Revell's 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 Part 2

Construction Impressions

Revell's 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 Part 1

This build was straight from the box, so I kept the moulded-on harness straps even though I was not keen on them. In the end though, I was really pleased with the way they looked after careful painting. Oddly, the shoulder straps appear to disappear behind the seat pan but it will be a simple matter to add hardware and maybe a short extension to the straps.

The instrument panel features raised bezels and flat circles for decal instruments that will be supplied with the production kits.

Initial Conclusion

Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 was released in 2001 and became an instant classic. This easy to build and generally accurate kit heralded the widespread resurgence of 1/32 scale aircraft modelling.

However, Hasegawa's Gustav was not perfect. The nose appears was not quite tall enough and the spinner was misshapen. Other problem areas included the staggered nose scoops, poorly shaped oil cooler housing, stick-on upper-wing wheel bulges, undersized tail wheel and some detail missing from the cockpit, canopy and undercarriage.

Fast forward 12 years and Revell has taken a completely different approach in terms of engineering and options.

Revell's all-new 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 presents the opportunity to build either an early G-6 with the framed canopy and short tail or a late G-6 with Erla hood and tall tail straight from the box. Subtle differences are covered by alternative parts, and outline accuracy is excellent.

Detail is clearly better than the Hasegawa kit in the areas of the cockpit, canopies, undercarriage and wheel wells.

I would give the Revell kit a narrow points victory for their surface detail too. It is crisp, very fine and subtle.

The excellent fit and the lack of complication (i.e., no engine, no gun bays etc) also makes this kit an easy and satisfying build.

The shape or detail discrepancies around the cowl bulges, propeller blades, supercharger intake and oil cooler housing are baffling, but they will not bother everyone. If they are of concern, most of the issues may already be addressed by aftermarket corrections, and those that can't now (principally the cowl bulges) almost certainly will by the time the kit is released.

So do we really need a new 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6?

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