The Messerschmitt Bf 110 has been somewhat out of the modelling limelight for a while, so it's great to have a reminder of just what an interesting and attractive subject it is. 

Iliad Design first released their set of 1:48 decals for the aircraft a few years ago with markings for four aircraft, but they've expanded the selection for the reprint by adding a fifth. The line-up now includes:

1. Messerschmitt Bf 110E-2, G9+BC flown by ObLt. Uellenbeck, II./NJG 1, spring 1942

2. Messerschmitt Bf 110D-3, 3U+KS, 8./ZG 26, North Africa, 1941

3. Messerschmitt Bf 110E-1/N flown to Scotland by Rudolf Hess, May 1941

4. Messerschmitt Bf 110D, 2/ZG 76, summer 1940

5. Messerschmitt Bf 110E-1, S9+AH, flown by ObLt. Wolfang Schenk, I./SKG 210, Russia, September 1941

The addition of scheme #5 is an excellent choice, because between them the chosen aircraft now sport essentially the whole gamut of typical colour schemes for early Bf 110s, from splinter RLM 70/71/65 camouflage, through RLM 71/02/65 and 74/75/02/76 with mottled fuselages, to an RLM 79/78 desert finish and an all-black RLM 22 nightfighter. 

The decals themselves are superb quality - very thin and glossy, with pin-sharp registration and minimal excess carrier film except where it groups elements. The colours and their density look excellent, and the decals the fact that the items are so thin suggests they will conform to a gloss surface beautifully for that all-important painted-on look.

Along with the individual aircraft markings, the sheet provides swastikas for all five options, plus crosses to complete two schemes without using kit decals. Having the swastikas for every scheme is very welcome, because you can't always rely on kit decals to include them.

The decals are accompanied by full colour instructions with high-quality side profiles, plus plan views and some "info views" of specific details. The profiles are accompanied by detailed annotations giving details of colours and equipment carried. 

Conclusion

This is a great set for anyone tackling an early version of the Bf 110 in 1:48. The full line-up will make for a very impressive display and, while it might take up too much space for an individual modeller, it would be an excellent shared project for a club or group build. The sheet is excellent value at less than $3.00 per subject.

Set #48016a is available now from Iliad Design - Price: $14.00

Many thanks to Iliad Design for the review sample.

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