Here is my second Hasegawa Bf 109G-6, although the first of this boxing. I originally chose this kit to use some aftermarket decals for Eric Hartmann, but I decided to use the kit decals instead and use this as an experiment in mottling.

I used Model Master Enamel Engine Gray for the cockpit, and my trusty Tamiya mix for the RLM 02. I first painted the spinner and propellor blades with Tamiya XF-27 Black Green, but, as in the past, it really did not adhere that well. I always have trouble with that Tamiya color. I ended up digging a spare prop assembly from the spares box and using Mr. Color C-18 RLM 70 Black Green. It worked much better. The tires were Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black. This color is excellent for tires.

I used Tamiya light gray primer from the 40 ml bottle. The white around the tail was Tamiya XF-2 Flat White. The bottom was Mr. Color C-117 RLM 76, and the top was painted Mr. Hobby Color H-69 RLM 75 and H-68 RLM 74.

The first round of mottling was done by using a hobby knife to punch a few random holes in a piece of index card, and then positioning that over the fuselage. I also tried punch some holes in masking tape the same way and just applying the tape to the fuselage. These worked okay, but I realized the kit needed more, so I applied some by hand. I found that the trick to applying by hand is (1) to use a microbrush and (2) to remove most of the paint from the microbrush before applying the paint to the model, almost like drybrushing. As I was applying, I didn't think the mottle would turn out that well, but in the end I was pleased.

For the first time, I used Model Master Acryl Gloss Clear as a pre-coat for the decals, and it worked much better than Future. Many modelers swear by Future, but I have never gotten it to spray that well. I used the kit decals to build the plane flown by Alfred Grislawski. I used Mr. Mark Setter, and it worked very well. I used Model Master Acryl Flat Clear as the final coat, and I was pleased with it as well.

I learn something about building the Hasegawa late model 109's every time I try to build one. This time I learned to attach the moveable surfaces to the wings before attaching the wings to the fuselage.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.