SPA Modeler

Aircraft: Erla Leipzig built Bf 109 G-10 W.Nr. 490 630 "Schwarze 15", 14./JG 4

Location: Jüterbog, Germany

Kit: Trumpeter Bf 109 G-10

Scale: 1/32

While thinking about what comes next, I wanted to make an introductory post about this project, which will make quite good use of my painting mule, as well as offer me a way to sample different ideas from SPAM modelers, including Clint, Brent, Torben, Bolleken and others, especially John Kim, who have each succeeded more admirably than I to create the stressed, steely appearance of Late War Luftwaffe subjects. Since Clint builds dioramas too, or to be more accurate, he creates a diorama for each subject, I wanted to honor his approach here, and I think I have the perfect series of photos by the brilliant Soviet Photographer Ivan Shagin of Pravda to serve as that basis. All were taken as part of a series by Shagin.

Should be interesting to watch Bruce.

Watching! The possibilities for this scheme are pretty limitless. I have no doubt you will knock it out of the park Bruce

Wonderful! I've built many 109's but never the Trumpeter kit so this will be an interesting build to watch. Be advised that the kit will require serious modifications to depict an Erla-produced G-10. Erla's G-10's were significantly different from other G-10's, especially forward of the cockpit.

The Trumpeter G-10 kit (as well as the Hasegawa G-10) portrays the WNF/MTT produced G-10. It is characterized by the half "moon" panel that transitions the fuselage from below the windscreen to the bigger cowling needed to cover the DB605D engine.


The Erla-produced G-10 featured a more elegant design to accommodate the DB605D and the whole front fuselage was redesigned, eliminating the half moon panel. It also lacks the chin bulges of the other G-10 as well having a different oil cooler.


The Revell G-10 kit is specifically designed to represent the Erla version and would be an easier choice if you wanted to go the Erla route.

John! Thank you so much for this information. Tell you what: let me send you the kit (99.9 percent complete as I think I may have pulled a few engine parts, one wing painted in various Gunze colors - should be easy to remove). I will look for the Revell. You have provided me with so much modeling and historical knowledge I would be happy to do this as a gift! Cheers!

I've think I've learned more about the 109 on SPAM than I have anywhere else. I never knew there were so many iterations - I just assumed they were all the standad marks - E, F, G etc.

Great stuff!

This is gonna be another great one to watch!

Stuart wrote:I've think I've learned more about the 109 on SPAM than I have anywhere else. I never knew there were so many iterations - I just assumed they were all the standad marks - E, F, G etc.

Great stuff!

Yes indeed... now you should look into the F-4 Phantom or B-17.... lots and lots of sub variants...

Stuart wrote:I've think I've learned more about the 109 on SPAM than I have anywhere else. I never knew there were so many iterations - I just assumed they were all the standad marks - E, F, G etc.

Great stuff!

Regarding the 109 does the phrase "can of worms" mean anything to anyone