Revell 1/48 Bf-110G-2 'ZG 1'

Although the Me 210 entered service in mid-1941, it was plagued with problems and was withdrawn from service for further development.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.

In 1994, under the ProModeler brand, Monogram released a 1/48 Bf-110G-4 Night Fighter kit. The kit has nicely engraved panel lines and has been a favorite of many modelers. In 1998, a G-2 variant was released under the Revell-Monogram label. In 1999, this kit was offered, also a G-2 but with markings that included the box art decals for ZG1.

Most of the plastic for the G-2 version is the same that was offered with the G-4, but without the pieces that made it a night fighter. To

take care of the G-2 variant, there are different cockpit parts, different exhaust, and different fin/rudder pieces. Also included, but not used are the 21cm rocket launchers that are part of the 1998 boxing, but not used with this kit.

You get the same nicely done interior that really could use some seat belts. This assembly is built up before installed in the fuselage half. Another difference over the ProModeler kit is that you are supplied a resin nose with separate resin machine guns. To install this, the very front of the fuselage has to be removed and sanded smooth. You also need to sand the casting block from the nose. I'd wait until after painting to attach the gun barrels.

One then builds up the engine nacelles and attaches them to the lower wing halves. Then the upper halves are attached. There is some overlap on the underside with one of the wings and this is how the wings are attached. Building up the tailplanes is next and this is slotted in place. The instructions then go to the landing gear, though I'd leave those off until after painting.

Moving back to the wings the intakes, radiators and exhaust are attached. Moving to the underside one then builds and attaches the external fuel tanks (don't forget to open the holes before assembling the wings). Then various antennas, underfuselage bomb rack. The last items are building up the clear bits, attaching wing tips, and the props. You can pose the pilot's clear panels open if you wish. I'd highly recommend some canopy masks for this kit.

Instructions are well done and offer RLM color information as well as detail images where needed. Both options are RLM 74/75/76 with varying levels of side mottling. The box art plane is with ZG 1 in Italy during 1943. This means a white fuselage band and yellow lower engine cowlings. The other is with ZG 77 in Russia during 1943 with a yellow fuselage band. The fuselage band is offered as a decal, but you may want to paint those. The decals are nicely printed and since I just opened this kit from the shrink for this preview, they are in super condition.

This is still a very nice kit. It may have been eclipsed by the newer Dragon/Cyber-Hobby version, but it may well be easier to build and easier to find. Probably the worst part of the kit is the flimsy 'lunch box' style kit box, which offers not a lot of protection and is easily crushed just by stacking.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_110

June 2021

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