Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4

Hussar Decals, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

Eduard’s release of their 1:32 scale series on the Bf109E has created renewed interest in this aircraft.

As expected, one can look forward to a plethora of aftermarket enhancements for this fighter and
Hussar Productions have submitted theirs with a vengeance.

The options themselves are perennial favourites and are perfectly suited for this larger scale. Modellers tend to avoid many of these schemes in the smaller scales due to the perceived skill level needed with the airbrush. Now with a bigger canvas at the ready these subjects are back in the spotlight.

Seven options are supplied on the 8.5” x 11’ decal sheet and this is accompanied by an equally large instruction booklet. Each aircraft is presented on its own page with full colour upper, lower, and side views.

The printing is first class with no registration problems whatsoever. The chosen colours on my example were excellent and the density appears sufficient to not allow any bleeding through of the base camouflage.

Subjects are as follows:

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-7/B, Stab II/JG 54, March - April 1941, Romania

One of the most well known JG54 aircraft is that of Lt. Heindl. It was a well travelled machine and survived to take part in the Russian campaign. It is depicted here with the extra yellow trim that was added to the wing tips and trailing edges as well as the additional band around the fuselage.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-7, III.JG77 (ex 5./JG54), May 1941, Romania

This aircraft was formally with JG54 as clearly seen by the camouflage scheme instigated by that unit in the latter part of 1940. The other giveaway of course is the “Lion of Aspern” badge under the windscreen which shows her previous affiliation with II./JG54. The Wolf badge was applied after her arrival to III./JG 77 and although usually black, colour photographs show this to be more of a tan colour. Fortunately this is how Hussar Productions have reproduced it.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-7, 2./JG 3, January – February 1941, St Omer, France

Here we have a lovely example of a JG 3 aircraft which was photographed during its transfer from I/JG3 to III/JG51. It proudly displays its “Winged Dragon” emblem which is in the Staffel colour of red and this shade has also been used, along with white, to segment the spinner tip. The curved boundaries of the latter are unusual, as is the striped scheme seen on the fuselage sides. It appears the new owner was going to be Fw. Werner Bielefeldt, a pilot of 7/JG 51, as he is often seen photographed in front of it.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-7/trop, 1./JG 27, Spring 1941, North Africa

Although this aircraft is not attributed to any particular pilot, the style of “5” is perfect for the mount of Ofw. Albert Espenlaub. The “scribble” pattern on the fuselage sides as depicted in the instructions also mimics that seen on his North African “Emil”. Espenlaub scored 14 victories before being made a POW on 13 December 1941. Sadly he was shot dead trying to escape just over two months later.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4, III.JG77 (ex II./JG54), May 1941, Greece.

Another ex JG54 machine that found its way to III./JG77 was “white 11”. It too retains the II./JG 54 badge from its former service. The camouflage is consistent with its Battle of Britain days although the colour images of this aircraft suggest that the usual RLM 02 infill has been changed to that of a darker colour. Although there are victory markings on the rudder, the pilot is unknown.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4, I./JG 51, early August 1940, Northern France.

The typical RLM 71/02 camouflage adorns the upper surfaces of this machine with a combination of colours forming the fuselage mottle. Although yellow is seen on the wing tips and rudder, photographs of this aircraft point to the nose section being finished in the rarely used white recognition marking.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4, flown by Oblt. Albrecht Drehs, Stab III./JG54.

On 12 August Drehs was forced to land in a field at Hengrove which is near Margate, Kent. His aircraft displays a white chevron and bar, both outlined in black, and the distinctive III. Gruppe emblem on the upper cowl. This emblem consisted of three white aircraft silhouetted against a black and red “Jesau” cross.

This is a well thought out release for giving your “Emil” an appearance not traditionally found in large scale kits.

The choice of subjects is perfect for those wanting intricate schemes on their aircraft and yet there are also a couple that allow the more conservative modellers to demonstrate their skills. The quality of the product is unquestioned and the number of items on the sheet is commendable.

This product is the ideal way to dress your “Emil” in a livery that will stand out from the crowd.

Thanks to Air Connection for the sample

Hussar Products are available online from Air Connection

Text and Images Copyright © 2009 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 2 June, 2009
Last updated 2 June, 2009

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