Hasegawa 1/48 Bf-109G-2 'Karayahertz'

The G series of the Bf-109 saw the introduction of the DB.605 engine, which, in various guises, was to remain the powerplant of the 109 until the end of production. The G-2, which started production in May 1942, lacked the cabin pressurization and GM-1 installation of the G-1. Performance-wise it was identical to the G-1. The canopy reverted to one layer of glazing and incorporated the angled head armour used on the F-4, although several G-2 had the vertical type as fitted to the G-1. Several Rüstsätze could be fitted, although installing these did not change the designation of the aircraft. Instead the "/R" suffix referred to the G-2's Rüstzustand or equipment condition of the airframe, which was assigned at the factory rather than in the field. Over 1,500 G-2s were built between May 1942 an February 1943.

Hasegawa started releasing its Bf-109E kits in 1988. In 1991, the F model hit the shelves, followed by the early G kits. All of the Hasegawa's 'round wing' 109s have a basic set of sprues to which whatever additional sprues are added in order to produce the variant being kitted. This often means that small details will have to be either filled in or removed and holes will need to be opened. All these kits come with a standard F wing and this requires the wheel well openings to be cut to the G shape.

The cockpit tub is nicely detailed with separate sidewalls. No instrument decals with this one, but nice raised detailing. The cockpit can be inserted from the underside once the fuselage halves are put together. The wings have separate flaps and radiator exhaust doors. In addition, the slats are separate items.

The prop has separate blades that are keyed to the spinner backing plate. Probably the most fiddly part of the build is the upper cowling which is two pieces. With Hasegawa 109G kits, the exhaust can be installed from the outside and after painting. Landing gear are well done with separate oleo scissors. There is a drop tank for under the fuselage. You are provided a three piece cockpit enclosure so the canopy can be posed open. Unlike the E kits, there is no photoetch, which many modelers prefer.

Instructions are standard fare for Hasegawa with Gunze paint references. This boxing uses Aeromaster decals and provides three options. The first two are in standard RLM 74/75/76 with fuselage mottling. These are from the Eastern front with yellow fuselage band and lower wing tips. One is the box art plane of Herman Graf in September 1942. Next is the plane of Walter Krupinski about the same time frame. The third is a desert scheme plane in RLM 79/78 with RLM 80 mottling. This one has a white fuselage band and yellow lower cowling. Note that there is a template for Graf's aircraft to paint the center of the fuselage cross with RLM 74.

Though surpassed by the Eduard kit in terms of detailing, the Hasegawa kit is not as fussy a build as the Czech option and still well worth picking up and building.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants#G-1,_G-2

June 2022