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This is my second build of 2015. Two models in two months... man, I'm getting slow in my old age. I remember when I could build twenty in one year! This is the 1/48 Eduard Bf 109E-3 Weekend Edition that I received as a Christmas Present. Being a freebie, I decided to add a little aftermarket to this one, which consisted of a resin seat by Ultracast, metal barrels by Master and decals by Hussar. Wanting to do something different, I decided on a not-often-modelled Royal Romanian Air Force example. The model was painted with Lifecolor RLM 65, Tamiya Dark Green and Vallejo Deep Yellow. As is usually the case, I couldn't quite match the yellow on the decals, which are a bit brighter than the yellow I used (hindsight's a b***h ain't it?). Fortunately you can't really tell in the pictures. The rudder stripes were masked and painted instead of using the supplied decal. The Eduard 109 is a fantastic little kit, however, my only complaint is that the landing gear legs seem a little too long, giving the aircraft too much of a nose high stance. For those of you wondering, yes, that is Donald Duck on the rear fuselage Comments, good and bad, are always welcome. Regards, ANS

Evening all, As promised in my WIP thread, here's the finished 109. A few niggles that I can't ignore, but a generally an enjoyable build. I'll be displaying her at Yeovilton along with the Spitfire. Thanks for looking, comments welcomed Shaun

Next in the queue are these two, partly because having bought the first five volumes of the Luftwaffe Crash Archive I want to make a start on utilising the fabulous research therein. Tamiya Emil by jongwinnett, on Flickr Airfix Emil by jongwinnett, on Flickr So far actual modeling progress has been limited to a waft of Halfords finest primer. Coming next... by jongwinnett, on Flickr Ideally I would like, to do one as Boehm's E-3 which was the first Bf109 to come down in the UK. However, whilst I have most of the necessary decals, the White 4 edged red eludes me. I think Boehm's plane featured in one of the Cutting Edge decal sheets in 1/48, but I haven't found a source in 1/72. Suggestions welcome! I haven't decided on how to finish the other. I do have decals for Priller's E-3, but I would prefer to model another that came down in the Uk. I know nothing about German planes, having never built one before, but am I right in thinking that the E-3s were largely upgraded to E-4 standards, or is that nonsense? I haven't found another suitable prototype yet. But the research is half the fun.

Whilst making the finishing touches to my Hellcat, I couldn't resist making a start on the next of my Battle of Britain builds, selecting the Tamiya E-3 boxing as the first of two 109s I have planned for my project. The build has progressed quickly as you'd expect of a Tamiya kit, with the interior complete. I've added some pre-painted belts from Eduard as finishing touch, but otherwise it's OOB. Expect progress to be pretty swift! Cheers, Shaun

Awfulschmitt oneOnine again... Sigh. KA-Models (http://www.ka-models.com/index.php?route=common/home & https://www.facebook.com/KAMODELS2007) is to release (has just released?) two 1/48th Messerschmitt Bf.109 kits. Some people in Hyperscale forum say they've recognized the injected parts from the old Fujimi kits. Time will tell. Source: http://www.themodellingnews.com/2015/01/ka-models-bf-109-g-10-g-6-deadly-new.html ref. KP-48001A - Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6 "Red Tulip" Source: http://www.ka-models.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=643 ref. KP-48002A - Messerschmitt Bf.109 G-10 "Rita" Source: http://www.ka-models.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=644 V.P.

Hobby Boss is to release new tool 1/48th Awfulschmitt Bf.109G kits in 2015/2016 - ref.81750 - Messerschmitt Bf.109G-2 - ref.81751 - Messerschmitt Bf.109G-6 Source: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234972796-hobbyboss-148-for-2015/?p=1828290 Considering Eduard is to retool its Bf.109G-2/-6 in 2015 (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234947521-148-messerschmitt-bf109f-g-family-by-eduard-bf109g-6-released-new-corrected-mould-in-design/?p=1810113) and the release from a Bf.109G-6 by Zvezda in 2015 ( http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234961817-148-messerschmitt-bf109g-6-by-zvezda-release-in-2015/)... V.P.

