Background

Eduard have revisited the Bf 109G-10 for the latest addition to their growing range of 1:48 Gustavs. WNF stands for Wiener Neustädter Flugzeugwerke, which built over 8,500 Bf 109s at their plant south of Vienna and there are some significant changes compared with the Bf 109G-10 Mtt. Regensburg kit released last year.

The Kit

Eduard's new version of the Bf 109G-10 arrives in an attractive top-opening box with all the sprues and accessories bagged separately. The sample withstood two trips in the post, reaching me in perfect condition. The kit comprises:

108 x dark grey styrene parts ( 87 not needed)
6 x clear styrene parts ( 4 not used)
47 x etched parts (plus 1 spare and a scribing template)
A sheet of kabuki tape painting masks

The large number of unused parts is a by-product of the way Eduard have based all their Gustavs around the same core set of sprues, adding new toolings to suit each new version. So, you get a mass of unused parts for your spares box. In this case there are bombs and underwing cannon, plus alternative-style canopies, propellers, wheels and rudders to name a few - the list goes on.

With the two largest sprues unchanged from earlier boxings, the focus of attention is inevitably the new moulds for the fuselage and wings, along with new mainwheels, propeller and a number of smaller details.

The obvious major change is the new top surfaces for the wings, which feature the late-style bulges which were introduced on the real aircraft to allow larger tyres to be fitted to the mainwheels.

Turning to the fuselage, at first glance you might think it’s identical to that included in kit #82119 – Bf 109G-10 Mtt. Regensburg (reviewed HERE), but you’d be mistaken; there are some changes to the panel details around the nose, and the way the revised windscreen fits has been changed slightly. I can't see any need for this from a construction point of view, because the only difference seems to be a different ventilation inlet, so perhaps it's to ensure modellers can't fit the other type of windscreen by mistake.

In terms of moulding, the new version matches earlier releases with it’s superb surface detail that boasts multiple depths of engraving and beautifully delicate embossed rivets and fasteners. I couldn’t find any problems worth worrying about with flash, and the only hint of sinkage which I picked up on first inspection is on the back of the propeller blades (an area to check on almost every kit of a prop-driven aircraft).

Test Fit

Eduard’s previous Gustavs have fitted together beautifully (see the full-build of the 'G-6 HERE) and a quick check of the main parts here promises a similar trouble-free assembly. Sprue attachments on the fuselage are on the gluing surface to preserve the surface detail, so you’ve got a little bit of careful trimming and sanding to do before you can get started, but with that out of the way it’s plain sailing thereafter.

A Few Details

As with the previous ProfiPACK kits in the series, the new ‘G-10 offers alternative ways of tackling the cockpit. There’s a colour photo-etched instrument panel to replace the moulded plastic one if you wish – but the latter certainly won’t look shabby once the supplied decals for the instruments are applied. The same hold true for the details on the sidewalls, and the beauty for me is that you can mix and match the two media to fit your own style of working to best effect. Whichever you choose, the result will be a very nicely detailed “office”. Rounding everything off is a colour-etched seat harness, which you’ll need to handle with a degree of care when bending it to shape (the colour can flake off if you’re over-zealous).

The etched fret comes into play again with the exhausts, offering alternative shields to replace the moulded-on styrene versions. Based on the earlier kits, I’ve got to say it really is worth using the etched shields for scale appearance – but the great thing is, if you mess up, there are the all-plastic versions to fall back on. (Note: to make painting easier, you can fit the exhausts perfectly well after you’ve applied the camouflage if you leave the spinner base (part H67) loose to allow access.

Along with the late-style bulges on the wings come new tyres and wheels. The new “fat” tyres feature delicate raised lines like the originals and should look pretty good. I’m sure Eduard will release Brassin wheels for the kit, but those included aren’t bad at all. They’re moulded “un-weighted”, so I’ll file small flats to avoid the kit seeming to stand on tip-toe.

The cockpit canopy is crystal clear and can be posed open. Kabuki painting masks are provided for both the canopy (exterior only) and the armoured headrest. There’s a restraining wire if you model the canopy open, plus a canopy latch and handholds.

Painting & Decals

As usual with a ProfiPACK kit, the instructions are printed as a classy A4 colour booklet. The assembly diagrams are very clear, and there are useful supplementary views showing different angles in several places.

Eduard provide colour matches for Gunze Sangyo paints along with the original RLM codes.

The decal options feature four aircraft, and it's refreshing to see that two of them served with air forces fighting alongside the Luftwaffe:

A. Bf 109G-10/U4, White 11 "Rosemarie", II./JG 52, Brno, Protektorat Böhmen und Mähren, April 1945
B. Bf 109G-10/U4, W.Nr 612769, "Yellow 12", 101. Vadászezred, Hugarian Air Force, Neubiberg, Germany, May 8th, 1945
C. Bf 109G-10/U4, "White 5", W.Nr 611048, II./JG 52, Neubiberg, May 8th, Germany, 1945
D. Bf 109G-10/U4, "White 15", Jasta 5, Russian Liberation Army, Nemecky Brod, Protektorat Böhmen und Mähren, May 1945

Oddly, the sheet seems to contain markings for an additional aircraft featuring a yellow 11 superimposed over a black 7 - but it's not illustrated and there's no mention of the numbers in the descriptions of the schemes listed above.

EDIT - Thanks to Aeroscale member Kev Thompson for solving the mystery: the extra markings are part of the contents for Bunny Kit BFC 071 for a machine belonging to II./JG52 fitted with an original-style fin and rudder.

The decals themselves look to be excellent quality, being thin and glossy with precise register and minimal excess carrier film around most of the items. A nice touch is the inclusion of painting masks for the upper surface crosses on the Hungarian machine.

Conclusion

After the rocky false start a few years ago, Eduard’s retooled 1:48 Gustavs are real gems – combining great detail with straightforward assembly. Yes, there are a few things I wish they'd tackled differently (such as the solid navigation lamps and moulded-on pitot tube) but, like the rest of the series, I can thoroughly recommend Eduard's new version of the Bf 109G-10 to all Luftwaffe enthusiasts.

Less experienced modellers may want to dispense with the optional photo-etched parts (and I'm sure there will be a "Weekend Edition" before long tailored to fit), but this ProfiPACK edition represents excellent value for money if you make full use of all the extras.

It’s worth noting that at the time of writing Eduard are offering a 20% discount on the standard price of the kit in their web-store. Working out at less than £20, the reduced price is almost irresistible.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.