SPA Modeler

Here is my recently completed Revell Bf 109G-10 Erla in 1/32 scale. I added a few aftermarket items including:

A.M.U.R. Reaver Bf 109G-10 Erla Resin Cowling
A.M.U.R. Reaver Bf 109G/K Resin Spinner and Prop Blades
Aires Bf 109G-10 Resin Cockpit
Barracuda Studios Bf 109G-10 Resin Exhausts
Eduard Bf 109G-10 Metal Landing Gear Legs and Gear Covers
Montex Maxi Masks
Small wheel bulge wing set from the Revell Bf 109G-6 kit

In addition to the aftermarket components, the entire aircraft was riveted using RB Productions Rivet-R tool.

I chose to portray Erich Hartmann's G-10. This machine sported Hartmann's distinctive black tulip markings on the nose.

A few more photos...

Another top notch beauty there John! I did not realize that the the Germans switched to such low vis type markings beyond national insignia at the end of the war.

Stikpusher wrote:Another top notch beauty there John!

B e a u t i f u l !!

- Kari

Wow

Thanks guys!

Stikpusher wrote:Another top notch beauty there John! I did not realize that the the Germans switched to such low vis type markings beyond national insignia at the end of the war.

One of the things that I like about the Luftwaffe is their interesting take on camo colors. Among the WW2 combatants, they did the most experimentation during the war and offer lots of interesting subjects for the modeler. The low vis markings were necessary as control of the airspace was lost and the Germans began fighting a defensive war. The gaudy emblems, kill marks on the tail and other personal marks dropped away. That's why this aircraft is unusual. Most experts would've sworn that Hartmann's last G-10 would not have had the black tulip marking on the nose but the recently-surfaced photos of the Erla-built G-10 say otherwise.

John, I am overwhelmed by the quality of this beautiful model! Stunning realism and artistry here!

John,

Thank you so much for posting these incredible photographs—your work continues to amaze by holding attention to the way you integrate individual details within a larger canvas. In this case, the resin cowling by Reaver which represents a singular technical achievement in the way you have handled the joining to the rest of the kit, and the way the AM cowling replicates the slightly beefy, oversized modified cowling present on the aircraft itself. This is the kind of work that defines what modeling aims to be—a recreation of the subject in a way that accuracy and research meet science and technology—and your work hits on all fronts, so to speak (or mix metaphors). I also must point out that the camouflage is absolutely incredible—panels feel individualized by repairs and changes within the life of the aircraft—and the soft, almost velvety feel to the layers is spot-on. This is awesome, inspiring work that gives me chills, as well as makes me feel something specifically about the time period, the aircraft and its pilot—I feel the energies of the way the Erla was put to use. You brought her to life!

jkim wrote:Thanks guys!

Stikpusher wrote:Another top notch beauty there John! I did not realize that the the Germans switched to such low vis type markings beyond national insignia at the end of the war.

One of the things that I like about the Luftwaffe is their interesting take on camo colors. Among the WW2 combatants, they did the most experimentation during the war and offer lots of interesting subjects for the modeler. The low vis markings were necessary as control of the airspace was lost and the Germans began fighting a defensive war. The gaudy emblems, kill marks on the tail and other personal marks dropped away. That's why this aircraft is unusual. Most experts would've sworn that Hartmann's last G-10 would not have had the black tulip marking on the nose but the recently-surfaced photos of the Erla-built G-10 say otherwise.

I do recall reading some where that Hartmann flew some aircraft with no tulip markings, as it was distinctive and with his reputation the sight of such markings would inspire enemy pilots to flee rather than engage. But who knows the actual truth of that.
As far as overall Luftwaffe markings went, their course was the opposite of the USAAF. When camouflage paint was introduced on factory built aircraft as War neared for the US in late 1941, markings were minimal and low key. Various theater recognition markings and colors were introduced to aid in rapid visual ID of aircraft regarding friend or foe. And lastly, as air superiority and later supremacy was achieved, camo paint was discontinued for the most part and various markings introduced or re introduced for command and control purposes of the vast air fleets. Also due to the wide variety of operational environments for USAAF aircraft their was a good amount of experimentation for paint schemes regarding those environments. And theater and unit commanders given leeway to apply colors and schemes that were more effective locally. Unfortunately us modelers are often presented with the same old/same old option choices for our projects, by both the kit companies and the aftermarket markings folks.