It possibly won't have escaped your attention that iconic British model brand Airfix is releasing a 1:24 scale Bf 109 G-5/6 which promises to become the centre-piece of many Luftwaffe model collections. There certainly seems to be a tremendous 'buzz' around this kit - it was undoubtedly the 'star' of the show at the recent Scale Model World 2025 (Telford, England). Fresh from discussing the model with literally hundreds of excited modellers, Airfix Bf 109 G-6 'Superkit' designer Matt Whiting (MW) and Airfix researcher Clint Mitchell (CM) answered a few slightly more 'technical' queries on the new kit from the Luftwaffe blog. My thanks to Clint and Matt for talking to the Luftwaffe blog and to Rob Brown, John M. and Del Davis for insights and help with this post!
Hello Matt, hi Clint! Thank you for agreeing to chat with the 'Luftwaffe blog'. Firstly, could you please introduce yourselves for Luftwaffe blog readers?
(MW) " Sure. I'm Matt. I joined the Airfix team as a designer in 2009. I have recently moved up to the role of Development Manager and look after a small team of talented people who create all the 3D designs, 2D artwork and conduct the research that makes all the new products happen. Before switching roles, I was pleased to be able to complete this flagship "Superkit" design. I've enjoyed working on many varied projects throughout my time as a designer. I love getting involved in researching and understanding the engineering behind the full-size aircraft and vehicles we produce in miniature. Although the 1:24th Bf 109 G-6 is the last kit I've worked on as a designer, it is certainly the one I am most proud of..."
(CM) " I'm Clint. I joined Airfix as researcher around July 2024. I had already been involved with choosing the schemes, designing and creating the layouts/decals for the German WW2 and some Allied types since May 2023.."
Matt, as the designer can you tell us about the decision-making process that went into creating the G-6 in 24th scale? For example, why a Gustav and not a Friedrich or even an updated Emil?
(MW) "..The 1/24th Spitfire Mk.IXc was and continues to be very popular, so we wanted to create a new Superkit that sat nicely alongside that in the range. As with the Spitfire (new Mk.IXc vs. Mk.I original), we did not want to replace directly the vintage classic Bf109E kit and we decided to offer something new to the Airfix range. We did in fact discuss at length whether the new kit should be an F or a G! Originally we were intending to engineer the kit so both versions could be released from the same base tooling. However, this was quickly dismissed as being unfeasible due to the many detail changes between the marks. Although the F had not been kitted before at 1:24, we felt that the G offered a greater scope for easily producing new sub-variants in the future that look quite different to the original kit, maximising the tooling investment. The F is more limited in that regard, despite having some fantastic schemes relating to famous ace pilots.."
Which airframe was "Lidared" (scanned)? There aren’t many Gustavs in Europe, although the Tikkakoski museum has one, I believe? No Finnish decal option though?
(CM) " Well, Black 6 at Cosford was scanned, and the guys also made a trip to Finland to scan the G-6 airframe you mentioned at the Finnish Air Force Museum. Matt then cross-referenced both data sets to ensure our CAD was dimensionally accurate. We also had a detailed scan of a DB605 engine. The Finns have a rather problematic national marking prominently displayed on their aircraft. Although they changed their national markings somewhat later. So we may see some post-1944 Finnish markings options on our 109 in the future as a thank you to the Finnish Air Force Museum, who allowed us access to the airframe.."
So Matt, how does the designer work? Do you break down the CAD model first or start with a certain number of tools (cost) and ‘fill up’ the space on each tool? I ask that because the parts count (405) is similar to the parts count on the Mk IX. Or is that just because they are both single-engine fighters, so parts break-down is similar?
(MW) "..The similar parts count was a coincidence, they are quite different models. Although they are both single-engined fighters, the Bf109G has its main armament in the nose rather than inside the wings, and the cockpits are constructed in a very different way. The tooling breakdown and the size of the moulds required are decided after the design work is finished. The design is driven by what we want the model to be, rather than a plan of how the tooling will work. The Spitfire and Bf109 both have seven individual tools, which gives enough space to group the parts together, which avoids having to jump between several frames at once. We also have to think about how to accommodate parts with slide-actions as they have to be at the edge of the frame, and identifying what parts are needed for each kit release so they do not end up on the wrong frames..."
The spinner looks to be a rather complicated multi-part assembly, and the oil cooler appears to integrate into the fuselage in what I'd call a 'non-standard' way - for a model kit. Can you explain these particular design choices?
