Eduard 1/48 Bf-109G-10 (Erla)

Referred to as the "bastard aircraft of the Erla factory" in the Luftwaffe's Aircraft Variants Book of December 1944, the G-10 was a Bf 109 G airframe combined with the new DB 605 D-2 engine, created to maintain production levels with minimal disruption of the assembly lines until production of K-series airframes would reach sufficient levels. Despite what the designation would suggest, it appeared in service after the G-14 in November 1944, largely replacing previous G-series aircraft on the production lines of Erla, WNF and Messerschmitt Regensburg factories. Contrary to popular belief the G-10 were not rebuilt older airframes but new production. Early production G-10 may have had two data plates (one stamped G-14) as these airframes were originally intended for G-14 assembly but were diverted to G-10 assembly.

The most recognizable external change was the use of the three-panel Erla-Haube clear-view canopy, which filled the entire canopy length behind the four-panel windscreen unit, which eliminated the older, rear fixed canopy section. Internal changes included inheriting the new 2,000 W generator and the DB 605 D-2 engine of the 109K. Apart from the standardised streamlined engine cowlings, G-10s with the DB605 D-2 were equipped as standard with the MW-50 booster system (DB 605DM, later 605DB) and had a larger Fo 987 oil cooler housed in a deeper fairing. Also, because of the engine's enlarged crankcase and the oil return lines which ran in front of it, these G-10s had small blister fairings incorporated into the lower engine cowlings, forward of and below the exhaust stacks, except for Erla-built aircraft, which had modified cowlings without the little bulges in front of the exhaust stacks. This became a distinguishing feature between Erla-built G-10s and those of other factories. The radio antenna mast was also removed from atop the rear fuselage turtledeck, and replaced with a standard late-war Luftwaffe ventral whip aerial antenna under the wing. In addition, some had the wider wheels of the K model which meant long wheel fairings atop the wings. Some also had the long tail wheel leg while others retained the shorter version.

The following variants of the G-10 were produced:

• G-10 (Light fighter with DB605DM or DB/DC engine)
  • G-10/R2 (Reconnaissance fighter)
  • G-10/R6 (Bad-weather fighter with PKS 12 autopilot)
  • G-10/U4 (As G-10 but with 30 mm/1.18 in MK 108 Motorkanone engine cannon)

Approximately 2,600 G-10s were produced from October 1944 until the war's end.

This is a continuation of a series of Bf-109Gs that Eduard has been producing. Not surprising is that you are provided with many of the same sprues as the G-6 and G-14. You do get complete fuselage halves that have the distinctive Erla cowling. I is what has been called the 'type 110' as the paneling on the pilot's side does not curve upward but is flat.  For an example, the Revell 1/48 109G-10 has the other type.

Typical of the Profipack kits, this one has a color photo etch set for the cockpit, radiators, antennas and a few other bits. It also includes a canopy mask set and a wider selection of decal choices.

The cockpit is well appointed and this is where a fair amount of the p.e. is used. When closing the fuselage halves, you have to make a couple of choices. One is that you  have a choice to use the p.e. exhaust shields or the plastic ones. As the exhaust installs from the inside, that choice has to be made at this time. Secondly, if you are to do the options with the tall tail gear, this is when it gets installed. One option has the shorter one and that can be attached later.

Eduard 109 kits have a separate upper fin so that various types can be installed. They also provide a number of rudder differences, but only one is appropriate for this boxing. Elevators are separate and while designed to be in the neutral position, you can pose them down with a bit of work. Wings are a lower piece with two upper halves. Gear wells need to be installed prior to attaching these and holes need to be opened up for the central rack.

Ailerons, slats, flaps, and radiator exhaust  are all separate as well. The radiators are plastic and the p.e. fits in front of them. This kit uses the standard G-6 wheels and not the wider ones used on the K. You are also able to pose the canopy open if you so desire and most will to show off the p.e. in the interior. Finally, there are two styles of drop tank you can use.

Markings are provided for five aircraft. One is the box art plane with the ANR. This one has the short tail wheel. A second is an Eric Hartmann plane from the end of the war. Then one with 2/JG 300 with a blue/white/blue RDV band. Fourth is a JG 3 plane with a wavy wing leading edge. Finally one with JG.27. All planes are in RLM 82/75/76 with several having unpainted sections to the lower wing. Decals are  nicely printed and while not shown, a stencil sheet is also included. 

A nice addition to Eduard's growing 109 collection and while it doesn't obsolete previous kits from Hasegawa, it does have a bit more detail. It also will give you a lot of 109 spares.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants#G-10

November 2020

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