Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
 

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FirstLook

Bf 109D-1, 679 – Hptm. Werner Molders, November 1938

The Cutting Edge instructions, as well as Vol. One, Sec 2 of the Jagdwaffe series, indicate that this aircraft was painted in RLM 62 (Medium Green) over 65 (Light Blue). Others, including Patrick Laureau (Condor: The Luftwaffe in Spain; Hikoki Publications), indicates that it was 63 (which could mean a light gray-green or an 02 gray-green). In looking at the pictures of Molder’s aircraft, It does appear darker than other 109 Ds. Also it was not uncommon for the German pilots to have an aircraft repainted in the greens and browns, which offered better camouflage on the ground.

This aircraft has the Mickey Mouse badge carried by aircraft of 3.J/88. Mickey is shown in a black shirt and red shorts. The profile in the Jagdwaffe volume shows Mickey in all black. But an examination of the picture of Molder’s aircraft shows, in my opinion, that the shirt and shorts are two different colors.

Finally, the instructions note that the word “Luchs” (“Lynx”), may or may not appear on the left side, as the Jagdwaffe volume indicates it should.

Bf 109B-2, 630, Uffz. Wilhelm Staege, August 1937

The pilot of this aircraft is identified as Stage in the Jagdwaffe volume and as Reinhard Seiler by Patrick Laureau. I do not know which is correct.

The aircraft appears to have had RLM 62 (Medium Green) applied over the original RLM 63 (Light Gray-Green), with RLM 65 undersides. The spinner could have been either RLM 70 or the RLM 62. In the photograph in the Jagdwaffe book, it does appear quite dark.

This aircraft wears the top hat emblem which was applied to aircraft of 2.J/88 in Spain.
 

Bf 109D-1, “White 3”, 1./JG131 (1./JG2) “Richthofen” – Lt. Hermann Reifferscheidt, March 1939

The Cutting Edge sheet shows this aircraft as being painted in RLM 70 and 71 over 65. Jagdwaffe Vol. One, Sec. 3, shows the aircraft in overall RLM 70. At one time it was blasphemy to say that a Messerschmitt was painted in a single top color. However, over the years, further research seems to show that a single green was not uncommon on the Dora and maybe even some early Emils. It has not been determined whether this was done at the unit level or whether, in the interest of expediency, the Doras were hurried out of the factory in very simple dress.

This aircraft carries a white “X” on the sides of the fuselage and tops of the wings, and an odd question mark looking marking on the top of the tail planes. These markings were applied to the aircraft of the Schwarmführern of JG 131.

The aircraft also carries the “Richthofen” Geschwader badge on both sides . The swastika is of the early style, centered on the rudder hinge line, rather than placed on the fin.

This is a nice set of decals for the Bertha and Dora models of the Bf 109. As you can see, the use of this set can involve one of my favorite aspects of modeling - decision making. Should White 3, be 70/71, or should one risk going the route of current thought? Recommended for use, regardless of your decision.

Recommended

Thanks to Cutting Edge Modelworks for the review samples..

Review Copyright © 2004 by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
This Page Created on 20 October, 2004
Last updated 21 October, 2004

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