Project Completed
The Bf-109G-14 kit is finished. I chose to depict a version of the aircraft flown by Erich Hartmann (1922-1993), the leading ace in the history of aviation, having shot down at least 352 aircraft during WWII. He flew several versions of the Bf-109 and served in three different units, and photographic evidence can be confusing. For my model, I decided on an early 1945 version of the aircraft, covered with what is called “distemper,” a white wash that temporarily covered the original camoflage to simulate snow. The stuff was water soluable and meant it would come off easily and require constant reapplication, or was left to erode away.
The Zoukei-Mura model in 1/32 scale is excellent and was a pleasure to build. I learned a lot about this aircraft and its history, German WWII camoflage, and got a chance to push my airbrushing skills. Speaking of airbrushing, if you have a tendency to be “animated” with the tool, make sure to cover the paint reservoir with the supplied cap - during the application of a clear matte coat, I got too animated and a fair amount sloshed out and spattered on the model(!). I was disheartened, but clamed down and thought about the problem. After some delicate cleanup using Tamiya thinner, I was able to save the day. The cruddy look of the distemper actually made it a forgiving situation.
Next up is completion of the 1/32 Tamiya F4U-1D Corsair.