There are some new and interesting 109 builds here on Britmodeller, so i thought its a good idea to post and share one of my Gustavs. Its the Hasegawa kit in 1/32 scale, maybe not the most accurate 109 on the market but if you are looking for a relaxing build go with this kit, it builds nearly for itself. The markings are for a Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6, 4./JG 51 “Mölders” flown by Obfw. Elias Kühlein. I hope you like it Bernd

Next Hobby Boss 1/48th Schwalbe variant will be a Messerschmitt Me.262 A-2a kit - ref.80376. Sources: http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=article&a=show&id=33&l=en http://scalemodels.ru/news/8281-Hobby-Boss-fevral-2015.html Box art. Release expected late February 2015 Hobby Boss Schwalbe variants & boxing: - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1a - ref.80369 - http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234948927-148-messerschmitt-me262-a-1a-schwalbe-by-hobbyboss-released - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1a/U1 - ref.80370 - http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234965082-148-messerschmitt-me262-a-1au1-schwalbe-by-hobby-boss-release-october-2014 - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1a/U3 - ref.80371 - http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=523&l=en - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1a/U4 - ref.80372 - http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=551&l=en - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1a/U5 - ref.80373 - http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=448&l=en - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1a/U2 (V056) - ref.80374 - http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=430&l=en - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-1b - ref.80375 - http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=330&l=en - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-2a - ref.80376 - http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234971808-148-messerschmit-me262-a-2a-schwalbe-by-hobby-boss-released - Messerschmitt Me.262 A-2a/U2 - ref.80377 - http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234987781-148-messerschmitt-me262-a-2au2-schwalbe-by-hobby-boss-box-art-release-october-2015/ - Messerschmitt Me.262 B-1a - ref. 80378 - http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234954190-148-messerschmitt-me262b-1a-schwalbe-by-hobby-boss-released - Messerschmitt Me.262 B-1a/U1 - ref.80379 - http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234953218-148-messerschmitt-me262b-1au1-schwalbe-by-hobby-boss V.P.

So for some added fun, I'm modifying Revell's 1/32 Bf109G-10 Erla kit so the control surfaces will operate with the movement of the control stick. First step was to modify the kit's ailerons so that they actually move. Learn how I did this on my website: http://www.highflyingmodels.com/me109-aileron

Well I almost completely forgot about/missed this one. Like the majority probably will, I’m going for an Eduard model as well, though mine will be the 1/48 ProfiPACK G4. And being a Bf100 it was only even going to be a nightfighter for me and not just any, supposedly the last aircraft ever flown by Major Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, the greatest Night Fighter pilot of all time (there’s a lot of debate whether it was C3+BA). Along with all the lovely gear Eduard supplies I’m adding their details set and Master models beautiful FuG 218 antenna set. As the model doesn’t support ( ) the FuG218 I had to steal the mast for my Dragon Ho229B. For decals I’ll be using Peddinghaus’s beautiful decal set, plus I got a feeling I may have ordered some resin wheels as well!! I’m really looking forward to building this one but am already super stressed over time! I know it’s 3 months but I’m about to go back to 3w/1w roster so will be away from home most of the time. It works out I have 15 full days at home until the February finish and no I can’t spend all that time locked away building...would be trouble if I did. So there will be a mad rush over the first few days of the build to get all the basics done, no step by step build this time!! :frantic: :frantic: Roll on start time!!!!