(MW) " The spinner needed to be split into multiple parts due to the subtle “teardrop” shape of the cut-outs for each propeller blade. The cutouts on the 1:1 spinner taper toward the spinner backplate. If we moulded the spinner as one part, it would be impossible to capture the shape of the cutouts correctly the shape would create an undercut in the mould. It also allowed us to include more surface detail on the spinner without it getting “smeared” near the base of the spinner.
Regarding the oil cooler, at the start of the project we wanted to be able to pose the oil cooler in the open position as there are some interesting details on the bottom of the DB605A engine - such as the injection pump and propeller pitch drive - that contrast strongly with the Merlin on the Spitfire. As a result, this area had to be separated from the fuselage rather than moulded integrally. This posed some engineering challenges on the model, as on the real Bf109G, all the engine cowling and exhaust shroud is supported solely by the engine itself. With the oil cooler housing separated, it meant that the parts could be moulded in a different direction to the fuselage halves. To help capture the shape, external and internal details with less distortion, the parts are angled at 45 degrees in the mould. This also allows some of the part join lines to be placed where the join lines on the full-size oil cooler are..."
(CM) " Well, Black 6 at Cosford was scanned, and the guys also made a trip to Finland to scan the G-6 airframe you mentioned at the Finnish Air Force Museum. Matt then cross-referenced both data sets to ensure our CAD was dimensionally accurate. We also had a detailed scan of a DB605 engine. The Finns have a rather problematic national marking prominently displayed on their aircraft. Although they changed their national markings somewhat later. So we may see some post-1944 Finnish markings options on our 109 in the future as a thank you to the Finnish Air Force Museum, who allowed us access to the airframe.."
So Matt, how does the designer work? Do you break down the CAD model first or start with a certain number of tools (cost) and ‘fill up’ the space on each tool? I ask that because the parts count (405) is similar to the parts count on the Mk IX. Or is that just because they are both single-engine fighters, so parts break-down is similar?
(MW) "..The similar parts count was a coincidence, they are quite different models. Although they are both single-engined fighters, the Bf109G has its main armament in the nose rather than inside the wings, and the cockpits are constructed in a very different way. The tooling breakdown and the size of the moulds required are decided after the design work is finished. The design is driven by what we want the model to be, rather than a plan of how the tooling will work. The Spitfire and Bf109 both have seven individual tools, which gives enough space to group the parts together, which avoids having to jump between several frames at once. We also have to think about how to accommodate parts with slide-actions as they have to be at the edge of the frame, and identifying what parts are needed for each kit release so they do not end up on the wrong frames..."
The spinner looks to be a rather complicated multi-part assembly, and the oil cooler appears to integrate into the fuselage in what I'd call a 'non-standard' way - for a model kit. Can you explain these particular design choices?
(MW) " The spinner needed to be split into multiple parts due to the subtle “teardrop” shape of the cut-outs for each propeller blade. The cutouts on the 1:1 spinner taper toward the spinner backplate. If we moulded the spinner as one part, it would be impossible to capture the shape of the cutouts correctly the shape would create an undercut in the mould. It also allowed us to include more surface detail on the spinner without it getting “smeared” near the base of the spinner.
Regarding the oil cooler, at the start of the project we wanted to be able to pose the oil cooler in the open position as there are some interesting details on the bottom of the DB605A engine - such as the injection pump and propeller pitch drive - that contrast strongly with the Merlin on the Spitfire. As a result, this area had to be separated from the fuselage rather than moulded integrally. This posed some engineering challenges on the model, as on the real Bf109G, all the engine cowling and exhaust shroud is supported solely by the engine itself. With the oil cooler housing separated, it meant that the parts could be moulded in a different direction to the fuselage halves. To help capture the shape, external and internal details with less distortion, the parts are angled at 45 degrees in the mould. This also allows some of the part join lines to be placed where the join lines on the full-size oil cooler are..."
Can you tell me about the G-5 builds that are possible from the kit? Difficult to tell from the sprue shots, but is the solid rear canopy wall for the pressurised cockpit in the box?
(CM) "Yes, the pressurised rear bulkhead is included as a clear part in the kit (see images below), with the associated over-pressure valves and even masks for the small triangular windows. The optional compressor is also included as part of the engine build specific to our Scheme E option (G-5 ). Although from the available photography there is no way of knowing for sure, and it is unlikely that the G-5, WNr.27119 (Scheme E) still had the pressurisation apparatus while on charge with 9./JG54. The parts are included, however, should the modeller wish to replicate a factory standard G-5 in another livery."
