Messerschmitt
Me 109

Part 3

1/48 scale

Lifelike Decals

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron

Reviewed by Brett Green

Lifelike Decals continues the theme of the Augsburg Eagle with their new sheet, "Messerschmitt Me 109 Part 3".

Lifelike has earned a reputation for high quality decals, and this new offering does not disappoint. The four subjects are:

1. Bf 109 G-6/AS of 10 (N) Moskito/JG 300. This is a fairly conventional G-6/AS finished in RLM 74/75/76 greys, but greatly enlivened by a large comet and trail on each side of the engine cowling, and a black lower starboard wing. This aircraft also has a red RV band on the rear fuselage.

2. Bf 109 E-3 in RLM 02/71/65 with low demarcation and a heavy mottle on the fuselage sides and fin. This aircraft has unusual Stab markings and a particularly long II Gruppe bar on the rear fuselage.

3. Bf 109 G-2/Trop in RLM 74/75/76

4. Bf 109 G-5/AS of Major Gunther Specht, Kommandeur of JG 11. The finish of this machine is truly remarkable. The fuselage is painted in an unusual application of RLM 74 and 75 over 76, but the wings are finished in two colours of very high contrast, probably either RLM 74 and 76, or RLM 75 and 76. In addition, broad white bands are painted on the inboard sections of the upper wings.  This fascinating subject is further enhaced with the broad yellow RV band of JG 11, "greyed out" Gruppe markings and kill marks on the rudder.

The decals are printed by Microscale. They are very thin and carrier film is close to the edge of all the markings. Registration is good and printing is crisp. One full set of stencil decals is supplied.

Instructions are supplied on a folded A4 full colour sheet. The history and colours of each aircraft are called out over several paragraphs, and each scheme is thoroughly referenced.

This is an attractive decal package that permits the modeller to use the markings on several different models.

Recommended.

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733