Eduard 1/72 Bf-110G-2, previewed by Scott Van Aken

Although the Me 210 entered service in mid-1941, it was plagued with problems and was withdrawn from service for further development. In the wake of the failure of the Me 210, the Bf 110G was designed. The G model was fitted with DB 605B engines, producing 1,085 kW (1,475 PS) at their Notleistung (war emergency) top-level setting, and 997 kW (1,355 PS) at 5.8 km (19,000 ft) altitude. The Bf 110G also had upgraded nose armament, and underwent some changes which improved the aerodynamics of the aircraft. The rear cockpit access was moved forward from the transversely-hinged, "tilt-open" rearmost canopy glazing to a side/top hinged opening section of the main canopy, opening to port, with a new rearmost framed glazing section fixed in place. No Bf 110 G-1 existed, so the Bf 110 G-2 became the baseline Bf 110G. A large number of Rüstsätze field conversion packs were available, making the G subtype the most versatile production version of the Bf 110. The initial batch of six pre-series production G-0 aircraft built in June 1942 were followed by 797 G-2, 172 G-3 and 2,293 of the night fighter-dedicated, three-seater G-4 models; built between December 1942 and April 1945. Pilots reported the Bf 110G to be a "mixed bag" in the air, in part due to all changes between the G and F series. The Bf 110G was considered a superior gun platform with excellent all-around visibility, and considered, until the advent of the Heinkel He 219, to be one of the Luftwaffe's best night fighters.

Eduard is not the first to do a nice Bf-110, but their G kit stands out from the ones by Italeri and Revell in this scale, much because it is a newer tooling. This kit is the profipack version that includes canopy/wheel masks and a color photo etch fret.

There quite a few bits that are not used in this kit as Eduard uses many of the same sprues for their earlier DB.601 powered kits. A note about the p.e. bits. They are not absolutely needed and are simply used to enhance what is there. This set includes instrument faces, rudder pedals, and antennas. In some cases you need to trim old bits to install them. The only new item are the seat harness/belts. Most of the fret is used in the cockpit, which is very nicely detailed. You even have some sidewall detail and there is an insert for each side to cover the holes where the wing attaches.

Speaking of which, the wing assembly is a single lower wing with upper halves and separate ailerons and wing tips. Any holes for fuel tanks and wing/fuselage mounted weapons need to be opened at this point. The engine cowlings are handed and contain much of the main gear wells. When closing the fuselage halves, one also attaches the nose assembly and here as well you have two different lower nose pieces depending on the markings option you choose. Then the wings and tail plane pieces are glued in place.

You are provided the opportunity to model the various greenhouse panels open or closed, but you still have to attach all of the various panes, which will be rather time consuming. The Profipack boxing includes masks and it is at this time that Eduard shows the guide for attaching these. Frankly, I would have liked a single piece greenhouse as I normally build my models closed up.

Construction then moves to the underside where you attach the radiators, undercarriage, antennas and your choice of things under wings. Depending on the markings option you choose, you can do a belly mounted 37mm cannon or twin 20mm guns, belly and wing mounted bomb carriers, wing mounted drop tanks, and either singe or double tube 21cm mortars. There is an addendum sheet to help out with these as well.

The color instruction booklet is well done with Gunze paint references. All options are in RLM 74/75/76 with various degrees of mottling. Units provided are 4./ZG 76 in Czechoslovakia in early 1944, 5./ZG 76 in itial during mid 1943, 10./ZG 76 in Norway in early 1945 and 5./ZG 76 in Austria during the winter of 1943/44. The fairly large decal sheet is well printed and provides all you need in the way of stencils and other markings. A separate stencil guide is provided.

In all, it looks like it will make into a great model. Those not fond of p.e. will want to gravitate towards the weekend edition, but you'll need to get the masks separately.

KIT #:	7085
PRICE:	$25.0 'Used'
DECALS:	Four options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Profipack