Dogfight Doubles - Supermarine Spitfire Vb / Messerschmitt Bf109-E Airfix 1:48 The air war over Malta in WWII was a bloody battle with the odds stacked hard against the residents and small Allied presence there. The island posed significant strategic value to the Axis forces to prevent attacks in its shipping lanes interrupting supplies to their forces in North Africa. Initially under assault from the Italians, the Germans reinforced them in early 1941. Malta was under threat not only from military attack on the island itself, but from resource and food starvation as a result of attacks on the ships bringing supplies to the small fortress. In February 1941 Bf109E fighters of Jagdgeschwader 26 led by former Battle of France and Battle of Britain ace Oberleutnant Joachim Munchenberg gained air superiority operating from Sicily when their experienced crews overwhelmed the RAF pilots many who had limited combat experience based on Malta. As well as the RAF crews lacking combat experience, their Hurricanes had seen better days, let alone being already inferior to the 109E in good service condition. German efforts against Malta were strained due to resource distractions elsewhere, namely the Balkan Campaign and the attack on the Soviet Union. In mid 1941 this left the Italians taking the lead in attacks on Malta. With the weakening attacks and the influence of Air Commodore Hugh Lloyd, the RAF were able to get supplies through to the island, both in materials and aircraft. By July 1941 around 120 Hurricanes including some newly delivered Mk.II’s with a heavier punch and 60 bombers were now available to create an offensive from Malta. Despite heavy losses in low level shipping attacks, the RAF offensive continued, however in early 1942 German reinforcements were moved to Sicily where they could defend the shipping lanes using Bf110’s and Ju-88’s with great effect. This impact not only affected the RAF strike capability, but also the defensive capability yet again over Malta. In March 1942 Spitfires began to arrive on Malta from the carrier HMS Eagle as part of Operation ‘Spotter’. Opponents by this time were the more effective Bf109F and Macchi C.202’s which were outclassing the Hurricanes providing the back bone of the defensive operations. Despite the presence of the Spitfires, attacks on Malta severely hindered their ability to be effective, many being destroyed on the ground, however as supplies of new fighters got through as part of Operation Bowery in May ‘42, the tides began to turn in the RAF’s favour as Axis losses steadily increased. Hugh Lloyd was replaced with Keith Park of Battle of Britain fame in July ’42. His experience and abundance of British fighter planes by this time led him to take the enemy on using tactics favourable to the British. By October 1942, it was clear to the Germans that the RAF were too strong to be defeated on Malta, so their efforts were turned to North Africa. After almost 2 years of continual bombing and near starvation, the residents and British forces based on Malta had overcome the odds and defeated their Axis rivals. The kits Two of the iconic aircraft that operated during the air war over Malta were the Messerschmitt Bf109E and the Supermarine Spitfire Vb. First of all, to clear up any confusion, whist this set is sold as a ‘Dogfight Double’, as mentioned above, the Spitfire wasn’t available during Joachim Munchenbergs time when based on Sicily using Bf109E’s, he would have been opposing Hurricanes. The Spitfires of 229 Sqn would more than likely of been opposing the new Bf109F’s and Macchi C.202’s in ’42 onwards. With that out of the way, both kits are the newer toolings supplied by Airfix. The pack comes in an end-opening box with artwork of the two aircraft enclosed. It also comes with a stand to display the two aircraft in combat pose and a set of brushes, paints and glue. Each aircraft is individually wrapped. We have previously reviewed both aircraft kits on Britmodeller, so please see the links below for more information about the plastic: BF109E BF109E Tropical (same plastic as the ‘E’ review above) Spitfire Vb The stand comes in black plastic with a self adhesive label and Airfix moulded emblem to finish it off. Be aware if you decide to display the aircraft on the stand, then you will need to leave the slipper tank and drop tank off the Spitfire and Bf109E respectively and the holes for the stand need to go there. If this set is for a young or novice builder, you have to drill the holes for the stand yourself following the instructions. For this you will need a 2mm drill bit. Materials to build the kit As well as 2 brushes and two tubes of Hornby glue, 10 small pots of Humbrol acrylic paints are included to paint the aircraft. Including a 2mm drill bit would have been a good addition to this pack given the need to use one if you want to use the stand included. Decals Decals for two aircraft are included: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb, No. 229 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Qrendi, Malta, December 1942 Messerschmitt Bf109E-7, aircraft flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Muncheberg, 7./JG26 “Schlageter”, Gela, Sicily, Spring 1941 The decals are in excellent register with a semi-matt finish and look superb. Having used some of the recent decals by Airfix, I’ve been very impressed with how they settle down. A good selection of stencils are also included for both aircraft. Conclusion Given that this set includes new tooling for both aircraft and different decals than the single box options, it offers excellent value for money. Both kits build up in to great renditions in their own right and together will form a superb display of history ignoring the reality that they didn’t actually see combat with each other. As a young modeller myself (many, many years ago!!), I was captivated by these heroic periods in aviation warfare and these sets remind me of where my passion for both aviation and modelling came from. As such, I’m sure that these latest efforts by Airfix will have the same impact on today’s budding young modellers or even us older ones on a nostalgic trip! Review sample courtesy of

