Messerschmitt Bf 110 D+E Collection

for Eduard

OH Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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OH Models has hit the decal scene with an impressive new release in 1/48 scale - "Messerschmitt Bf 110 D+E Collection".

The decals have been specifically designed to fit Eduard's 1/48 scale Bf 110 D and E kits. The rudder and nose markings will be pretty specific fits for these kits, but codes and national markings should fit the Fujimi and Dragon kits too.

The decal sheet is printed by Fantasy Workshop and covers a full A4-sized sheet. It is big and beautiful. Colours look good, including the sometimes tricky RLM 04 Yellow, and registration is perfect. There appear to be sufficient national markings for all the options. The only printing peculiarity is that one of the outer corner outlines is missing from one of the upper wing crosses. There are plenty of thers on the sheet though.

The swastika markings are split diagonally, presumably to permit their sale into some European counties where the image is still prohibited.

The specific marking options are listed below. I have also made some notes on my opinion (and just my opinion) on some of the colour callouts:

• Bf 110 D-2 '3C+GS' of Nachtjagdgeschwader 4. Finished in overall RLM 65 (possibly RLM 76 Lught Blue though).

• Bf 110 D-2 '3U+CS' of 8./ZG26 during the battle of Crete. RLM 79 Tan over RLM 78 Light Blue. Instructions call out RLM 70 and 71 on the upper surfaces. The low demarcation splinter pattern means that this may be possible, but by 1943, the scheme was more likey to have been RLM 02 Grey and RLM 71 Dark Green

• Bf 110 D-2 'S' of an unknown unit on the Russian front during 1943. Partial winter whitewash. The instructions once again call for RLM 70 and 71 on the upper surfaces but this is almost certainly not correct. RLM 02 and 71 are most likely, although by 1943 this aircraft may have been repainted in RLM 74/75/76 greys.

• Bf 110 D 'S9+CK' Werknummer 3341 of Eprobungsgruppe210. This aircraft crash landed near Hawkhurst on the 15 August 1940 and was for a while displayed in the UK before being sent to the Vultee corporation in the USA. RLM 02 and RLM 71 on the upper surfaces with sharp demarcation along the side of the fuselage.

• Bf 110 E-1 '3C+EN' of 2./NJG 4 during February 1941. This aircraft is labelled as overall RLM 66 Black Grey, but this is actually an interior colour. I would have thought it should be RLM 22 Black. In practice though, RLM 66 will look fine on a 1/48 scale model as "scale black".

• Bf 110 E-2/ trop '3U-KS' of 8./ZG26 in North Africa mid 1942 in tropical colours of RLM 79a Tan and RLM 78 Light Blue.

• Bf 110 E-1 of 4./ZG 76 'Sondercommando Junck' Mosul, Iraq May 1941. Called out as RLM 74 and RLM 75, but at this relativey early date the upper surface colours may have been RLM 02 Grey and RLM 71 Dark Green.

• Bf 110 D-1 'S9+C' of Stab ZG1. Italy 1943 in tropical colours of RLM 79a Tan and RLM 78 Light Blue.

The instructions are really well done, with a full A4 page dedicated to each of the eight marking options.

OH Models' 1/48 scale debut release is very impressive. The eight schemes chosen are colourful and varied, the decals are beautifully presented and the instructions are well done.

Check your references carefully and make up your own mind about some of the camouflage schemes, but none of the colour callouts have an impact on the excellent decals themselves.

Highly Recommended.

Text and Images Copyright © 2010 by Brett Green
Page Created 13 October, 2010
Last updated 13 October, 2010

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