Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14

Hasegawa

Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Bf 109G-14 may be ordered online from Squadron.com

Reviewed by Brett Green

Hasegawa's second release in their (hopefully large) family of 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 kits is the G-14.

The kit is essentially identical to the earlier Bf 109G-6 except for the substitution of a tall tail assembly and an Erla Haube canopy.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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A detailed review of the 1/32 scale Hasegawa Bf 109G-6 appears elsewhere on HyperScale; or follow this link to read a a full construction article on the earlier release.

The tall-tail Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14 appeared with several different styles of rudder. Variables included the construction material (fabric skinned or plywood); the presence of trim tabs and Flettner tab and the shape of the rudder base. Hasegawa has supplied a fairly typical fabric-covered rudder with the squared-off bottom, two external trim tabs and one Flettner tab. A separate part is supplied as the Flettner tab actuator. The fabric stitching details match the rest of the kit.

The Erla Haube clear vision hood is also produced to a very high standard.

Interestingly, the kit does not include the bulged battery box cover behind the pilot's head (a feature of all MW50 equipped G-14s), nor the option of a tall tailwheel (admittedly, an irregular feature of the G-14). Neither are the standard tail or framed canopy included in the box, limiting the options for building any of the entire range of G-14s.

Markings are supplied for two aircraft flown by Erich Hartmann.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14 was introduced to stem the component chaos that reigned over the G-6, but the later Gustav displayed as much variety as its predecessor. This makes it difficult for a model company to pin down a version of the G-14 that is "typical".

However, apart from the absence of a bulged battery box cover, I believe that Hasegawa has done a good job with their combination of components to deliver a representative Bf 109G-14. Even better news - it will also represent some tall-tailed G-6s! As always, check your references carefully.

Considering the common components in the G-6 and G-14 kits, I think it is fair to rephrase the conclusion in my earlier review:

The relative simplicity and reasonable price of Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Bf 109G-14 makes it appropriate for beginner modellers, but its accuracy and potential for extra detail will ensure its popularity with plastic connoisseurs too.

Furthermore, Hasegawa has made a genuine effort to correct some of the shortcomings of their 1/48 scale Bf 109s with their new 1/32 scale Gustav.

In my opinion, Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14 looks terrific, should be fun to build and represents great value for money.

Highly Recommended.

Review and Images Copyright © 2002 by Brett Green
Page Created 09 June, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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