(CM) "Yes, the pressurised rear bulkhead is included as a clear part in the kit (see images below), with the associated over-pressure valves and even masks for the small triangular windows. The optional compressor is also included as part of the engine build specific to our Scheme E option (G-5 ). Although from the available photography there is no way of knowing for sure, and it is unlikely that the G-5, WNr.27119 (Scheme E) still had the pressurisation apparatus while on charge with 9./JG54. The parts are included, however, should the modeller wish to replicate a factory standard G-5 in another livery."
Talking of finishes, can you explain the markings choices, artwork and decal design? This is your area of expertise, Clint?
(CM) "..Before I joined Airfix in the role of researcher, I had already been asked to undertake the research into the liveries and produce the decals/layouts for this new Bf109G kit. As you know my 'specialist' interest is the WWII Luftwaffe. Some markings choices had already been settled on, but I felt that they were a little clichéd and lacked available reference material for a kit at this scale. When I came onboard at Airfix, I decided to have a re-think as to which liveries would be best to include on the decal sheet in the first release. I knew that I wanted to choose schemes that could demonstrate how different factories treated the maintenance stencilling. Both in terms of application and wording, positioning, etc. Overall, I’m quite happy with the results and, all in all, there was only one thing that was not entirely obvious from the available photography of the US marked option of WNr.15270. Some of the other captured Bf109Gs used by the US forces in Sicily and the Med had their white rear fuselage theatre bands overpainted in red along with the other prominent German national insignia. However, it is difficult to see whether the same was done on WNr.15270 or whether the Americans simply washed off the white paint, revealing the underlying factory mottling. However, it is entirely up to the modeller to decide which way they wish to present this area of the aircraft..."
Below; WNr 15270 'yellow 14' was an Erla machine produced in March 1943 in Leipzig and finished in this factory's typical mid-1943 'saw-tooth' splinter pattern. It was abandoned by the Germans when JG 53 evacuated the airfield at Comiso, Sicily ahead of the Allied 'Operation Husky' to re-take the island in July 1943. It was 're-painted' in 57th FG 'colors' on Sicily. After the Americans lost interest in the machine, the RAF decided to ship it to England where it arrived crated during February 1944.
There have been one or two comments from modellers online who won’t touch Luftwaffe subjects, so presumably this was one reason for ‘Yellow 14’ from 6./JG 53, which also subsequently appeared in RAF roundels. But was WNr.15270 actually VX101?
(CM) " I like to tell a story with the decal schemes as I think it helps to bring the aircraft to life for the modeller. Hence why I try to fit detailed research notes on the scheme layouts that offer some of the aircraft’s history or other little-known facts. If they survived long enough, most airframes would go through a few different markings and sometimes camouflage changes depending on their unique circumstances. It is something I tried with our 2025 Me410A-3 Airfix 'Club' kit, and it seemed to go down well. It also allows us to include additional schemes, but with minimal additional decals. For example, on the new G-6 kit, we only needed to supply one full set of factory maintenance stencils, three sets of national markings, and we had three very different and quite striking schemes for the modeller to choose from. We covered something for everyone in schemes A, B, and C, and then two additional sets of German markings for the Luftwaffe purists with schemes D and E (alongside the A scheme)... I am conscious, having spoken to modellers at shows, that there are some who, for personal reasons, will, as you say, never model a Luftwaffe aircraft. That also plays a small role in the scheme choices, or rather, it adds more merit to offering captured aircraft options.
