Messerschmitt
Me 109

Part 4

1/48 scale

Lifelike Decals

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Reviewed by Brett Green

Lifelike Decals continues the theme of the Augsburg Eagle with their new sheet, "Messerschmitt Me 109 Part 4".

Lifelike has earned a reputation for high quality decals and unique subjects, and this new offering does not disappoint. Similar to their earlier offerings, Lifelike has not focused on a single variant. The four subjects are:

1. Bf 109 E-3 flown by Major Ernst Freiherr von Berg. The aircraft is finished in RLM 02/71/65 with high demarcation and a no mottling. This aircraft has Stab markings, the JG26 Schlageter emblem forward of the canopy, and no less than three individual emblems on the rudder.

2. Bf 109 E-4 flown by Kdr. II/JG26. The instructions suggest that this aircraft was finished in RLM 74/75/76, but I think it is more likely to be either 02/71/65, or possibly two "mixed greys" on the upper surfaces and RLM 65 beneath. Once again, this aircraft has three individual emblems (this time on both sides of the mid fuselage), with the rearmost - a goat - being painted over a narrow diagonal yellow fuselage band.

3. Bf 109 G-6 with tall tail flown by Hptm. Franz Forr, Kdr. III/JG 5. This aircraft is finished in standard RLM 74/75/76 and features the sunburst "Eismeer" emblem on the cowl, kill marks covering the rudder and a black/yellow broad RV band.

4. Bf 109 G-14/AS of Uffz. Wolfgang "Lumpi" Hudsdorfer of 2./JG 300 in September 1944. This Wilde Sau wears a Red 10, and a speculative (but very likely) red fuselage band. Instructions suggest Red 23, but JG 300 usually wore a dull wine red colour RV band.

The decals are printed by Microscale. They are very thin and carrier film is close to the edge of all the markings. Registration is good and printing is crisp. One full set of stencil decals is supplied.

Instructions are supplied on a folded A4 full colour sheet. The history and colours of each aircraft are called out over several paragraphs, and each scheme is thoroughly referenced.

This is an attractive decal package covering four very interesting subjects that permits the modeller to use the markings on several different models.

Recommended.

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733