Numerically the most abundant fighter produced by either side during WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 formed the backbone of the Jagdwaffe on both the eastern and western fronts, as well as in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Of the eight distinct sub-types within the huge Bf 109 family, the most populous was the G-model, of which over 30,000 were built between 1941-45. Despite its production run, only a handful of genuine German Bf 109s have survived into the 1990s, and with the serious damaging of the RAFs G-2 at Duxford in October 1997, only the German-based MBB G-6 and Hans Ditte's G-10 (both composites) are currently airworthy.

The first redesign came with the E series, including the naval variant, the Bf 109T (T standing for Trager, carrier). The Bf 109E "Emil" introduced structural changes to accommodate the heavier and more powerful 1,100 PS (1,085 HP) Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine, heavier armament and increased fuel capacity. Partly due to its limited 300 km (186 mile) combat radius on internal fuel alone, resulting from its 660 km (410 mile) range limit, later variants of the E series had a fuselage ordnance rack for fighter-bomber operations or provision for a long-range, standardized 300 litre (79 US gallon) drop-tank and used the DB 601N engine of higher power output. The 109E first saw service with the "Condor Legion" during the last phase of the Spanish Civil War and was the main variant from the beginning of World War II until mid-1941 when the 109F replaced it in the pure fighter role.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 "Emil" fighter that was attached to 1./Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen", and piloted by Oblt. Otto Bertram during May 1940. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 8-inches
Length: 7-1/2-inches

Release Date: December 2018

Historical Account: "Otsch" - Otto "Otsch" Bertram was born on April 30th, 1916, at Wilhelmshaven. He joined the Luftwaffe in 1935. In March 1938, Bertram joined the Condor Legion in Spain supporting Franco;s Nationalists in the civil war. Leutnant Bertram claimed nine victories flying with1./J 88, being one of the most successful fighter pilots in that conflict. On October 4th, 1938, a Republican I-15 fighter shot him down. He baled out and was taken prisoner. He was awarded the Spanienkreuz in Gold mit Brillanten for his accomplishments. On October 26th, 1939, Bertram was appointed Staffelkapitan of 1./JG 2. Oberleutnant Bertram opened his account for World War II on April 20th, 1940, when he downed a Morane fighter over St Avold, flown by future French ace Sgt Chef Antoine Casenobe (7 victories, killed in action February 21st, 1943) . However, the claim was not confirmed. He claimed four victories during the Battle of France, although he was shot down and crash-landed after gaining two victories on May 19th, 1940. However, he was able to return to his unit unhurt.

Bertram led 1./JG 2 during the opening phases of the Battle of Britain. He claimed seven victories in five days between September 2nd and 6th, 1940, with the unit, all RAF fighters. On September 26th, 1940, Bertram was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 2. He claimed two further victories with the unit, two RAF Blenheim twin-engine bombers shot down near Le Havre on October 9th, to record his 21st and 22nd victories. On October 28th, 1940, Hauptmann Bertram was awarded the Ritterkreuz for 13 victories in World War II and ordered to cease combat flying and return to Germany. Otto Bertram was one of three brothers serving in the Luftwaffe, two of whom had been killed in action - Hans, Gruppen Adjutant of I./JG 27, had been shot down over England in September 1940, and Karl, a night fighter pilot with 9./NJG 1, had been killed when he crashed his Bf 110 west of Kiel following an engagement with a RAF bomber on October 28th. Otto, as the sole surviving brother was prohibited from further combat uty. Bertram was to spend the remainder of the war in administrative posts or training units. He served at the Jagdfliegerschule 5 at Wien-Schwechat during 1940/1941 and was Kommodore of JG 101 from January 6th, 1943, to April 30th, 1944. From February 1945, Major Bertram was Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 6, a position he held until the end of the war. Bertram died on February 8th, 1987 at Freiburg. "Otsch" Bertram shot down a total of 22 enemy aircraft, nine of which were claimed during the Spanish Civil War.