Bf 109 G-2 & Bf 109 G-4
Wunderschöne Neue Maschinen Pt. 2

Eduard Limited Edition Dual Combo
1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 G series, or Gustav, was introduced in mid-1942.

Its initial variants (G-1 through G-4) differed only in minor details from the Bf 109 F, most notably in the more powerful 1,475 PS (1,085 kW; 1,455 hp) DB 605 engine.

Odd-numbered variants were built as high-altitude fighters with a pressurised cockpit and GM-1 boost, while even-numbered variants were un-pressurised, air superiority fighters and fighter-bombers.

Long-range photo-reconnaissance and tropical variants were also produced.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 / G-6 in 1/72 scale

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 / G-4 has rarelty been kitted in 1/72 scale.

The best, if not only, small scale mainstream early Bf 109 G is Fine Molds. These were first released in 2005. Exterior recessed surface details are refined and it is considered to be generally accurate, but with just 39 grey plastic parts, the model is simplified in places.

But now, nearly two decades later, Eduard has finally thrown their hat into ring with these 1/72 scale Bf 109 G-2 and G-4 kits.

Eduard's debut 1/72 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Bf 109 F-2 & Bf 109 F-4 Wunderschöne Neue Maschinen Pt. 1 Limited Edition Dual Combo, released earlier in 2023.

Wunderschöne Neue Maschinen Pt. 2 has now been launched, covering the Bf 109 G-2 and G-4.

The kit includes parts for two complete models - one Bf 109 G-2, and one Bf 109 G-4. You can build one of each or two of the same variants - ultimate flexibility.

The visible external differences between the two types is that the G-4 has the kidney-shaped bulges on the upper wing to provide clearance for the wider main wheels, and the G-2 has not. Please note , though, that one of the G-2 options does actually have the upper wing wheel bulges.

Eduard's 1/72 scale Wunderschöne Neue Maschinen Pt. 2 Dual Combo package comprises 229 parts in grey plastic (56 marked not for use), 22 parts in clear plastic, 1 x colour photo-etched fret with 46 parts, 1 x brass coated photo-etched fret with 86 parts, die-cut self-adhesive masking sheet, 3 x decal sheets with 14 marking options and stencils plus a 40 page instruction book.

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Thumbnail panels:

A single sprue for each model is supplied with the major parts unique to the Bf 109 G-2 and G-4, including upper wings with and without the wing bulges moulded in place.

Eduard's 1/72 scale Bf 109 F-2 / F-4 and G-2 / G-4 kits only share one sprue in common - Sprue U. Everything else is unique to the new Bf 109 G-2/G-4 kits.

Surface detail is truly gorgeous. The mid-dark grey plastic colour really shows off the crisp recessed panel lines and rows of rivets.

The recessed rivets are some of the best I have ever seen in this scale.

Stitching and fabric tape are depicted on fabric control surfaces.

Partial raised cockpit sidewall detail is moulded onto the inside of each fuselage half.

This is supplemented with additional plastic parts and colour photo-etch.

The plastic floor part has rudder pedals moulded in place. The kit supplies the conventional bucket seat and pressed metal backrest.

Two photo-etched frets are supplied. The first is a colour photo-etched fret that mainly focuses on the cockpit. This photo-etched fret is pre-coloured and offers a layered instrument panel, half-tone harness straps, rudder pedals and other cockpit details. Parts for both models are supplied on the one fret. I particularly like the red and white segmented trim wheel - that will save some tricky painting!

The second photo-etched set is brass plated and features a myriad of parts for the exterior and the cockpit.

Alternative plastic parts are provided in case you don't like working with photo-etch. Two instrument panel decal overlays are also offered as an option to painting the plastic panel.

In common with its 1/48 scale cousin, this kit also features a clear fuel line for the starboard cockpit sidewall.

External details are included too, including mesh radiator faces.

The fuselage halves are full length. The vertical tail is a separate part. It features a long locating tab that should ensure robust fit.

Horizontal talplanes are moulded as a single part including the elevators.

The fuselage has open inserts for the cowl gun troughs with separate inserts.

Wings are conventional and will look familiar to anyone who has built Eduard's 1/48 scale Bf 109 G kits. The lower half is full span, while the uppers are split into port and starboard. Wheel well structural detail is moulded onto the inside of the upper wing. Wheel well and gear leg sidewalls are a simple single piece for each side.

Pay attention to the instructions here as you may need to drill out holes for the version that you are building.

Landing flaps, ailerons and leading edge slats are all separate parts. The flaps are designed to be displayed dropped, but it will be a simple matter to cut off the locating tabs and reposition them. it looks like the slats are designed to be dropped too, but once again if you'd prefer them retracted you can cut off the tabs.

The radiator flaps are moulded shut.

The pitot tube is moulded to the wing leading edge. This is inevitably delicate and Eduard has provided insurance in the form of a separate pitot tube on the sprues. I'll be cutting off the moulded-on parts and using this separate pitot tube for my build. Thanks Eduard!

Other options include bomb and centreline rack; two styles of centreline drop tank, tropical filter, under wing cannon gondolas, alternative propellers and exhausts, and various styles of long or short tail wheel. Some of these are marked "not for use" but will be relevant to later releases.

Unlike Eduard's 1/48 scale Bf 109 kits, the undercarriage legs of these 1/72 scale Gustavs are moulded with deep locating pegs that should guarantee a robust join plus accurate splay and rake. I'd like to see this nice design feature upscaled for future Eduard Bf 109 releases in all scales.

26 clear parts are supplied on a single sprue. Most of these are not used but there are some tantalising Erla canopies on the sprue that confirm the G-6 and G-14 variants are not far away

Clear parts include the three-part canopy, the clear cockpit fuel line, gunsight and wing tip navigation lights.

The parts are thin and clear.

Markings

Markings are supplied for a generous 14 colour schemes and markings.

With its widespread service on the Western Front, the Eastern Front and the Western Desert, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 F had some of the widest camouflage schemes of this famous family.

The unique and national markings are supplied on one large decal sheet.

Two smaller sheets provide the stencil markings.

Eduard expands their gorgeous family of small scale Bf 109s with this new Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 / G-4 release.

With its gorgeous surface textures, an impressive level of detail with no compromise considering its small scale and many useful options, this little gem will be hard to keep in the box.

USD$44.95 sounds like outstanding value too!

Purchased by the Reviewer

Review Text Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 21 November, 2023
Last updated 21 November, 2023

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