Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-4

Eduard Weekend Edition, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

In September 1942, the G-4 appeared; this version was identical to the G-2 in all aspects, including performance, except for being fitted with the FuG 16 VHF radio set, which provided much clearer radio transmissions and had three times the range of the earlier HF sets. Externally this could be recognised by the position of the fuselage antenna lead-in which was moved further aft to between frames seven and eight on the fuselage spine. Due to the steady weight increases of the 109, from the spring of 1943 larger 660 × 160 mm (26 × 6.3 in) mainwheels were introduced, replacing the previously used 650 × 150 mm (25.6 × 6 in) type. The undercarriage legs were altered so that the wheel's vertical axis was nearly upright rather than being parallel with the oleo leg.

These changes resulted in the fitting of teardrop-shaped fairings to the upper wing surface above the wheel-wells to accommodate the upper part of the mainwheels. The larger wheels and fairings were often retrofitted to G-2s. In addition, a larger 350 × 135 mm (14 × 5 in) tailwheel replaced the original 290 × 110 mm (11 × 4 in) one; the larger tailwheel no longer fitted the recess, so the retraction mechanism was disconnected and the tailwheel fixed down. Up to July 1943, 1,242 G-4s were produced, with an additional four in Gy?r and WNF factories in the second half of 1943. Between January and February 1943, 50 examples of a pressurized version, the G-3 were also produced; similar to the G-1 although it was equipped with the same FuG 16 VHF radio set as the G-4.

* Historical summary courtesy of Wikipedia

Eduard's 1/48 scale Bf 109 G-4 Weekend Edition comprises 186 parts in grey plastic, although there are 98 marked "not for use", bringing the total actually used to 88. There are also 14 parts in clear (8 not used) and markings for four aircraft.

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Thumbnail panels:

Eduard has supplied one set of wings. These have the wheel bulges on the upper surfaces.

Full wheel well ceiling detail is also moulded onto the inside of the upper wings.

The fuselage is presented as a full-length side per half, including the fin moulded in place, so there should not be any dramas with aligning multiple parts. The upper cowl is moulded to each fuselage half too, with inserts provided for the gun troughs.

In 2013, Eduard’s Spitfire family set a new benchmark for 1/48 scale surface detail, and this Bf 109 G-4 is equally impressive in this regard. Panel lines are very crisp, fine and even. Lines of rivets are present, but they are very subtle.

Fabric matches this high standard, with strip and stitching texture beautifully presented on the control surfaces. If you look closely enough, you will even see the zig-zag pinking edges on the fabric strips.

The cockpit is fitted with the G-style pan seat

The canopy is offered in three pieces with the windscreen, fixed rear section and poseable centre. The inclusion of the clear fuel line is a welcome touch. The inspection tube may be masked so that it remains clear after painting.

The circular wheel wells are nicely detailed. Eduard depicts the wheel well sidewalls with the zippered canvas covers at the front and rear. The fabric texture looks good, and the zipper is represented by a raised line.

The exhausts are supplied in one piece for each side with an optional moulded-on shroud. The centreline weld beads are present, and each of the stacks are hollowed out at the end.

Three propeller assembly options are supplied with nice pitch collar and hub detail.

Two styles apply to earlier versions, while the third is appropriate for the Bf 109 G-2.

Engineering and Options

The model may be built as a standard G-4, or a G-4/Trop, or an R6 gunboat.

Other options are also available on the sprues although not necessarily mentioned in the instructions.

The kit is broken down conventionally. The fuselage is full-length with no structural inserts. The two deep pressed gun troughs are separate parts.

The upper and lower cowls are moulded as part of the fuselage sides.

The initial release supplied two full sets of wings - one with the wheel bulges on the upper wings and one without. This time around, we are only offered the non-bulged wipper wing halves.

There are a quite a number of options on the sprues that apply to earlier or later versions, so pay attention to the instructions.

Your spares box will enjoy a boost!

The wing tips are moulded as part of the upper wing halves with solid navigation lights and the pitot tube moulded in place.

All control surfaces are separate, including leading edge slats, ailerons, flaps, elevators and rudder. The ramps at the leading edges of the radiator housings and the cooling flaps at the back of the oil coolers are moulded shut. All the radiator faces are supplied as photo-etched parts.

Many options are offered on the sprues including a drop tank, bombs, bomb racks and different styles of wheel hubs. Some of these relate to earlier and later Bf 109 G or F versions and do not apply, but others – even though they are marked “not for use” – might come in handy for the enterprising modeller.

Check your references to see which of these features is present on your preferred subject – a number of different combinations are possible.

Markings

Markings are supplied for four varied Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-4s:

• Bf 109G-4, WNr. 19527, Fw. Viktor Petermann, 5./JG 52, Anapa, the Soviet Union, June 1943

• Bf 109G-4/R6, Obfw. Rainer Pottgen, 3./JG 27, Fels am Wagram, Austria, February 1944 

• Bf 109G-4/Trop, WNr. 10795, Oblt Wolfgang Tonne, CO of 3./JG 53, Bizerta, Tunis, February 1943

• Bf 109G-4/R6, Hptm. Waldemar Wubke, CO of 7./JG 54, Lille-Vendeville, France, March 1943

The two decal sheets are the current style produced by Eduard.

Printing and registration look good on my sample.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Bf 109 G-4 kit is well detailed and boasts surface textures as good as anything currently available.

The omission of coloured photo-etched parts in this Weekend Edition result in a lower price and still a decent level of detail.

I have already built at least four of Eduard's 1/48 scale Bf 109 G kits and they were all a joy to work on - straightforward engineering, brilliant fit and a gorgeous result once they're finished. I have no reason to expect that this kit will be any different.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2025 by Brett Green
Page Created 6 November, 2024
Last updated 24 January, 2025

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