Ask someone who knows a little about WWII aircraft what was the most important German plane of WWII and they will probably say the Me-109. They'd be right as, like the Spitfire, it was in production from day one until the end. As with all long-lived aircraft, the airframe was constantly modified until the last of the 109 series held little that was interchangeable with the first.

By far, the greatest number of 109s produced was the G series and the most produced of the G series was the G-6. This variant was built for around two years (a very long time in the early/mid 1940s) but was modified as time went on and the situation changed. Not surprisingly, many of the late war Luftwaffe aces flew this version at some time during their career.

It did not take all that long for Eduard to start with the multiple reboxings of their revamped Bf-109G kit and of course, that means the Weekend Editions. This particular boxing is of an Erla built 109G-6. Erla-constructed airframes can often be identified by having the additional bulge on the right side cannon breech cover and by having a ragged edge to the upper wing splinter camouflage.

Typical of this level of kit, the plastic is just the same as their $20.00 more expensive Profipack kits, but if you feel you do not need the photo etch, the masks or the wider markings options, then this is very much the kit to buy. A real benefit of the way that Eduard does their kits, is that you get a ton of bits for other G-5/6 versions. If you know your 109s, you are not limited. Want a tall fin/rudder? Several are here. Want an Erla Haube? You got it. Different prop? Sure enough. How about a gunboat? The underwing 20mm cannon are included as well.

Just like the more expensive kit, you get separate flaps, slats, elevators, ailerons, and rudders. In place of p.e. you get plastic radiator grilles. Decals are provided for the instruments and there are even decals for the seat harness. A set of alternate exhaust with the upper shields molded in place are on the sprue as well. I like that there is a clear plastic fuel line in the cockpit for the drop tank. This allows one to paint it yellow and still leave the clear view part.

Instructions are well done and offer Gunze paint references. Unlike most Weekend Editions, this one has two marking options. Both are RLM 74/75/76. The larger image on the box art is yellow 12 of Heinrich Ehrler with JG 5 in Finland in June 1943. The other is Gerhard Barkhorn's plane from September 1943. The decal sheet is nicely done. Not shown is a slightly smaller sheet that has all the data markings on it. A separate guide is provided for placement of stencils. Interestingly, on the back of the instruction booklet is an advert touting a bunch of aftermarket options, which sort of defeats the purpose of buying the less expensive boxing.

Those of us working on a budged appreciate these boxings from Eduard. They offer a nice kit at a reasonable price. Many don't want the bells and whistles so this one fills the bill nicely.

April 2017

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Thanks to me for the preview kit.

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