In the annals of Bf-109 history, the G-10 fits into an interesting section. It is the only 109 version that was not new-built. All of the G-10 airframes were rebuilds of other types of 109, mostly the 109G-6. The G-10 pretty well standardized on a number of features that were to be used in the later 109K. Some of these being the MW-50 water/alcohol injection system (requiring the use of 100 octane fuel and thereby the requirement for red landing gear/wheels), the taller wooden tail unit, wider wheels with 'puncture proof' tires (requiring the larger upper wing 'wheel bump'), and the newer 'Galland hood' canopy. Some aircraft also had a taller tail wheel, though that isn't given in the ProModeler kit.

This kit is a US boxing of the Revell of Germany release. The kit itself is molded in Poland as German labor is much more expensive. In Europe this kit retails for about $5.00, however we get the much more expensive ProModeler boxing. For your additional $8.50, you get a really great instruction sheet, complete with photos of the real aircraft, and a much better decal sheet, complete with swastikas, which are not in the German release.

What is in the box other than a great decal sheet and instructions are two sprues of light grey plastic and one canopy (single piece and non-opening). The molding is what one expects from today's (well actually 1996), modeling art. Fine engraved panel lines, a full interior, and complete wheel wells. In addition, you get a separate rudder. Actually, I would have preferred this to be part of the fuselage halves as it isn't a complete rudder, leaving the balance area on the fin itself. Another anomaly and one that is rather difficult to understand, is that the supercharger intake is a solid piece and not hollow. Sure, it isn't a big deal for most of us to drill that out, but it shouldn't be required. Another oddity is that the chin bulges (to clear some oil cooler lines) are separate items. Molding these in with the fuselage would have looked so much nicer. One can only suppose that this was done so that another version could be kitted from this mold, but as of yet, none has been done. Finally, the armor plate is molded as part of the fuselage, wherein it was really a separate bit that attached to the canopy. 

The decal sheet is very nice and includes two aircraft, both of them in mid-war colors of RLM 74/75 uppers and RLM 76 lowers. I would have thought that later war colors would be appropriate, but I'll let the builder do the research on that. The two schemes are pretty similar except for the unit markings and fuselage coverage. The 7./JG 52 aircraft is shown on the box top and has the single yellow tailband as well as some personal markings under the cockpit. 14./JG5 was based in Norway and has the black and yellow tailband as well as a yellow rudder. Spinner spirals for both schemes are provided as decals so those don't have to be painted on. There is also a full stencil suite as well as decals for the seat.

One of our reviewers has already done a very nice review of this kit using the 14./JG5 markings. You can see it here.

Despite my picky gripes, it looks like a very nice 109 kit and the only one of a G-10 in this scale. I already have a very interesting set of markings set out for this kit!

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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