Hello I would appreciate Your opinions concerning this can of worms..... Based on my references,I am being offered between two different camo schemes for this 109G-14; first is 82/83/76 and the other 74/75/76. Now what would be most obvious choice,the 82/83 sounds suspicious,it is the option given by decal sheet. The new AZ Model G-14 1/72 scale has the normal three grey option. My only resources are two b/w pics where this 109 has taller (wooden) rudder but with shorter tailwheel and Erla canopy. This is either 4.JG 3 or 10.JG 3 plane and Werkenummer is 462919 and its number is white 7 and vertical line (or cross bar). Any opinions would be highly welcome. TIA Teemu H

Just like with its 1/32nd kit (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234947836-132-messerschmitt-bf110e-2-trop-by-dragon-released/), Dragon is to release very soon (August 2014), in its Wing Tech/Master Series, a 1/48th Messerschmitt Bf.110E-2 Tropical kit - ref.5560. Source: http://dragon-models.com/d-m-item.asp?pid=CHC5560# V.P.

Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun, pics thanks to Mark Mills.

Hi Folks I have just started a Hasegawa Bf109F2 and have noticed that the fuselage has the fuel filler and gas filler points of the later marks on the fuselage. The kit instructions point out to fill the fuel filler on the port spine but they don't mention the additional filler further aft on the stbd side nor the gas filler point (cannon charging point?) lower down on the aft stbd side. I have a feeling that these are for later marks but don't have my references with me can anyone confirm they should be filled? Thanks Duncan B

Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3 4101, ex-GH + DX, ex-6./JG 52 "Yellow 8", ex-2/JG51 "Black 12", ex-RAF DG200, ex-No. 1426 Flight RAF, used in Battle of Britain film, Black 12. At RAF Hendon, pics are mine.

Walk around, This is my version of the Airfix kit, there may be some dispute over the colours I used! It was painted with tamiya paints and weathering sets. Pretty much from the box, I just added aileron trim tabs and fixed the wing root fillet using plastic sheet. Xtradecal swastika. It is not a new build but I'm new here. This is my first aircraft "ready for inspection"

Hello, and thanks for your interest in this topic. This is the third Bf-109 I've built in a row, this time it's AZ Model's new Bf-109 G-14. In my opinion, this kit is on par with the Fine Molds kit in terms of accuracy and detailling, but sells for less than half the price. Assembly is easy, with good engineering and flawless surfaces. Only a little filler was used for the wing/fuselage joint and on the fuslage halves. I added Brengun photo-etch set, Rob Taurus vacu canopy (designed for Revell's Bf-109 G-10, but suitable for this model as well) and Eagle Cals decals from "Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-14s (EC72-43)". The model was painted RLM74/RLM75/RLM76 with Gunze/Mr.Hobby acrylics, sealed with Alclad matt varnish, and weathered with artist's oils. The markings represent "Yellow 10" from 3./JG77, Euskirchen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Germany, 1945. I have not found any photographic reference for this machine, relying on the decal sheet instructions only. The spinner spiral comes from that decal sheet, too. The pitot tube is a metal item from Fine Molds accessories, and seems to be a little bit too long! All rudders have been re-positioned to add interest. Photographs by Wolfgang Rabel of IGM Cars & Bikes. Hope you like it! With kind regards from Vienna, Austria Roman Schilhart

Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe. Me 262 A-2a W.Nr.112372 at The RAF Museum Hendon, pics mine.

