[Ara1]

Last week I received the Graf Bf 109G, in 1/48 scale. The model arrived safe from Fantastic Flyers, within one day of being shipped.

The colors are well done, with the black green and dark grey (or dark green?) looking quite convincing. The markings appear painted and are perfect; there is no swastika on this model. This may be easily recitfied but the blank tail is offensive to the historical eye.



I am a big fan of Franklin Mint offerings: their Ju 52, Hurricane, and Dauntless are very nice models and among my favorites. This plane has a few problems that keep it off the high rating list. Among the notable issues are:

The horizontal tail appears to be set too high on the fin.



Also, there is a serious gap in the forward fuselage ammunition fairings.



Lastly, a good part of the undersides are completely lacking in detail and the screwheads require Elmer Plugs.



The canopy looks to scale and appears to be the right shape, and the rubber wheels have the correct tread. The nosecone is perfect and the tulip marking is well done. I had to correct (by hand) a slight dihedral of the stabilizers, and the plane appears to have a degree or two too much wing dihedral. However, given its faults the plane still looks good and sits well with stablemates.



Rating: 7/10.

[Cruver Collecter]

Your Bf 109 looks pretty good and has a real standout paint scheme. Have yet to find a perfect diecast model so it seem all your model is missing is proper adornment of its rudder. Get a nice contrast in fighters styles with it sitting next to your Spitfire. Even nicer looking with the WGr 21 launchers mounted.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Your Bf 109 looks pretty good and has a real standout paint scheme. Have yet to find a perfect diecast model ...

Thanks CC! The Shields Wildcat, in gear up config, is the closest thing to perfection I own. It's like the C1 guys shrunk the real thing to 1/48.

This Bf 109G does look cool, and the dark colors go well with the aura of the F/G/K breeds. Do you own any 1/48 109s?

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Thanks CC! The Shields Wildcat, in gear up config, is the closest thing to perfection I own. It's like the C1 guys shrunk the real thing to 1/48.

This Bf 109G does look cool, and the dark colors go well with the aura of the F/G/K breeds. Do you own any 1/48 109s?

Currently I have 4 Buffalos (2 more on pre order), Oscar, Val, Baka, and a C1 AVG P-40C that should be in some time next week. Might have to get a BF 109 though. After seeing your model equipped with the rocket launchers I had see if I could find a decent picture of Bf 109 so equipped. Finally found a nice picture of a Bf 109G-6 with rockets under the wings and a 300 litre drop tank too.

Should have added these are the 1/48th models I have or soon will have.

[Black 6]

Nice review Ara. Overall not a bad looking model. Don't you have the Graf 190 as well?

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Black 6

Nice review Ara. Overall not a bad looking model. Don't you have the Graf 190 as well?

Hey Black 6, I am waiting for another manufacturer to come out with the Fw 190.

[flyXwire]

Great review + pics, Ara1!

Incidentally, I was looking at the same bird at Fantastic Flyers site the other day and couldn't make up my mind to pull the trigger...but now that may change drastically!

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Great review + pics, Ara1!

Incidentally, I was looking at the same bird at Fantastic Flyers site the other day and couldn't make up my mind to pull the trigger...but now that may change drastically!

Thanks FlyX!

The tail situation is looking better to me, since I've manually bent the stabilizers down a bit. I can correct the ammo bulges with basic modeling skills and this baby will be looking sharp.

Fantastic Flyers were very good with communication and shipping. I live in MA and they are in NH, but 1 day shipping is unreal. Also, I mailed my money order at 1:30 Thursday and they got it Friday; all in the middle of a snowstorm, the week of Christmas!

Like I said to CC, the dark paint on the 109G gives it a great look. Now, does any one have any tiny swazis for my all-white tail?

[aeroeng]

I'm not sure why Franklin Mint didn't put the swasticas on this plane. They do on all their other German planes except for the ones available with German part numbers (for German orders). BTW, great photos Ara1.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Thanks FlyX!

The tail situation is looking better to me, since I've manually bent the stabilizers down a bit. I can correct the ammo bulges with basic modeling skills and this baby will be looking sharp.

Fantastic Flyers were very good with communication and shipping. I live in MA and they are in NH, but 1 day shipping is unreal. Also, I mailed my money order at 1:30 Thursday and they got it Friday; all in the middle of a snowstorm, the week of Christmas!

Like I said to CC, the dark paint on the 109G gives it a great look. Now, does any one have any tiny swazis for my all-white tail?

Aeromaster puts out a sheet of swastikas that cover the 1/48th scale range. If you are interested the item number is AN48545 and is availble at Squadron.com.