INTECH 1:72 MESSERSCHMITT BF-109G-14

 

Reviewer: Craig Caldwell  (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted:  January 2001

Aircraft:
 The exploits of the Messerschmitt Bf-109 are well documented and I can't think of anyone in modelling circles who wouldn't know what this aircraft was!!  Anyway, the Bf-109G was known as the "Gustav" by German pilots, was introduced into service in 1942 and came to be built in larger numbers than any other version.  The type underwent a number of variant updates and probably the most important one was the Bf-109G-6 which incorporated a number of changes and updates to previous versions. The last operational version was the Bf-109G-14 (the Bf-109G-16 followed but did not enter service) with lightened fixed armament but also having provision for external guns, rockets or bombs.  Equipped with the "Galland Hood" it was also essentially a fighter bomber version of the Bf-109G-6. 

The Kit:
 I've never built an Intech kit before so it was with some trepidation that I picked this one up at a recent swap meet.  It came in a bag, rather than any box and I was told by the seller that all the parts were there (it turned out he didn't lie from what I can see!).  

A few sprues of about 45 injection molded plastic in a yucky chocolate coloured plastic with optional white parts for the tail unit of the Bulgarian example.  This kit has origins a couple of decades ago but looks to have been revised when it was reissued and contains finely engraved surface detail that is quite reasonable for a lesser known mainstream kit.  The only downside to the moldings on the sprue is flash as there is a small amount of it apparent throughout the kit, especially on the smaller components such as undercarriage etc.

Instructions:
 A simple double sided sheet is supplied as the instruction sheet with about a dozen assembly steps to follow on one side, and the other contains painting and decal guides for the two versions in the kit.  RLM, FS numbers and mixes of Humbrol paints are provided.  I used the RLM codes from the SMAKR site as a double check but they don't match what was in the instructions, and I thought for a minute this great review site has finally let the modeller down!  It turns out the instructions are correct, because from another 'gospel-like' source the same thing occurred.  For example, RLM-76 is Lichtblau but the instructions quote this as Hellgrau (which is actually RLM-77!).  

Construction:
 This starts in the cockpit that comprises of floor, seat and control column.  So quite sparse in my opinion, and yes that omission is right, there is no instrument panel provided (I thought I had been jipped by the second hand seller but it's omitted from the instructions too), so I added in a piece of spare plastic and trimmed it to size and used an old Hasegawa decal for the console - quite inaccurate but it will do.  Plenty of work needed for the detailer here, but once the cockpit is closed (see below) nothing much will be seen so don't worry too much, I didn't!

The interior was given the standard RLM02 wash and then it was time to affix the fuselage halves together, and this proved not to be a problem, although the join lines needed to be removed.  A nice 'Galland Hood' is supplied and this went on okay but benefited from a slight sanding preparation work.  As noted above a white tail unit is supplied for the Bulgarian example.  As I chose to model the Reich Defence model I attached the chocolate tail unit part.  This proved to be a little problematic because it is a butt-join component that seems to have been 'cut' at an area on the model that has no logic and thus a little difficult to affix.  However, once dry there was only a requirement for a tiny slide of sanding because it sits quite well.

The wings were then sub assembled and attached to the fuselage without any hassles and only the smallest amount of filler was needed.  Likewise the tailplanes were attached although a smidgeon more of filler was required.  The canopy is one-piece and is thick and distorted and had a few scratches on my example.  They weren't big ones and thus could benefit from a dip in Krystal Klear or whatever.  It goes on quite okay to the aircraft but because of its thick nature, it does not allow a lot to be seen inside the cockpit.  I should point out here that I thought the canopy shape was excellent and one of the more accurate depictions - the Bf-109 canopy is renowned to be ill-replicated by most kit manufacturers.

The propeller was added as one of the last components of the kit and this was simply terrible!  The propeller blades are separate and the inside shaft is attached in such a way that it makes it difficult to move the propeller unit.  The 20mm nose cannon blast tube is absent from the spinner so this will need to be drilled out.  To be honest, the whole unit might as well be glued in the 'fixed' position because in making it moveable you risk knocking it off the model.

The rest of the construction process was fairly straight forward, including the very basic undercarriage component.  Aerials and masts are provided for attachment in the final stages.  All in all most of the kit went together in quite a straight forward manner.

Versions & Decals:
The kit provides for a German example of JG II, late 1944 and a Bulgarian "Red 5" of 102/1 "RICSI" Squadron, flown by Capt. I Pottyondy, mid 1945.  The decal sheet looks good, it contains a fair amount of stencilling and is in quite good register, but any attempt to get them onto the model resulted in disaster.  The decals disintegrated in water, no matter how long (or short) you left them, they are useless.

I opted for an Aeromaster sheet and produced another G-14 example provided thereon, so in short, ditch the decals, they are completely worthless!! Possibly the worst decal sheet I have come across.

Painting:
I already spoke of inaccurate RLM statements in the instruction section above. I therefore ignored what the instruction sheet said (and I would strongly recommend you do the same!) and used other reference material to paint my model.  In this case RLM 76 lichtblau went on the undersides, and with RLM 75 & 76 camouflage in the "Random RAF spread" of 1944 (replacing the previous preferences for splinter patterns) and mottled with RLM 81.  These were obtained by mixing Humbrol paints per the Humbrol chart on SMAKR as well as the official Humbrol colour reference guide.

Accuracy:
 I'd give it a serious black mark for the inaccurate RLM colour call-outs which is totally inexcusable for a modelling company, in my opinion.  However, when one ponders the accuracy of a kit they are more concerned with shape and dimensions.  In profile it looks quite convincing and I am happy with what the kit finishes up as when compared to reference photos and the like.  The kit seems to include all the right vents, bumps and intakes which is what counts, although the undercarriage is very basic and you do need to drill out the blast tube for the nose cannon.  In terms of dimensions, the model gets it so close that you could almost give it the term 'perfect' in this regard (per reference material in Bf-109 sourcebook).

Overall:
Okay you know that the RLM colours are completely wrong and the decal sheet is unusable, so can the kit still be recommended?  Well yes, with caution.  It needs aftermarket stuff for the cockpit, canopy (it's a bit on the thick side), decals etc so make sure you invest in these.  The separate tail unit is not really a positive for this kit in my opinion, because while it was perhaps good in theory it is not that way in practice.  The propeller is best fixed to the nose rather than trying to keep it a moveable piece, because it fails in this regard as a 'push fit' component.  While there are probably better Hasegawan examples to choose from this kit does build into an accurate and decent replication of one the major Gustavs!  Recommended to all skill levels other than the novice. 

 

Note: the following related reviews links have not been updated since early 2000's - more kit reviews of this aircraft may now be on SMAKR, not reflected below.  Refer to the Index for other kits of this type.

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