Molders 109f2

[DsrtRat]

I am currently working on a painting of Werner Molders' 109f2 from the russian front. With regards to the tail markings, does this color plate correctly represent his airplane? I count 31 bars and the number "100". Is this correct?

http://www.hunt101.com/?p=352258&c=500&z=1

[Jim P.]

Can't access the plate, but by the description sounds like your 'doing' Guenther Luetow's machine, not Moelders. Luetzow led JG 51 for a short time after the Kommodore Beckh was wounded.

[Don Pearson]

DsrtRat,

Without any intended rudeness, I suggest you refer back to the thread you initiated a few weeks back for the answer to this query. The color plate you have posted from the Squadron/Signal "Messerschmitt Bf109 in action" has errors even compared to the photo caption on page 8 (and again as pointed out by Jim, the aircraft belonged to Lützow). Photos of Mölder's rudders can be found in many publications, if you want scans contact me directly

Don

[DsrtRat]

Thanks for the info guys. Don, in your opinion, are Mark Stylings plates correct in their depiction of Molders' paint schemes?

[Don Pearson]

While not offering an opinion on the accuracy of the profiles, do note that all three are captioned to indicate aircraft NOT flown on the eastern front. My question to you is why use a painting as a reference source for a painting of your own when photos exist of the subject matter?

[DsrtRat]

My only problem with using a photo is getting the colours correct as most are black and white.

[Jim P.]

Well, let me ask you this. With all these pretty color drawings, what do you think the artist's sources are? (answer - the same b&w photos that we all see!) Don't assume that because someone has done a pretty color rendition of a particular machine that have any greater knowledge/sources than you. A lot of it is common sense based on known LW colors and the timeframe said colors were supposedly being used.

[DsrtRat]

You are correct Jim. My knowledge of LW colours is limited. My uncle was the CO of an RCAF squad inthe Med.. My LW knowledge, especially russian front is not great. I have found however that with molders there are some common mistakes that seem to be universal regarding his 109Fs. Yourself and Don have been a great help in sorting things out. Don sent me some great B=W photos that have shown me the placement of chevrons, markings, vicotry bars and camo application. Using those with some books, I have pieced together what I believe is a corrct colorscheme. I will post them here soon.

Cheers