So I got my hands on a new AZ Models 1/72 Bf109G-1. It's a lovely kit and a fair price too - the plastic quality is up there with Fine Molds and if you buy any other 1/72 Bf109G nowadays, you really want your head tested! It does have a problem, a problem that it shares with the earlier G-5/G-6/G-8 and G-14 releases, that is one of confusing instructions! It seems that AZ have not learned from this problem, which is a bit disappointing. Some of us don't want to have to spend ages researching a subject to work out which bits to use, we'd rather crack on and get building! The first problem is with the pilot's headrest. There's 3 choices and all the instructions say is 'according the camouflage' which I assume means use the correct headrest depending on which camouflage/marking option you want to do, problem is, that's all the instructions say! SO my question here, is what headrest is right for a G-1? Second - there's some little bumps on the canopy, where the small windows used to be on the F's canopy at the bottom of the front end. The instructions would have you cut them off or not, again depending on which camouflage option you choose but again it doesn't specify what to do for which option! So should these bumps stay or go on a G-1? Lastly the instructions say if your are modelling a G-2 or G-4, there should be a small intake on the starboard engine cowling in between the rear of the exhausts and the nose decking machine guns. Is this not something to do with the cockpit pressurisation and therefore correct for a G-1 or G-3, or are the instructions correct and I should leave it off for me G-1? thanks Mike

Here is my latest completed model. Inspired by Deanflyer's impressive Tamiya/Matchbox Bf109, I blew off the dust from an old Hasegawa 109E box and got cracking. I'd always wanted to build this particular plane - I have the original boxing of this still in the stash, and I've wanted to build this for at least 15 years and never got to it. Carpe Weekium, and it is complete. The old Hasegawa decals were not only cream (as usual) but refused to stick or respond to MicroSet/Sol. So, I used a combination of Eduard stencils and national markings, and some markings from Sky decals. I kept this very simple, adding only the aforementioned decals, an Ultracast resin 109E seat and some judicious use of wire to add some details. I simply drilled out the gun barrels rather than adding Master Brass barrrels. I used a combination of WEM RLM enamels and Humbrol enamels for the paint. The WEM enamels are great, so much better than the Xtracolour enamels (for me anyway). Oblt Otto Bertram was appointed Staffelkapitan of 1./JG2 on 26 October 1939. He claimed his first aerial victory of WWII on 20 April 1940, downing a Morane 406 over St Avold. He went on to claim four victories in the Battle of France and in total claimed 22 aerial victories during the war. On 28 October 1940 as a Hauptmann in charge of III./JG 2 Otto Bertram was awarded the Knight's Cross of The Iron Cross. He was also sent back from active duty as both his brothers had been killed (both were in the Luftwaffe). He never saw combat again, fulfilling mostly administrative and training roles in the Luftwaffe. Otto Bertram finished the war as a Major and passed away on 8 February 1987 in Freiburg im Breisgau, aged 80. The boxing I used, which contains generic 109E-3/4 sprues. 'Bonzo the Dog' was a cartoon by Briton George Studdy, and pictures graced both German and British planes in the war. That awesome silhouette... I added the canopy retaining wire. Classic early war 'splinter' of RLM 71 Dunkelgrun and RLM 02 Grau. This plane the walkways on the wing in RLM 70 Shwarzgrun. The wing crosses are also quite far out compared to later markings.

