that was now about American bombers. Their bigger breeches needed a bulge on each side of the cowling, the Beulen that make a G-6 easy to recognise.

Bf 109 production line — On the production line

Bf 109 G-6 in service — On the production line

The build

Tamiya’s 1/48 Bf 109 G-6, released in 2017, is one of the most complete kits the brand makes. The engine cowlings and the canopy can be built open or closed, and the engine panels are held by small magnets rather than glue, so the model can be shown either way after it is finished. The engine itself is finely detailed, and the open cowlings show it off well.

Of the three marking options I chose Yellow 1, flown by Wilhelm Schilling.