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Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14 of "Diavoli Rossi" by
David Lake
During it’s brief operational career, The II Gruppo Caccia ran up an impressive war record. In 44 combat missions using the Bf-109, 99 enemy aircraft were claimed destroyed. On the balance of the tally sheet, 36 Italian pilots lost their lives with the loss of 89 aircraft. The top scoring pilot of II Gruppo was Maggiore Mario Bellagambi who lead 5a Squadriglia "Diavoli Rossi." Bellagambi claimed 10 kills during his career. He is generally acknowledged to be one of the most aggressive and dynamic Italian fighter pilots.
Bellagambi’s aircraft was finish in an overall scheme of RLM 83/81/82 over RLM 76. The "Diavoli Rossi" emblem was painted on a patch of dark green. The model was painted with an Iwata Eclipse using Floquil PolyScale paints through out. Decals came from Third Group’s sheet 48-040. This sheet provides markings for three II Gruppo Caccia 109s. Bellagambi’s G-14 wears a rare black outline fuselage Balkenkreuz. Weathering was completed using illustrator’s inks and a final flat finish using Golden’s Matte MSA varnish.
"The Messerschmitt 109 in Italian Service 1943-1945" by Ferdinando D’Amico and Gabriele Valentini "Air War Italy 1944-45" by Nick Beale, Ferdinando D’Amico, Gabriele Valentini
Article, Model and Images Copyright © 1999 by David Lake
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Hasegawa’s
1/48th Bf-109G-14 was used to model Bellagambi’s "yellow 1." FM Details
cockpit set was used for this model. The resin parts are sharply molded and free of
bubbles. After painting, the cockpit parts drop fit into the fuselage replacing the
original kit parts. Photo etched parts are provided for the instrument panel, seat belts
and detail parts. The Hasegawa kit fits together well with very few problem areas and
little need for putty. While being a bit short in the nose, the kit looks like a Bf-109
when finished.