Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

EC #74 & EC #75 - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4s are available online from Squadron.com

First I would like to thank EagleCals for being brutally honest and forthright. If I may quote in part from the instructions to both sets of decals: “ Unfortunately good photo references, especially of colorful machines, are scarce. … As a result, much of what we try to identify is speculations. … More than ever, the modeler has to make the final decision.”

These words of warning should be on all things modeling, for there is rarely a clear, four view set of photographs for any aircraft. So much obsessing can be reduced to a EagleCals’ simple solution, “…the modeler has to make the final decision”. A solution to which I subscribe whole heartedly.

Now for the decals. Each set contains markings for four K-4s, primarily in the green and grey topside camouflage. However, there are only enough national markings to do one to two full aircraft, depending on your choice of national markings for the tops of the wings. There is a full set of stencils for only one aircraft.

Unless otherwise noted, all the aircraft on both sheets are RLM 75 Grey-Violet and RLM 83 Dark Green with undersides in RLM 76 Light Blue. Also, for all aircraft you are given the option of using the open outline crosses for the wing tops, or crosses filled in with what appears to be Dark Green.

EC #74

1. Yellow 1; W. Nr. 334176; Uffz. Martin Deskau; III./JG 3, April 1945 – This is the aircraft with the little insect carrying a spear and with the hand painted last three digits of the W. Nr. “176”. Oddly there is not a decal for the number “176”. You are give the size of the script in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32, so I presume you get to do your own scrawl, just like the person who marked the original. There are two options for the color of the insect’s body, either white or a pale blue. Both nicely printed.

2. White 5; W. Nr. Unknown; Pilot Unknown; NJG 11?; Date Unknown – This aircraft is overall RLM 76 Light Blue with an irregular mottling of RLM 83 on the fuselage and upper surfaces and some RLM 66 on the cowl. The canopy frame is RLM 66.

3. Yellow 8 “Mary”; W. Nr. Unknown; Pilot Unknown; 11./JG 3, March 1945 – A dark color applied to the fuselage under the individual aircraft number. The rudder has a different 75/83 pattern (The rudder may be a replacement or subcontracted).

4. Green 9; W. Nr. Unknown; Pilot Unknown; JG 27; date Unknown – Rudder painted in a different pattern of RLM 75/83 (may be replacement or subcontracted). Home defense band is Green.

EC #75

1. Black Chevron; W. Nr. Unknown; Pilot Unknown; May 1945 – Fin probably painted in 81/83, with rudder from another aircraft in 75/83/76. The white outline of the fuselage cross appears to have a mottle of a green color. Home defense band is Green.

2. Yellow 1; W. Nr. Unknown; Lt. G Landt; 11./JG 53; April 1945 – Dark panel under the left wing. Upper surfaces lighter than usual 75. Wavy camouflage demarcation line on leading edge of wings. Radio access cover is lighter than the surrounding area. Home defense band is Black The Yellow 1 appears to be applied over a painted out numeral 2. However no decal is provided for the painted out 2, but a template for the 2 is supplied.

3. Black 8; W. Nr. Unknown; Pilot Unknown; 14./JG 53; may 1945 – The RLM 75 on the fuselage appears dark, with the aircraft appearing quite dirty. The fin and rudder are 81/83. A light color is applied around the MW system filler neck. Home defense band is Black

4. White 10; W. Nr. Unknown; Pilot Unknown; 9./JG 27; May 1945 – The fin and rudder are 81/83. Home defense band (narrow) is Green.

These two sheet should provide good options for modelers building the 109 k-4s, which in my opinion is often under-represented in the Gallery and Features sections. However, I wish EagleCals had found the space to do the decals for the numerals “176” on sheet #74, and the over painted “2” on sheet #75. At the final stage of completing a kit, many modelers will not want to trust their shaky hand.

Recommended.

Thanks to Judy at Eagle Editions for the preview images

EagleCals decals are available from Eagle Editions Website or Hobby Retailers including Squadron.com
 

Preview Text Copyright © 2004 by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
This Page Created on 29 June, 2004
Last updated 28 June, 2004

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