Bf 109K-4
The
K
series of the Bf 109 was the final production version of the
109 and was primarily the result of trying to rationalize the large
number of sub types of the G series to standardize on a basic model to
which all plants engaged in 109 production would progressively
convert.
The K model was based on the G-10 but embodied as standard certain of
the progressive changes incorporated in the G series as well as some
aerodynamic refinements. Pre-production models appeared in September
1944 and the initial production models, the K-2 and K-4, began to
leave
assembly lines in October 1944. the only difference between the two
was
that the K-4 was equipped with cabin pressurization. For Germany and
the Luftwaffe the changes had little effect on the outcome. For more
information on the K series there is plenty of information on line and
in various publications
The Kit
The Hasegawa Bf 109G-6 comes in a box whose size reflects the scale. The box is the top open style with Hasegawa's usually lovely artwork on top. The box is nice and sturdy with the bottom half made from corrugated cardboard. Inside the box one finds the gray colored sprues divided between two bags, one large and one slightly smaller and the clear parts in yet a third bag, separate from the rest. The large bag has three large sprues in it but one of the three has a couple large spaces where the dies have been blocked off, most likely where the wings for early versions were located. The parts are crisply molded with only a light amount of flash. The surface finish is smooth and glossy and the detail is mostly recessed, panel lines and access panels with a few raised fasteners and other details as applicable. The only surface defects I found on my kit were a couple of very slight sink marks on the bottom wing center panel where mounting bosses were molded on the inside and some rather nasty looking sink marks on the back of the propeller blades.
The clear parts are a bit thicker than the norm for newer kits but should look OK once dipped in Future. Two wind screens are supplied but only one is called out for use. In spite of being bagged separately I still have some scuff marks in places that will need to be polished out. The frame lines are recessed but clearly marked so masking should be fairly easy. See below.
The decals are fairly normal for Hasegawa with the exception that the white is actually white instead of a cream color. They look thin on the sheet but I have varying success with Hasegawa decals. Markings for two aircraft are provided, both from JG52, no pilots listed, with a Werk number, one without. See below.
The instructions are printed on a long sheet folded to create panels, in this case 8 of them. The front panel has history and specifications in Japanese and English, the second has a parts map and color chart calling out colors by generic names and some by RLM numbers and Gunze paint numbers. The third, fourth and fifth panels have the assembly steps divided into 15 steps. The sixth and seventh panels have the painting and marking diagrams and the eighth panel has basic assembly information, safety warnings and decal application instructions.
After Market Goodies
Most of the complaints I read about this kit center around the rather lack luster interior so I decided to whole hog on this kit and purchased the Eagle Parts museum quality cockpit. This is Eagle Parts number 26-32. It comes in a molded bubble pack and consists of replacement side walls, seat, front and rear bulkheads, floor, stick and rudder pedal mounts. The parts are beautifully molded with no visible defects and as you can see have a level of detail far beyond the kit parts, I only hope I'm up to the detailed painting required. The instructions are printed on four A4 size pages printed on one side. The instructions are quite complete well printed with half tone photos of most of the steps. The set also includes a small photo etch set with rudder pedals and all the buckles and parts needed to assemble a set of belts and harnesses. See below.
I also opted for the Eagle Parts # 28-32 oil radiator fairing as it is much better shaped and detailed than the kit part, again the molding is superb.
And finally I got the Eagle Parts # 20-32 replacement spinner as it is claimed the kit spinner is not quite correct in shape but it's hard for me to see the difference.
Conclusions
This kit was released around 2003 but is based heavily on the earlier G-6 kit so from a technical standpoint the quality and engineering are about the same. The experts have found some minor shape issues here and there on the kit but nothing that the average Joe would notice. By all accounts the kit is a fairly easy build with no serious assembly issues and therefore I give it a highly recommended rating for all but the most rank beginners in the hobby.
Links to kit build or reviews
A build / review can be found here.
References
I have more 109 references than I care to list and the Internet is loaded with information, let Google be your friend.
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