Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4
Swan Song of the Messerschmitts - Part 3

Art Scale Kit, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Art Scale Kit has followed up their recent Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4 decals with a new set on the same subject.

There are three 1:32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4s kits on the market right now. Hasegawa and Trumpeter have been around for some time but the new and clearly best on the block today is the Kotare Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4. Perfect timing!

Markings are supplied for the following three subjects:

• Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4, Stab I./JG52, Deutsch Brod, Czechoslovakia, May 1945, probably used by E. Hartmann. Chevron and tulip leaves with white spiral on a black spinner, and yellow band partially overpainting the tulip leaves and yellow overpainted rudder. Instructions suggest upper surface colours are RLM 75 and RLM 81, but really your guess is as good as mine (especially the RLM 81 suggestion). Decal for the spinner spiral is not supplied.

• Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4, W.Nr.334210, 11./JG3, Hans Strebel, Pasewalk, spring 1945. Yellow 4. Camouflage is a combination of late-war colours, with a different treatment on the wings and fuselage. By all means follow the instructions if you wish, but also check your references to see if you draw the same conclusions.

• Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4, W.Nr. 335215, Stab II./JG52, Lt. Willy van de Kamp, Neubiberg, May 1945. Black Chevron 1, with the “last three” 215 on the rear fuselage overpainted by the II Grupper bar. Colour suggestions are ambiguous. The diagram seems to suggest a light mixed grey and RLM 75 Grey Violet, but the paint callouts are for RLM 82 Light Green, RLM 83 Dark Green and RLM 77 Light Grey. Once again, consult references and come to your own conclusion.

Instructions with one reference photo and four-view illustrations for all three subjects are included.

Decal printing quality looks good. The decals are glossy in finish. Apparently the clear top layer of the decals may be removed after application with lighter fluid, much in the same way as current Eduard decals.

If desired, the clear decal film can be removed by careful peeling or with a wash off Zippo lighter fluid.

These are nice looking decals that will offer an individualised finish for your 1:32 scale Kurfurst.

Recommended

Thanks to Art Scale Kit for the samples

Text and Images Copyright © 2025 by Brett Green
Page Created 25 November, 2025
Last updated 25 November, 2025

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