When
I saw the 1/24 Trumpeter ME-109 G-6, I decided to make a Diorama. The first step
was to choose the paint scheme. I would like to reproduce the model that was
flown by Erich Hartmann, the famous German ace known as “Ace of the aces”.
After a selection research I chose a paint scheme based on the picture “The
Knight at Dawn” by Jerry Crandall, mainly because it was a scheme published by
a renowned researcher and author of several specialized publications about the
subject.
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History
of the knight at dawn, by Jerry Crandall
The
Painting: The
reorganization of the Luftwaffe's Fighter Gruppen in the fall of 1944 resulted
in 4th Staffel JG 52 transferring to JG 3 thus 7th Staffel JG 52 replaced the
4th Staffel into the II Gruppe ailed used the 4th Staffel's small white
numbering system.
During
October 1944, Erich Hartmann was given command of the 7th Staffel and was
utilized as part time Gruppenkommandeur. At this time they were based in
Hungary
.
Of
all the known aircraft flown by Erich Hartmann this Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 was
the most colorful. The standard camouflage of the three grays, 74, 75, 76,
appears to have been modified by overspray possibly of 76 gray. Note the black
scallop design is different than the 109 G-6 flown by Hartmann in February 1945
when with JG 53. Also note the absence of the D-F loop antenna. Contrary to
other renderings of this aircraft, it is strongly felt that it had the yellow
under cowling as did most 109's at this time.
The
Kit
It
have 272 parts in light grey and clear injection molded plastic; metal shafts
for ailerons and flaps; rubber tires and ignition harness; photo-etched parts
for control surface hinges; 2 x springs; markings for two aircraft. two sets of
fuselage halves supplied (option of clear or grey styrene); constant and crisply
engraved panel lines; restrained flush rivet detail; good quality moldings; nice
attention to detail; workable control surfaces; nicely detailed engine and
cockpit parts; very thin, clear and accurate transparent parts; includes drop
tank, gondola cannon and G-5 cowling bulge as options.
In
a general way the kit is very good and with excellent fit and it doesn’t need
significant modifications. The first problem that I found is not due to the kit
itself, but of the chosen version because the Trumpeter kit that I acquired, the
ME-109 G-6 early version, doesn't come with the “Galland type” canopy as the
intended Hartmann’s model. This canopy, however, is available on another model
from Trumpeter: The I-109 G-6 Later. Fortunately a friend has a spare Galland
canopy and gifted me. Luckily it came in double in his kit! God exists! The kit
also doesn't come with belts and harness. To improve my model I made these parts
in photo etched, of my own production, as well as some interior details.
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I
painted my model with automotive painting in the scheme obtained from the site
of Eagle decals. I had no decals for this version so I painted the “black
smashed egg” nose detail of the type and the heart, characteristic markings of
Mr. Hartmann. To accomplish the diorama I also used a 1/24 Mercedes 540 from
Heller, painted it in the scheme of the Luftwaffe support cars colors without
further modifications.
That’s
the final result!
Marcos
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