Hasegawa 1/32 scale conversion
Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2

by Greg Smith

Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-4 is available online from Squadron

Three years ago I purchased two Bf 109 model kits, one larger, one smaller.  I began the larger one first but this summer decided I needed a break.  I decided to build the smaller kit, a 1/32 Hasegawa G-4.

I have always been struck by how much the silhouette and markings of the Bf 109 resemble the protective coloration of sharks, game fish and reptiles.  I knew I wanted a paint scheme that suggested the sinister markings of such predators, and so it was easy to settle on Bf 109 G-2 “Black 1” of 5./JG 53, Comiso Sicily from October 1942.  The aircraft features a mottled green and brown camouflage pattern on the upper fuselage, similar to the patterns found on some of nature’s hunters.

While some modelers are fascinated by the bumps, bulges and blisters of later Bf109 variants, the clean streamlined shape of the F and early G series Bf 109s have always seemed more appealing to my eye.   This particular “Black 1” of a G-2 offered both the paint scheme and version I was seeking.

There is ample documentation for this aircraft.  A black-and-white photo and profile artwork of the aircraft appear in Luftwaffe Colours V4 Section 2, “Jagdwaffe – The Mediterranean 1942-1943” by Classic Publications.  The same aircraft is also on the rear cover of AJ Press’s “Messerschmitt Me 109 Pt. 2”.  The challenges of interpreting black-and-white photos are evident – the artwork of the first reference shows the tail as white with the side numeral edged in white, while the second’s side view artwork shows a yellow rudder and red trim on the side number.  I elected to follow the second scheme as it provided more color to the finished model.

The model was built largely stock, with a resin cockpit and retractable tailwheel from the Aires “F” conversion kit. 

Decals were per the kit, however I could find no red-trimmed black number 1 in any aftermarket decal set, so I masked and painted my own.

Before beginning the project I purchased Floyd S. Werner, Jr.’s Master Class Model Building video, “Building the Bf 109G-6”.  In my opinion this video is superb, and was as important in building the model as my Paasche VL airbrush.  I followed Floyd’s advice to the letter. The techniques shown easily transfer to the G-2 version here and would work for any aircraft model. 

The model went together easily with no issues.  Model Master enamels were used throughout. 

Building this model was great fun and has inspired me to get back to work on my ‘larger’ project – a 1/6 scale, 61” span Brian Taylor Bf 109.  Small or large, the Bf 109 series provides endless fascination in variety and colors of historical subjects available.  I haven’t decided yet if I will finish the flying model as an “F” or a “G”, but I estimate I have about a year’s worth of work before I need to begin planning the finish. 

If I need another break, I’m thinking of a 1/48 Focke-Wulf 190…

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Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2008 by Greg Smith
Page Created 29 December, 2008
Last Updated 29 December, 2008

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