Stormo! Online Magazine has released the latest in its series of decal sheets focusing on Italian Bf 109 aces. As you'd expect, the subjects this time are mostly from the final months of the war in Europe, with late-mark '109G and a solitary 'K sporting some very attractive Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana colour schemes.

Once again the decals are available in 1:48 and 1:32 scales, and are custom-printed by Cartograf. Stormo! have kindly supplied the 1:32 version for review and the quality of the sample sheet is quite superb, with pin-sharp registration, excellent colour-depth and crystal clear carrier film on the thin, glossy items.

The subjects featured on the 1:32 scale sheet are as follows:
1. Bf 109G-6/R3, W.Nr. unknown, flown by cap. Giovanni Spagaglia, Nucleo Comando, II Gruppo Caccia, Villafranca, November 1944.
2. Bf 109G-10/U4/R3, W.Nr. 490266, flown by W/O Dino Forlani, 1a Squadriglia, I Gruppo Caccia, Lonate Pozzolo, March 1945.
3. Bf 109G-10/R3, W.Nr. 491323, flown by cap. Ugo Drago, 4a Squadriglia, II Gruppo Caccia, Aviano, February 1945.
4. Bf 109G-10, W.Nr. 491356, flown by magg. Adriano Visconti, 3a Squadriglia, I Gruppo Caccia, Lonate Pozzolo, February 1945.
5. Bf 109K-4, W.Nr. 333878, flown by tenente Gallori, 3a Squadriglia, I Gruppo Caccia, Lonate Pozzolo, March 1945.
6. Bf 109G-6, W.Nr. unknown, flown by maresciallo Attilo Sanson, 5a Squadriglia, II Gruppo Caccia, summer 1944.
7. Bf 109G-10, W.Nr. 490379, flown by maresciallo Attilo Sanson, 5a Squadriglia, II Gruppo Caccia, Osoppo, March 1945.

Scheme #6 is noted on the instructions as only being catered for in 1:48, but in fact you can find appropriate items on the 1:32 sheet too. According to the details on the Stormo! website, the 1:48 sheet includes markings for a pair of additional Bf 109Ks, while the extra space on allows the inclusion of stencils and spinner spirals in addition to the national and personal markings shown here.

The aircraft carry an interesting mix of German and Italian national markings, some combining Luftwaffe and ANR insignia on the fuselage, some with the crosses painted out. Scheme #2 is probably my personal favourite, with its classic late-war camouflage, overpainted markings and partially n/m undersides. The schemes are illustrated with full colour side profiles and views of the upper and lower surfaces. Each aircraft is described in some detail, and the instructions include a useful list of references along with suggested kits, plus a colour guide that gives F.S. and Polly Scale Acrylic equivalents for the RLM paints.

Italian Bf 109 Aces Part III is available direct from Stormo! Magazine, priced:
1:48 scale - $14.99
1:32 scale - $15.99

As with the other sets in the series, Stormo! have prepared a special limited edition for collectors, featuring a portrait of Adriano Visconti on the cover artwork. The 1:48 special edition is already sold out, but very limited numbers of the 1:32 version are still available, priced $19.99, so be quick if you want one.

Conclusion

Beautifully produced, and backed up by Stormo!'s specialist knowledge of the subjects, this is another excellent sheet that offers fascinating alternatives to the usual Luftwaffe '109s. Highly recommended.