Dear fellow modellers, this is Revell's 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf-109 G-10 with upgrades from Quickboost (Propeller, Air Intake), Eduard (Photo Etch), Rob Taurus (Vacu Canopy) and Eagle Cals (Decals). There are some colour pictures of this particular machine, which crash-landed behind American lines in 1945. The camoflage looks like RLM74/RLM75, but with reduced 'red' factor (as seen in Kagero's "Bf-109 G/K Vol.1") it could as well be RLM75/RLM83, which I chose. According to Eagle Cals, this aircraft belonged to I./JG52. The model was painted with Gunze/Mr.Hobby colours with my Evolution airbrush. I decided to build this kit before AZ Model's new 109-series is expanded to the G-10. Otherwise, it would have probably been sleeping in my stash forever (a shame with all the aftermarket sets obtained already). Thanks for your interest. With kind regards from Vienna, Roman

Well, one thing I've figured out about myself is that making a new WIP thread is what should help me get cracking with this... My studies are trying to keep me away from modelling, but I'm not ready to pause with it just yet... Let me quickly introduce you to this little Italeri's kit. Two A4-sized sprues, one with clear bits and a disappointingly small decal sheet... I'll also use that big left-over sheet from Bf-110 I made a short while ago... The idea for finished model right now is to make it quite asymmetrical, with port side having exposed DB-603 engine (to be scratch built, having done two DB-601 for Bf-110 should prove helpful), flap, aileron and slats in landing position, radiator cowling flaps opened fully as well, while starboard side should be clean, just to show this bird's (what I consider) beautiful lines. Of course, this being a conversion, one - two actually - obvious things that need to be taken care of are wings - outer halves of 'em need to be swept forward to begin with (I haven't a clue why 210 has swept back wings in the first place, I guess Germans decided to experiment a bit with aerodynamic effects of that, maybe they needed to regulate center of gravity). Luckily, studying a number of technical drawing revealed that I should be able to use those outer sections, just rotating them around a specific point should prove enough. Fuselage shouldn't require too many changes, 210 A-1 has elongated fuselage in the first place, so that doesn't require any work, just a bit of rescribing should do the trick... This kit isn't very detailed (if I got it right, this should be a rebox of an old kit, from the early nineties), not that it matters since I'll be glad to add a few of my own, but fit looks good for now... ... though a few places seem to require a bit of filler (left and middle picture). Italeri have got intake cross-section right (right picture), it's a circle as it should be, I think Revell got that wrong on all of their models of 210 and 410, both 72nd and 48th scale, with an elliptical cross-section. A bit of work down under as well, other than filling I'll also open up wheel wells, aforementioned radiator flaps, stuff like that... These two were developed at the same time, one was given a second chance, mostly in Africa if I got it right, the one I aim to change didn't, it just wasn't a good war-plane. A lot of similarities between them (length, wingspan, cockpit position, same engine family), obviously... This picture shows the major differences between 210 and 410, wings being the biggest on of course... ... and this paint scheme is the main reason why I chose to convert it... Hopefully, it should like a bit like this in the end... Love the way engines stick out of wings... I'll be using whatever pictures I can to get the details right, like this Aires wheel well... ... as well as number of impressive build stories, like this one... http://www.modelersalliance.com/forum/chukw/147807-me410-all-the-way ... and some reviews of bigger scale models... http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234949148-messerschmitt-me410a-1-hornisse-148/?hl=%2Bmesserschmitt+%2B210 Some of you may have noticed a cutting mat that wasn't there while Bf-110 was on the bench, got it today as well as Humbrol filler and a nice little model of Rogožarski IK-3 "Belgrade Defender", a bird that tried to keep the Luftwaffe busy once bombing of Belgrade started... Unfortunately, Royal Yugoslav Air Force only had 12 of them, 6 weren't operational as it was still tested, but still our pilots took down 11 Bf-109 in fights in April '41, 3 of which were taken by Sgt. Dušan Vujčić, whose IK-3 I'll be making once it gets its turn... For those interested in it, IK-3 was reported to be an overall improvement on Hawker Hurricane and more maneuverable than Bf-109 (pilots of 51st Fighter group were in charge of experimental work and RYAF had both Hurricane and 109 in its air fleet), but it had poorer rate of climb than 109 and it was slower as well (difference in engine power)... Got all my tools and paints on the mat once I got it, it's not a large set, though you can see that I got myself a good number of new stuff (all of that during Bf-110 build) on the right... During this build, I'll buy a wheel riveter (store was out of them today) and an airbrush for the final paint job and that should be enough for the next couple of builds as well... Back to Me-410, I hope to get some real work done during the weekend, however I expect this to be a slow-starter, since I'm a bit busy with some faculty stuff... Anyway, I hope this was enough for an intro post, I'm looking forward to this build as well as all of your comments... Cheers!

