Victory Models

1/32 Swiss Bf-109s

Sheet Number: # VPD32005

Reviewed by  Floyd S. Werner, Jr., IPMS# 26266

MSRP: $24.95 Website: www.victorymodels.com The Swiss history of the Messerschmitt Bf-109 begins before the war, in 1937, when the German contingent at the Dubendorf Air Races unveiled the V-13 and V-14. Both of these aircraft were prototypes for the Emil series. Despite Ernst Udet's crash of the wine red V-14, the Swiss were suitably impressed with the Emil. They ordered 88 Emils eventually. Until now you have had no opportunity to recreate what have to be some of the most colorful 109s built, especially in 1/32nd scale. Victory Models' latest release allows you to build a myriad of these 109s. Is that all? Just some decals for the Emil? Why no actually. You are also treated to decals for two G-6s as well. The four-sided decal instructions are absolutely beautiful and are printed on high quality paper. One sheet is full color and this sheet alone is a handy one-stop shop for Swiss Emils. Swiss Emils are not identical to German ones. The Swiss had different cowlings, gun bulges, a spade grip control stick, flare launchers and throttle modifications. All of this is shown with illustrations which will be instrumental in doing it right. There is also a very unique 109 with extended antenna masts that will make your 109 stand out. The other instruction sheet contains the history of the 109 in Switzerland, as well as two G-6 aircraft. The decals themselves are quite extensive. The artwork is created by Jennings Heilig so you know the research is extremely well done. Printed by Cartograf, you know they are thin, opaque and in register. They also react well with all setting solutions that I've tried on them. There are SIXTEEN aircraft represented on the sheet, 14 Emils and two G-6s. But that is not all, you can literally do almost every Gustav the Swiss owned with the additional decals provided. You can decide whether you want to paint the red portion of the neutrality stripes or use the ones the decals provide. A very nice touch. I will be painting mine. Some notes about the marking provided is essential. There is a shark mouthed 109 as well as markings for every unit that flew the Emils. The red and white neutrality stripes will make a very unique marking for your 109. Some aircraft are painted in typical RLm 70/71 and others are in overall RLM 70. The tails on all the aircraft are red with white crosses. The Victory Models Swiss 109 decals are a great value, sixteen plus aircraft, plus great research and the best decal printers in the world. There isn't a whole lot more you can ask for from a set of decals. If you want something totally different looking then this sheet is for you. I hope they come out with these in 1/48th scale too. Now get out there and grab your 1/32nd Emils and Gustavs and build some colorful 109s. Highly recommended. You can obtain your copy by contacting Victory Models via the link above and tell them IPMS/USA sent you. Thanks to Victory Models for the review copy of decals.