The Messerschmitt Bf-110 was one of those planes built to a specification that looked great on paper, but ended up being a real flop. Just before the war, the concept of the twin-engined heavy fighter was one that was embraced by a number of countries around the world. Other than perhaps Japan, no one embraced the concept more than the Luftwaffe. From the original requirement came not only the Bf-110, but also the Me-210 and 410. These aircraft were built in rather large numbers, and while all but the 210 did eventually become useful aircraft, it was not as a heavy fighter.

The heavy fighter was a design that was supposed to be able to use its heavier firepower to overwhelm enemy bombers, and yet still be good enough to act as escorts for their own bomber aircraft. Well, somewhere along the line, the planners overlooked the fact that a large, multi-engined,  multi-place aircraft usually will not do well against a single seat, single engined fighter.

And that is what was discovered, much to the dismay of the Luftwaffe. While the 110 did quite well against light opposition or obsolescent aircraft, when it was finally pit against modern fighters it was found to be woefully inadequate to the task. This unhappy discovery came when the Luftwaffe really needed long-range bomber escorts and then found that they didn't have them. The 110s spent most of their combat time either being shot to pieces or defending themselves. This left the bombers to the mercy of the defending fighters.

Despite this the 110 was developed as it was found to be an excellent aircraft for ground attack in areas where there was little opposition or where it has fighter escort. It also made a very stable and reliable night fighter. As such, it was used until the final days of the war.

The later models were the G series with improved engines and more robust airframes. 

Cutting Edge has provided us with six schemes for these late model Bf-110s. The first four are painted in variations of RLM 74/75 upper and RLM 76 lower surfaces. The fifth only has an RLM 75 upper surface while the last one is in overall RLM 76 with 74/75 squiggles all over it. 

The first aircraft is a G-2 variant with NaGr 1 in Russia. This aircraft has only the yellow Eastern Front fuselage band. What makes it interesting is the skeletal hand marking on the nose. This is similar to the marking I used on my Ju-88A-14 kit.

Next is another G-2 from Stab I/kg.210, again in Russia, around July 1942. This one is in full Eastern Front markings and includes the large 'Wespen' or Wasp design on the nose.

The third G-2 is from III/ZG.76 based in Germany in 1943. Nothing really special about the markings, but this one is carrying the rocket tubes under the wing. This weapon had some success against bombers.

The first G-4 night fighter is the aircraft of Maj. Helmut Lent, one of the night fighter aces. While the instructions said there was a smaller correction sheet for this aircraft, one was not in with my decals.

Second G-4 is a Hungarian one in a very plain and subdued set of markings. Sort of Lo-Viz 1945.

Finally a G-4 in my favourite camo scheme; that with lots of squiggles! This is from NJG 101 over Germany in late 1945.

All in all, six really neat schemes for your Revell Bf-110G

Review copy courtesy of me and my now empty wallet!

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