Only two G-6 airframes are known to have been flown by the RAF. Other than VX101, TP814 (WNr.412951) had a tall tail unit and was not captured until after VX101 had been written off in May 1944. So, realistically, WNr.15270 could only have been VX101. However, there is some physical evidence to be seen in the available photography of both WNr.15270 and VX101, which points to the aircraft as likely being one and the same. As on the F-series and earlier G-series versions, the first Erla and Messerschmitt built G-5/6 blocks did not have the oval access panel on the rear port fuselage (you will have to fill this oval access panel on the kit for Schemes A, B, and C!). Photos of VX101 in service with the RAF also show that it did not have this oval access panel. So, this proves VX101 was an aircraft from one of the first batches of the G-6, as per WNr.15270…"
(CM) "...One of our largest distributors will categorically not allow swastikas or any veiled representation of them whatsoever on the products they sell. Therefore, for us to include the symbol on products in other parts of the world, we would need two different boxings of the same product. The cost of this is simply not viable, given that aftermarket options will likely be readily available to those who wish to include this symbol on their kits. We also have to take into consideration that the generational sensibilities towards the swastika as a symbol have changed dramatically over the last couple of decades. Whilst my generation and those before it are mostly comfortable and understand the significance of the symbol being displayed in a purely historical context, more recent generations are very much against the display of the symbol in any way shape or form. Seeing as our products are available in many high street stores, from a marketing standpoint, we have to be sensible about how we want our products to be perceived by not just the traditional modelling community, but also the wider public. So, kudos to the modellers who want to use the symbol on their builds and to the after-market guys who supply them, but, as a company, it saves us a whole heap of hassle not including them in our products…"
Can you talk about the box top artwork? I saw one comment that said the background looked like Cherbourg, France?
(CM) " I must admit that I am not particularly well versed in the topical features of the coastline around Cherbourg, so Antonis Karidis, the artist of this box art, would have to confirm. The 'brief' we gave Antonis asked him to depict a scene with our Scheme A aircraft intercepting 99th Bomb Group B-17F’s participating in the bombing raid on Gerbini airfield, Sicily, on 5th July 1943. In fact, it is possible that WNr.15270 took some (unreported) minor damage during this raid that necessitated its stay and subsequent abandonment at the main repair facilities at Comiso Aerodrome. It is a great-looking box art, but sometimes it can be difficult for the artists to source the ideal angle and view of a precise location without digitally painting the background or building it in 3D from scratch. Knowing something of how 3D aviation artists obtain the backgrounds to their scenes, I am certainly not surprised that other areas might have been chosen to masquerade as the intended region if that was the case here! To be fair, 99% of the viewers would not know the difference. The eagle-eyed might also spot one or two of the escorting 243 Squadron Spitfire Mk.Vc/trop, in a non-standard ‘Malta blue’ scheme."
Can you talk about the box top artwork? I saw one comment that said the background looked like Cherbourg, France?
(CM) " I must admit that I am not particularly well versed in the topical features of the coastline around Cherbourg, so Antonis Karidis, the artist of this box art, would have to confirm. The 'brief' we gave Antonis asked him to depict a scene with our Scheme A aircraft intercepting 99th Bomb Group B-17F’s participating in the bombing raid on Gerbini airfield, Sicily, on 5th July 1943. In fact, it is possible that WNr.15270 took some (unreported) minor damage during this raid that necessitated its stay and subsequent abandonment at the main repair facilities at Comiso Aerodrome. It is a great-looking box art, but sometimes it can be difficult for the artists to source the ideal angle and view of a precise location without digitally painting the background or building it in 3D from scratch. Knowing something of how 3D aviation artists obtain the backgrounds to their scenes, I am certainly not surprised that other areas might have been chosen to masquerade as the intended region if that was the case here! To be fair, 99% of the viewers would not know the difference. The eagle-eyed might also spot one or two of the escorting 243 Squadron Spitfire Mk.Vc/trop, in a non-standard ‘Malta blue’ scheme."
The engine is a large part of the kit and looks fantastic. I’d like one for the first model..but not necessarily for the second and third builds?
(CM) "There are two different build options of the engine assembly in the instructions. One highly detailed engine build for kits displayed with the cowling panels in the open position, and another simpler build with fewer parts for a closed cowling option. This is simply because the thickness of the plastic at 1:24th scale would make it impossible to close the cowlings around an accurately scaled full DB605 engine..."
Obviously, you have designed the kit so that other versions can be created in the future and it is evident from what’s in the box that there are plenty of possibilities here, especially the G-14? There’s even a Morane antenna in the box I can see. Does the parts break-down allow the modeller to go in the other ‘direction’, ie G-2 by adding a tall mast and spoked wheels for example?
(CM) "..The Morane antenna was essential for our chosen Scheme D. Photographs of other aircraft in the same production block show that they were fitted with the antenna. All I can add to this without giving too much away is that we have designed and tooled the parts to enable us to go forwards and backwards through the Bf109G versions for future releases.."
The Erla hood is an interesting option. Presumably since this was retrofitted to a lot of short-tailed Gustavs, especially during early summer 1944. Hence the JG 3 machine in the box?
