discussion A question for our Bf 109 experts

[flyjoe180]

I would like to ask if an early Bf109 G could be converted to a Bf109 F-? without any major changes? I understand the Friedrick was powered by the Daimler Benz 601E or N power plant and the Gustav by the DB605. I can't see any major differences in the nose, fuselage, wing or tail shapes between these versions. The Gustav also appeared to have received internal reinforcements and an internal bullet-proof windshield, neither of which would be a big correction in 1/72 scale. If there were big differences, did any of the early G models have the underwing machine guns/cannons removed (nose armament only as seen in the Friedrick), and did these serve in North Africa with tropical filters?

Thanks for your time in helping me out.

Bf109 F-6

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Bf109 G-2

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[flyjoe180]

I have since found out that certain Gustavs did serve in North Africa and the Mediterranean theatre. I also notice the differences between the two profiles above include a semi-retractable tailwheel on the F model.

 

[stona]

You could do it though. The two types were very similar,you'd need to check the wheel well shape as well. Messerschmitt had trouble with the Bf 109 tail wheel retraction system from the semi retractable F up to the fully retractable K and it was often not used in practice. It was one of several things that they never got right.

I can't check 'cos I'm away from home but there were a couple of minor differences on the nose (little scoops?) which could easily be fixed.

Cheers

Steve

 

[flyjoe180]

Thanks Steve, I knew you would help out with this query. I'm toying with the idea of a desert scheme on a G-6 I got hold of recently. If I look at the two profiles I put up above I can see the small scoops you referred to and inspection hatches change/disappear. I can also see the gap in the tail wheel area of the Friedrick. I'm now leaning towards keeping it simple with a Gustav tropical desert scheme. So I suppose now the questions are, did G-6s appear in the North African Desert, and if not, are there any major changes I would have to make to a G-6 into an earlier Gustav model?

I see some early Friedrick models, like the earlier 109 models, had squared off wheel wells as did the Gustav series. Apparently in anticipation of outer wheel well doors which were never fitted until much later versions of the 109.

 

[stona]

The G-6 had moved on quite a way and had developed some bumps and bulges absent from the early Gs and the Fs. Off the top of my head I can't remember any G-6s in Africa but memory is a treacherous friend at the best of times

Cheers

Steve

 

[flyjoe180]

Thanks Steve. The Hobby Boss G-6 (early) kit has optional nose bulges and under wing armaments, so I may be able to yet represent an earlier version. It even comes with a tropical filter on the (obviously standard for a range of versions) parts tree.