Roy Sutherland has released a quintet of resin wheel sets for 1:48 Messerschmitt Bf 109G and 'K kits.
Each set is packed in a clear bag with a card backing, and the upgrades fall into two styles: those intended for the Bf109G-5 though 'G-14 are produced with separate rear hubs to allow modellers to fit them to a variety of kits (including Tamiya's recent 'G-6 which has uniquely shaped locating lugs), while the "fat" wheels for the Bf 109G-10 and 'K-4 are single piece castings.
The four sets for the 'G-5 through 'G-14 are designed by Gunnar Jansson and boast wonderfully delicate and crisp hub details and even tiny manufacturer's text on the tyre sidewalls. The treads are beautifully defined - the fine lines on the plain tyres are particularly impressive - and combination of hub and tyre tread styles means you can depict any particular '109 in the above series, so long as you have suitable references.
A small sheet of generic instructions is included with the four sets above, with colour photos of the preparation of the wheels and particular attention paid to ensuring they line up correctly if you're building the Tamiya kit.
The wheels for the Bf 109G-10 and 'K-4 are single castings, so no instructions are needed, but they are equally well detailed with their revised hubs and much fatter tyres. Even the miniscule tyre inflation points are clearly depicted with a tiny valve tucked away in each opening.
The casting in each set is perfect in the review samples. Clean-up and preparation look very straightforward, and the points where the tyres attach to their casting blocks will create a small flat spot to give a slightly "weighted" look to the wheels and avoid the finished model appearing to stand on tip-toe.
Conclusion
The new Bf 109G/K wheels from Barracuda Studios are superbly produced and will augment any 1:48 kit. Being so simple to prepare and install, they're equally ideal for veteran Luftwaffe modellers and newcomers to using resin alike. Recommended without hesitation.
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Superb detail and casting. Simple to prepare and fit.Lows: None noted.Verdict: If you're building a 1:48 kit of a mid/late Bf 109G, or a 'G-10 or 'K-4, these superb resin wheels will be an ideal and affordable upgrade.
Our Thanks to Barracuda Studios! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Rowan Baylis (Merlin) FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM
I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...
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