Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

Radu Brinzan is a master modeller with a well-earned reputation for quality and detail, as typified by his recent master for the amazing MDC 1/32 scale Ki-61.

Radu's company, RB Productions, has followed up its 1/32 scale Bf 109 F and G canopies with a photo-etched 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 "Erla" hood. This is an especially welcome and versatile accessory, as there were many early Bf 109 G-14s with short tails fitted with this clear vision canopy. RB Productions' Erla hood may be combined with the Hasegawa 1/32 scale Bf 109 G-6 kit to create one of these short-finned Bf 109 G-14s. Some G-6 aircraft were also retrofitted with the Erla canopy.

Of course, this set will also be ideal to add extra detail to the Hasegawa Bf 109 G-14, G-10 or K-4 kits too.

This set is slightly simpler in parts breakdown than its predecessors thanks to the absence of multiple frames and sliding windows. The Erla hood set comprises 24 parts on a single photo-etched fret, plus a sheet of clear acetate with self-adhesive cutting templates.

The small but well detailed instruction leaflet describes the construction process, and advises of likely challenges along the way. These include different requirements for bending the main canopy section to fit either the Hasegawa Bf 109 G-14 or the later G-10 / K-4 kits, as the latter two have a different spine profile to the G-14.

The clear acetate will undoubtedly offer a more "in-scale" appearance for this prominent part of the model. The clear sheet is tacked onto a thin sheet of paper printed with the shapes of each individual canopy panel. This clever innovation should make sizing and cutting the clear parts very simple and secure.

Some truly tiny details are included on the photo-etched fret such as release levers, mounts for the armour plates and the base and spring for the canopy retaining strap. The retaining spring is a somewhat frightening prospect, with a 6mm length of 0.1mm wire being wrapped around two tiny reciprocating loops - presumably workable if you have very good eyesight and steady hands! We can take comfort that all other construction tasks look much easier than this one detail though.

Galland Panzer canopy armour is also supplied.

RB Productions' 1/32 scale Bf 109 G canopy will be a luxurious finishing touch for experienced modellers, whether you are building a Bf 109 G-14, G-10 or a K-4.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Radu Brinzan for the sample

Image of Fret and Template, Text Copyright © 2007 by Brett Green
Other Images Copyright © 2007 by Radu Brinzan
Page Created 11 October, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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