ETC 500 rack and Bf 110G-4: The mount of Martin Drewes revised
ETC stands for; Elektrischer Träger für cylindrische Außenlasten (Electric carrier for cylindrical external stores.) The generic rack appeared on German bombers to carry different bomb load. Likewise, the Bf 110 variants destined as bombers also had a rack between the wings.
With the appearance of the dedicated Bf 110G-4 for the night fighter role it seems that the rack would be useless. A question was raised concerning my model depicting the mount of Martin Drewes where I positioned the rack according to Promodeler's instructions.
My reference search showed that some Bf 110G-4 aircraft carried the rack and others did not. In all it seems to me that G-4s with early FuG systems, such as the 220 and 202 had the rack installed. My guess is that these were G-2 day fighter/bombers converted to night fighter's role in the field. Given that Drewes supervised alterations in armament components in his aircraft, it is likely that the rack was removed.
Therefore, I removed the rack to show an early darker shade RLM 76 in the position of the missing rack.
Nicely handled update, Rafi. The subtle shading and weathering around the old ETC location really sets this build apart in a special way.
Thank you, Christopher.
G’day Rafi (@blackmopane),
That is something I’ve long wondered about as the rack would have been a simple thing to remove in the field.
It is good that you were able to remove the rack cleanly.
Traditionally, I use very little glue.
Fantastic result, Rafi! Good decision to remove the rack. What a beautiful model!
Thank you, Spiros!
Nice work on this modification, Rafi @blackmopane
She looks really beautiful.
Thank you, John.