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LPS Hobby 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 110 Decals

By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Overview

The new Airfix 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 110 kit has caused a nice resurgence of interest in this great twin-engined fighter aircraft. As such, it would not be long before we saw aftermarket decal sheets for the type, and LPS Hobby has not only answered that call, but has started their line of military subjects with three sheets aimed at the Bf 110.

The Decals

LPS Hobby decided to approach these three sheets in a somewhat logical approach. LPM72-01 covers the Bf 110C, LPM72-02 covers the Bf 110D, and LPM72-03 tackles the Bf 110E. All three sheets include three individual aircraft schemes, with national markings and stenciling to complete one aircraft.

Starting with LPM72-01, here we have three Messerschmitt Bf 110C aircraft from ZG 2 and ZG 26. The first option is a Bf 110C-2 from Stab II/ZG 2. Coded A2+BB, this aircraft is finished in the standard RLM 71/02/65 camouflage scheme, with green spinners and a green individual aircraft letter. The second option is a Bf 110C-1 from 3./ZG 26, coded U8+GL. While finished in RLM 71/02/65, this aircraft has a non-standard heavily mottled camouflage scheme. This aircraft also has a white nose, and a thin white band around the rear fuselage. Finally, the last aircraft is a Bf 110C-1 from 7./ZG 26 from 1941/42 in North Africa. This aircraft, 3U+JR, is finished in RLM 79 over RLM 78.

The second sheet, LPM72-02, covers the Messerschmitt Bf 110D. This aircraft has the extended rear fuselage, making it rather distinctive in appearance. The first option is a Bf 110D from III Gruppenstab, ZG 26, in 1941, and is finished in RLM 71/02/65 colors. Coded 3U+DD, the rear fuselage extension and part of the rudders are painted in yellow. The second option is a Bf 110D-3 from Gruppenstab, Erprobungsgruppe 210, during the Battle of Britain. Coded S9+DH, it is also finished in RLM 71/02/65, and has blue spinners trimmed in white. Finally, we have the Bf 110D from 8./NJG 4, coded 3C+GS. This plane is finished in overall RLM 76, which was applied over the existing camouflage of 74/75/76.

The third sheet, LPM72-03, presents three Messerschmitt Bf 110E options. The first is U8+AK, a Bf 110E from 2./ZG 26. This aircraft has yellow cowlings on the upper portion, with overspray extending below the exhausts and onto the spinner. Originally camouflaged in RLM 71/02/65, this aircraft has its upper surface camouflage painted over in 74/75. The second option is a Bf 110E, 3U+AN, from 5./ZJ 26. Camouflaged in RLM 74/75/76, this plane has a yellow fuselage band and yellow rudders. Finally, for those who like solid colors, the third option is G9+LN, an overall black Bf 110E from 5./NJG 1. This aircraft has a non-standard fuselage cross.

All three decal sheets are printed by Microscale and have excellent registration and color. For those familiar with Microscale decals, using these will be a snap. About the only issue I would have is the fact that there is only one set of national markings provided. Given that, for most of these aircraft, there are black codes on the fuselage sides and wings, it would have been nice to have full sets of national insignia to ensure that the blacks match. The stenciling, though, is quite nice, and the instructions provide a separate detailed four-view drawing showing the placement of all of those markings.

Conclusion

These decal sheets have me excited to get a bunch of Airfix Bf 110 kits (not like I really needed another excuse). There are some really interesting and colorful options here, and they definitely offer something a bit different than the kit decals. My thanks to LPS Hobby for the review samples.