Greetings, good people of RFI threads, I come bearing gifts (or sacrificial material, whatever you please)... This is my little BF110E, Eduard's Profipack with some scratchbuilt details - engines, ventral guns, nose guns, a number of things in the cockpit... The kit itself is a treat to work with, I enjoyed every moment of it, pieces fit perfectly, panel lines are as they should be, highly recommended for beginners and experienced modelers alike... It took around 6 months to build it, mostly because my studies haven't left me much time in first 3 or 4 months... There's a WIP thread as well, you can find it here... Here it is next to a Bf109, one of my first models built, almost 10 years ago now, when I was 11 (11 and a half, halves were very important at the time )... This is the only picture of the actual plane I managed to find... Not much to compare from there, though there is a bird similar to this one, G9+HM, that also had sharkmouth nose art, so I made a B&W photo for a bit of comparison... It's a bit cloudy and windy today here in Belgrade, hopefully tomorrow it will clear so that I can take this thing outside for some shots on natural sunlight... This is my first RFI thread, so naturally - every comment, every critique, every advice is most welcome... Cheers!

Messerschmitt BF109G-6/R6 AZ Models - 1:72 The Messerschmitt BF109 hardly needs an introduction. With nearly 34,000 built in 10 years, it is one of the most widely produced aircraft in history. Starting out in 1935, whilst broadly similar to the Spitfire in layout, monocoque construction and V12 engine, the engine is in fact inverted and famously fuel injected which in the early war years gave some advantage in combat over its British rivals which were carburettor fed. Initially designed as a lightweight interceptor, evolution led it to a variety of needs including bomber escort, fighter bomber, night fighter, ground attack and reconnaissance. Whilst the BF109E or ‘Emil’ is probably the most famous variant due to its involvement in the Battle of Britain, the G ‘Gustav’ which was first produced in 1942 was a quite extensively modified airframe and wing to accommodate a more powerful engine, greater internal fuel and armour. It was a dedicated reconnaissance / intercept aircraft. Whilst early 109’s were powered by engines delivering less than 700hp, some Gustav’s were pushing out nearly 2000hp with water injection and high performance superchargers. Within the Gustav series was quite an array of sub variants. Lack of standardisation was an issue that caused problems in the field as well as the ability to mass produce under wartime conditions. Some notable visual variations within the ‘G’ range included larger tail of wooden construction, odd number suffixed aircraft had pressurised cockpits for high altitude operation, Erla Haube clear view canopy with clear rear head armour, underwing points for tanks, cannon or rockets and larger main wheels resulting in ‘square’ fairings on the inner upper wings to accommodate them. The engine cowlings also had some obvious variations resulting from the supercharger and weapon set up hidden beneath. An obvious one is the Beule blisters found on each side of the cowling ahead of the cockpit to cover the gun breaches. The K series 109 was the final variant introduced in the effort to create a standardised 109 taking all of the improvements that had materialised throughout the aircrafts development. The kit Before I start this review, I’ll admit that I’m not a 109 expert , particularly with the G variant and it’s many sub variants. Having never built an AZ kit, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but on opening the box, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the kit. What was strikingly obvious on the two grey sprues was a variety of options included and well as some beautiful surface detailing. As well as these sprues, you get a full colour A4 fold out instruction manual and two decal sheets, the larger one holding the markings, with a smaller one holding the many stencils found on the aircraft. Assembly starts with the cockpit as you might guess. Despite the small size, there is plenty of detail to cram in there. Excellent painting guides are included within the instruction booklet. The exhausts are shown as being inserted