Camouflage Decals - Bf 109G from MMP
- Details
- Published on Fri, 3 Feb 2012
Camouflage Decals - Bf 109G
Mushroom Model Publications
Folder containing 3sets of decals/stencils plus 3 double sided 'posters' – Decals in 1/72 and 1/48
ISBN 978-83-61421-54-2 UK£9.99
Although this is not what most people would describe as a 'book', it does have an ISBN number. It is a full colour A4 folder with a pocket containing four A4 - glossy one side/semi -gloss on the reverse side – 'posters' and a clear A4 re-sealable plastic envelope containing a Techmod decal sheet with decals in 1/72 and 148 scales.
This is the second in the new MMP 'Camouflage and Decals' series, and this set is for the following late series Messerschmitt Bf 109G aircraft:
Bf 109G-10/U4 W.Nr 612769 (Diana) 101st Fighter Regiment MKHL, Neubiberg, April, 1945
Bf 109G-10/U4/R2 W.Nr. 770269 (9WNF), 2./NAGr 14, Fürth, May, 1945
Bf109G-14/AS W.Nr. 784993 (Mtt Reg.), flown by Uffz. Herbert Maxis, 13./JG 53, Nellingen, December, 1945
As an ex publisher, and now a reviewer of model related material, I see many publications which, and I am being kind here, leave much to be desired in terms of presentation and quality.
No such problems with MMP and this folder of goodies! Unfortunately, my photography will not do justice to the sheer quality of what MMP describe as 'posters'. They are top quality reproductions and beautifully printed on a light/medium weight card. Each 'poster' has, on one side, a full side colour profile of the depicted Bf 109 on a white background which is superimposed over a contrasting colour with a centralised description of the aircraft in black type at the base. This view is complemented by a wonderful gloss varnish finish – a credit to the printers.
On the reverse side, this time in a semi-gloss finish, is the opposite full length colour profile together with a smaller top view and a much fuller description of the aircraft, its history , RLM colour references and individual nuances such 'bare metal wing tips' and even the style of rudder fitted.
On that point, the fourth sheet is of great interest, again glossy one side and semi –gloss on the reverse. The glossy side has line drawing profiles showing stencil locations and, on the reverse, along with 11 RLM 'pantones' with their respective FS references, are no less than nine line drawings of rudder variants for the T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 rudders. I will have to show my ignorance here and say that I didn't realise the Germans, at this late stage, were still fine tuning the handling characteristics of the Bf 109 to that extent. I shall certainly be looking at the rudder area with great interest on any reference photographs for models I am building in the future.
The A4 Techmod decal sheet is divided into three separate marking sets and two sections – 1/72 and 1/48. There are some interesting markings on show as well, especially the Hungarian 'Balkenkreuz' in a square black background with the cross filled in with, what was believed to be, RLM 75. That would certainly make for something different on the show circuit.
The decals themselves are suitably thin and have passed my magnifying glass test with flying colours. Everything is in perfect register and which Techmod have printed to a very sharp standard with the smallest typeface in the 1/72 scale being able to be identified.
So, with a re-cap of the contents, what do you get for your hard-earned? Four excellently printed A4 'exhibition' quality 'posters' with superb reference material plus the A4 Techmod decal sheet, and for £9.99 (compare that to some other decal offerings). With the whole package contained in a pocketed folder for safe keeping, this has to be excellent value for money and a 'snip' in my view. Well done MMP/Stratus.
So what do we think?
Go for it!! And while you are at it, why not treat yourself to 'Bf 109 Late Versions Camouflage & Markings' - a new book by Kryzstof W. Wolowski which covers the late G and K variants – also from MMP.
An excellent release
Our thanks to Dr. Roger Wallsgrove of MMP for the review sample. This can be purchased in selected bookshops or, direct from MMP for a total £12 including postage and packing ( £13 from Europe). North American distributors: Casemate. Australian distributors: Platypus Publications.
Mushroom Model Publications - 3, Gloucester Close, Petersfield, Hants. GU32 3AX, UK.
Peter Buckingham
