Croatian Air Legion-Bf-109G-6s on Eastern Front-15(Kroat)./JG52

Published on
Review Author(s)
Scale
1/32
Base Kit
109G

With the release of the Revell-Germany Bf-109G-6 and G-10 Erla it is just natural to want to put markings on them that aren’t included in the box.

Delta One has been providing some unique looking 109s on their decal sheets and this one is no different. The Croatians had a staffel similar to the Spanish staffel in JG-52. They were proud and carried the This decal sheet provides markings for seven aircraft, six G-6s and one G-5. Most of the aircraft sported the “Flying or Winged chessboard” on both sides of the fuselage.

The decals are printed on a 6x5 sheet with an additional separate sheet containing one chevron. The swastikas are broken down into two parts. There is a variety of the Flying chessboard. Interestingly is that the lack of standard markings. Typically a unit would have the same size and same color markings but that is not the case with the Croats. The decals are in perfect register. The one chevron does not have a white outline which is why there is a correction sheet.

The instructions are printed on three two sided A4 sheets in full color. The aircraft are all in RLM 74/75/76 in a variety of schemes with yellow wing tips, fuselage bands, and lower engine cowling. Interestingly, the upper wing camouflage is different on all of the aircraft almost every variation that I can recall.

The first aircraft is from Croatia’s number one ace, the CO of the unit, Oberleutnant Mato Dukovac. His aircraft is marked with a “Black 1 Chevron” with white outline. There is photographic examples of this aircraft having an unfinished flying chessboard. And also there is evidence that the chessboard was finished at some point.

Aircraft two has a “Red 9” with a darker mottled finish. It was flown by Feldwebel Eduard Marinko. He crashed this airplane after being hit by German flak. The stammkennzeichen is partially visible.

The third aircraft is “White 6”. This aircraft was shot down while being flown by Unteroffizer Vladimir Salomon. The Unteroffizer drowned in the subsequent bailout. The “White 6” is very large.

The fourth aircraft is a G-5. It is “Black 5”, however the 5 is just an outline and quite large. This aircraft was heavily overpainted in 74/75.

Aircraft five is “White 13” flown by Unteroffizer Jozip Kranjc. This is the only aircraft on the sheet that does not have the flying chessboard.

“White 5’ was flown in November 1943 by Unteroffizier Josip Kranjc who had 9 confirmed victories.

The final aircraft is “White 7” flown by Unteroffizier Dragutin Gazapi which was flown until it was shot down by Airacobras.

The decals are perfectly printed and show some unique markings for a unique staffel. These are the perfect accessory for your G-6. The research is very well done. This is another great decal sheet from Delta One.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Delta One and IPMS/USA for the review copy. The Delta One website has not been launched yet but you can obtain your copy by contacting them at email delta1decal@gmail.com . Make sure you tell them you heard about it here. While there check out their other decals.

Cover

Reviewer Bio

Floyd S. Werner Jr.

Building models since the age of 7, I’ve become known for my Bf-109s and helicopters. I currently run Werner’s Wings. I was previously the ‘star’ of the Master Class Model Building Video series. I’ve been published numerous times on various website, including Hyperscale and ARC. My work has been in FSM and Great Scale Modeling 2001, as well as, numerous other model magazines. I’m a published author with my Squadron/Signal Walkaround book on the Kiowa Warrior. My models have continuously won many regional and national awards. My unique model photography gives my models instant recognition for their historical perspective.

I’m a retired from the Army after 21 years of flying Cobras and Kiowa Warriors, including tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Korea, and Germany. I’m also a retired Flight Officer for the Baltimore City Police and flew their helicopters chasing bad guys. I’m currently flying Cobras and Hueys with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.

I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Yvonne, for 42 years. Our daughters have blessed us with six grandchildren. My passions continue to be his family, friends, helicopters, models and airplanes, especially the Bf-109 and my beloved AH-1 Cobra. My motto has always been - MODELING IS FUN!