[D.B. Andrus]

1. What are the differences between the 3 above parts?

Partial answer:

From German Aircraft Landing Gear, A Detailed Study of German World War II Combat Aircraft, by Gunther Sengfelder, Schiffer Military/Aviation History, 1993:

P. 183:

"The landing gear of the Bf 109F was largely taken from that of the E.

A series of landing gear modifications were introduced in the course of Bf 109G production, primarily caused the the aircraft's steadily increasing takeoff weight."

PP. 183-84:

"The following appears in a modification directive for the G-1 landing gear handbook: The exchange of small for large brake wheels is only possible after carrying out Modification Directive Bf 109 No. 280, or on aircraft which have been modified during production (recognizable by the presence of bulges in wing skinning).

Beginning with the G-5, the larger main wheels were installed on the production line. The revised 660 x 190 main wheels designed for the K series were first introduced on the G-10."

There is no mention of a change in the axle/strut angle only that an increase in the size of the brake assembly (and larger tires on the G-5 and later variants) led to the need for the upper wing bulge.

2. What are the angles of the axles of the above parts relative to the center line of the gear leg? E.g., 90 degrees, 100 degrees, etc..

Partial answer.

From Messerschmitt Bf 109F,G & K Series - An Illustrated History, by Jochen Prien, Schiffer, 1993.

PP. 84-85

"Along with the enlargement of the main wheels came a change in the angle at which they were mounted. Instead of being almost parallel to the undercarriage leg, the wheel's axis now approached the vertical. Both changes made necessary the addition of shallow, roughly teardrop-shaped fairings on the upper wing surface above the wheel wells, necessary to accommodate the upper part of the main wheels, which now projected further from the undercarriage leg when retracted......... Wings with the provision for the larger main wheels could be - and often were....retrofitted to the G-2."

Is this information current, is there primary source material available?

Best Regards,

D.B.