(CM) "..In this instance, the decision to include both canopy styles meant that we only needed one common clear tool for the initial and future releases. It also meant that we only required one separate masking sheet design, which could be used for the applicable parts in the current and all future releases. Something that some might have missed from the initial press release is that the kit comes with a masking sheet, which includes all the external glazing panels and some other helpful masks for wheel hubs, etc. There are also scheme-specific masks for spinner spirals and fuselage crosses on the same sheet. The reason for the fuselage cross masks is explained on the individual scheme layout pages attached. At the time the included masking sheet was designed, it was the largest size that our supplier could cut, and it was a bit of a squeeze to fit all the essential masks on the sheet. Unfortunately, some cuts had to be omitted, namely the internal canopy masks. However, we decided to produce a smaller generic G-series masking sheet, which can be purchased separately. This standalone masking sheet product includes the non-scheme specific masks, like glazing panels and wheel hubs, etc, but also the internal canopy masks. Which at 1:24th scale, some modellers might appreciate using..."
Speaking for lots of Luftwaffe enthusiasts here, but I would ideally have wanted to see a tall tail and long tail wheel in the box. I guess you can’t have everything though. Were these considered as they must surely be easy additions? Since they are not in the box currently, we know more or less what’s coming later on?
(CM) " The scope of the G-6 and its extended period of operational use meant we had a multitude of options that we could include. Most modellers who track how Airfix as a company plans and tools its releases will know that we try to get a few unique releases from our initial R&D and tooling investment. Instead of releasing every part option in the box of the initial release, we will concentrate on a particular period or part of an aircraft’s use, for example, the earlier G-5/6 in this release. This way we are able to retain other part options to cover the different periods of the aircraft’s operational use in subsequent releases..."
Is there not a risk that after-market companies will produce all these ‘options’ before Airfix gets the chance to ‘re-release’? How does Airfix assess the role of these? Or do they stimulate more kit purchases?
(CM) "..There is always that risk, but we know that as soon as we release a kit there is an army of individuals in the after-market scene who are going to be beavering away in the weeks following, making products that will enhance our kit with all manner of options and extras. Even if we produced the most accurate and all-encompassing kit ever to exist of a particular aircraft there would still be after-market products produced for that kit. They are just creative people, with their own hobby/cottage industry that is part and parcel of the modelling scene. One example where they help the kit is the production of a certain aforementioned symbol. Plus, for every after-market product that is sold, you can guarantee that at least one of our kits was purchased by the after-market company and at least one more kit will eventually be purchased by each modeller who buys an after-market product..."
Apparently, pre-orders have accounted for the first two shipments (according to Jadlam). This is obviously going to be a big seller worldwide..
(CM) "..We certainly hope that is going to be the case, and the overwhelmingly positive responses at Telford seem to suggest so. Regarding available stock, all I will say is get your pre-orders in. In our mailing today we've announced that pre-orders will start shipping some time next week. In the meantime, thanks for your support and allowing us to respond to some of the questions and queries that modellers are asking! "
That's all from Matt and Clint - thank you guys for taking the time to chat. The scheme layouts designed and researched by Clint and shown here are a Luftwaffe blog exclusive courtesy of Airfix ahead of the first kits going out to customers. A big thank you to everyone at Airfix involved in the development of the Gustav 'Superkit'. It looks amazing and certain to be a huge success for Airfix!
Below; Scheme E from the kit, a III./JG 54 G-5 from the turn of the year 1943-44 when this Gruppe was operating in the 'defence of the Reich'. The original factory finish has been over-sprayed in 76 light blue for operations at altitude and the unit have added their dark blue (Humbrol 25 is a perfect match) Reichsverteidigung fuselage band with the yellow III.Gruppe bar superimposed. With yellow spinner and rudder, 9 Staffel 'devil's head' on the cowl and Gruppe emblem below the cockpit this is another very colourful machine..
Scheme 'D' is 'white 10' WNr. 166224, a Messerschmitt-built machine with Erla 'clear vision' canopy (sometimes still incorrectly referred to as the 'Galland' hood). Another aircraft found abandoned by the Americans, this time in France following the D-day landings. Note the large rudder marking is an 'internal' Messerschmitt production number. This aircraft was flown by II./JG 3. Note the kit also features the two different stencil schemes for Erla and Messerschmitt production.
Scheme 'B' shows 'Yellow 14' after its 'repaint' by the 57th FG who briefly used it as a 'hack' on Sicily during the summer of 1943 - minus armament. If you are prepared to hunt for them there are more images of this machine on the 57th FG web pages
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