The Czech firm’s 1/72 new-tool Bf 109E has been repackaged with fresh decals and resin weaponry, to portray fast-attack airframes.
Special Hobby’s release of an all-new 1/72 Bf 109 in 2020 was always going to mean various re-boxings, with different parts and decals. It’s a splendidly detailed kit, which is now available in a new package, ‘Hit and Run Raiders’ (SH 72474). This allows any Luftwaffe fan to build one of three different fast-attack Bf 109E-1/Bs, all three being retrofitted with the more angular canopy mainly seen on the E-4. Also supplied is a beautifully detailed centreline rack with four SC 50 bombs, all in resin. So-called ‘whistler’ units are also provided for attachment to each bomb’s tail fin unit. Other notable points include optional pilot head armour.
Read a review of Special Hobby’s ‘Braving Sand and Snow’ Bf 109E-7/Trop package
Varying amounts of mottle adorn the fuselage sides of all three airframes – and two sport yellow noses and rudders. They are:
• Black 8 + –, Uffz Heinrich Brunsmann, 5./JG 77, Almyros airfield, Greece, April 1941
• Yellow 10, II./JG 54, occupied France, October 1940
• Black triangle + G, 2./JG 27 (previously LG 2), occupied France, November 1940
This is a useful re-working of Special Hobby’s ‘109, which eschews the traditional aces schemes in favour of specialist ground-attack airframes, all of which still have attractive liveries. The parts are packed with splendid detail and this boxing costs €15.66 direct from Special Hobby. It’s also currently available in the UK at Hannants for £14.22.
