Review of Top Notch Masks for Models 1/48th Scale
Camouflage Set no. TNM48-M25 for German Bf-109G Erla
By Ray Mehlberger
MSRP: 9.94 Pounds ($13.10 U.S. dollars)
Copyright of the set is 2017.
Top Notch is based in the UK.
MSRP: 9.94 Pounds ($13.10 U.S. dollars)
Copyright of the set is 2017.
Top Notch is based in the UK.
ABOUT THE SET:
The Bf-109G was manufactured at three different factories in Germany, each with a distinct style of camouflage that can often quite easily be identified with a little help from their distinguishing marks. Identifying which factory an aircraft stems from will help pick the correct camouflage pattern for the wings.
Model companies and decal companies often get this wrong. There were many more subtle differences between different batches. This mask offers a starting point and the modeler may need to trim or add a mask piece to represent the aircraft that they are modelling only. Always check your reference photos.
Erla aircraft have the most distinct markings and pattern of them all. On these, the canopy is in RLM 74 grungrau (grey-green) , but the plate in front of the windscreen is very often in RLM 75 grunviolett (grey-violet), leaving a "gap" of RLM 75 between the RLM 74 on the windscreen and the engine cowling.
Also, very distinct is the spotty mottle, very typical for Erla. The crosses on the under surfaces of the wings has the thin black outline which neither MTT Regensgburg nor WNF aircraft does. Erla built aircraft carries the saw-toothed camouflage pattern. Note-later RLM 81 braunviolett (brown-violet) and RLM 82 lichtgrun (light-green) were used instead of RLM 74 & 75.
The undercarraige was usually RLM 65 (hellblau - light blue).
The masking set comes in a clear zip-locked cello bag. It contains the instructions, a grey vinyl die-cut sheet of self-adhering masks, with a stiff sheet.
The instructions consists of a single sheet that is printed on one side and folded to fit the envelope.
On the right side at the top is a color illustration of half of a British roundel welded to half of a German cross, a corner says the set is NEW.
Top Notch's logo is also at the top. It is a circle with Top Notch masks for models and a gray illustration of a Spitfire or Hurricane.
The Bf-109G was manufactured at three different factories in Germany, each with a distinct style of camouflage that can often quite easily be identified with a little help from their distinguishing marks. Identifying which factory an aircraft stems from will help pick the correct camouflage pattern for the wings.
Model companies and decal companies often get this wrong. There were many more subtle differences between different batches. This mask offers a starting point and the modeler may need to trim or add a mask piece to represent the aircraft that they are modelling only. Always check your reference photos.
Erla aircraft have the most distinct markings and pattern of them all. On these, the canopy is in RLM 74 grungrau (grey-green) , but the plate in front of the windscreen is very often in RLM 75 grunviolett (grey-violet), leaving a "gap" of RLM 75 between the RLM 74 on the windscreen and the engine cowling.
Also, very distinct is the spotty mottle, very typical for Erla. The crosses on the under surfaces of the wings has the thin black outline which neither MTT Regensgburg nor WNF aircraft does. Erla built aircraft carries the saw-toothed camouflage pattern. Note-later RLM 81 braunviolett (brown-violet) and RLM 82 lichtgrun (light-green) were used instead of RLM 74 & 75.
The undercarraige was usually RLM 65 (hellblau - light blue).
The masking set comes in a clear zip-locked cello bag. It contains the instructions, a grey vinyl die-cut sheet of self-adhering masks, with a stiff sheet.
The instructions consists of a single sheet that is printed on one side and folded to fit the envelope.
On the right side at the top is a color illustration of half of a British roundel welded to half of a German cross, a corner says the set is NEW.
Top Notch's logo is also at the top. It is a circle with Top Notch masks for models and a gray illustration of a Spitfire or Hurricane.
Below this is a illustration of the parts in the masking set.
There are 10 sections for the splinter camouflage, 2 sections for the wing leading edges, 2 sections for exhaust stains, 2 sections for wing walks and 4 circles for wheel rims.
There are 10 sections for the splinter camouflage, 2 sections for the wing leading edges, 2 sections for exhaust stains, 2 sections for wing walks and 4 circles for wheel rims.
Logo was designed by Lyle Schuller and the copyright date of the set is 2017.
On the left side of the instructions is a 2-view of a Bf-109G Erla showing its side and top. Captions tell where to apply the masks.
At the bottom free manual with step-by-step instructions and photos on how to use the masks can be downloaded from Top Notch's web site.
A small illustration of a WWII poster appears. It shows a woman flexing her bicep and WE CAN DO IT!
On the left side of the instructions is a 2-view of a Bf-109G Erla showing its side and top. Captions tell where to apply the masks.
At the bottom free manual with step-by-step instructions and photos on how to use the masks can be downloaded from Top Notch's web site.
A small illustration of a WWII poster appears. It shows a woman flexing her bicep and WE CAN DO IT!
I wish to thank the folks at Top Notch for this review sample. All their mask sets can be seen on their web site at: