Bf 109G-6

In this latest installment of the Topshots series, Kagero provides a nice look at the restoration of a Bf 109G-6. The aircraft, assigned to 2./JGr West, was scheduled for a routine mission on 28 May 1944. Its pilot took off from the airbase in Gabbert, Poland when the engine likely failed and the aircraft crashed into a nearby lake. While German divers recovered the pilot's body shortly afterwards, the wreckage remained at the bottom of the lake for another 55 years.

In this title, the authors have documented the meticulous restoration of W.Nr.163306 which wore "Red 3" on the day of its demise. The group of people who have worked on this aircraft have brought the machine to near flying condition, and will hopefully not fly the aircraft lest it crash again like its cousin at Duxford.

Because the aircraft is photographed during restoration, you see into places that the normal photo coverage doesn't see. All of the photography is in full color.

Unlike the Kagero titles in other series, this series has a single page of historical summary about the aircraft in English, with the remainder of the title driving straight into the photo coverage with captions in English and Polish.

Markings are included in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32. Four aircraft are covered - Red 3 of 2./JGr West that is covered by this monograph, White 9 of II./JG 77, Sicily, 1943, and White 4 and White 8 that have no further information provided.

The aviation historian and modeler alike will want to add this to their reference libraries - especially considering the VERY reasonable retail price! This title is highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!