from inside the fuselage prior to closing up which for some may be not ideal if you prefer to paint your exhausts before fitting. Looking at the design, it might be possible to affix a plate to the inner surfaces of the fuselage slots and with a bit of fettling, attach the exhausts from outside in a more conventional manner if this is a concern for you. With the cockpit assembled and affixed to one of the fuselage halves, the fuselage is ready for closing up. There has been some debate about the fuselage profile on the '72nd Scale Aircraft' website and the comments made were that the depth of the fuselage at the front section of the wing was too shallow by just under 1mm causing the profile of the cowling under the engine to look slightly horizontal. I checked the parts against some drawings and do agree with the comments made there, however comment is also made that the Fine Mould dimensions at this point are the same and this is regarded as an excellent kit. The fuselage halves have two location pins at extreme ends to assist line up of the parts. Next step is the wings. Some care and attention needs to be taken moving forwards with the construction due to generic instructions giving steps for different variants and the number of options contained. Some modification is required to certain kit parts too, in the case of this variant, you are required to sand a taper into the rear radiator faces. This is probably better done once fitted into place to ensure you don’t overdo it. It’s worth noting at this point the options contained within the kit (although most not used): • Standard and large tail / rudder • Beule blisters • Tailplanes – 2 options • Nose gun covers – 2 options • Tail wheels – 3 options • Main wheels – 2 options • Supercharger intake – 2 options • Propellers – 2 options • Square main wheel fairings for upper wings • Underwing 20mm cannon packs The radiator covers are moulded into the lower wing. This is superbly done, with the intake slot finely reproduced. Surface detail is finely recessed with rivets and panel lines. The radiator exit flaps can be positioned in either the open or closed positions. The undercarriage has separate legs and doors, again with moulded in detail that will show up well after a panel wash. The main wheels for this variant are the standard ones, not the larger ones contained as an option. With the rear armour fitted to the cockpit, the canopy can be fitted. Again, reports from those who have built the kit indicate the canopy is a fraction narrow on the fit to the fuselage, however having seen the stunning build by Libor on Britmodeller (see link below), I won’t be too concerned when I build mine. Given the excellent detail in the cockpit, an open canopy option would have been welcome to show it off. That said, the moulding is beautifully clear. http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234951287-messerschmitt-bf-109g-6r6-172-az-model/ It won’t take long before the remaining parts are in place due to the simplicity in the kit to assemble. A good portion of the parts included are options. The decals Four Bf109G-6/R6 schemes are included in the kit and an additional sheet of stencils is included. Print is very sharp. Scheme 1 – 1./JG.302, Helsinki – Malmi, Finland, March ‘44 Scheme 2 – Stab 1./JG27, Fels am Wagram, Austria, May ’44 – flown by Ludwig Franzisket Scheme 3 – 8./JG54, Luneburg, Germany, Spring ’44 – flown by Gunter Sahl Scheme 4 – 11./JG27, Kalamaki Airfield, Athens, Autumn ’43 – flown by Heinrich Bartels Conclusion Whilst there has been some criticism of the forward fuselage profile in this kit, it really is a beautifully detailed rendition that can be favourably compared to the Fine Molds Gustav which is highly regarded. AZ have released a number of G versions recently giving Bf109 fans some great choices. Kit construction is quite straight forwards, although some care is necessary in studying the instructions before commencing. Sample courtesy of AZ Models Etch & Masks to compliment the kit If you’re wanting improve the kit, a pre-painted etch set is available to enhance the cockpit detail. This includes a replacement rear armoured headrest, seatbelts and panel. If you don't like cutting your masks out, then they also supply a canopy and wheel mask set too. Both the early framed canopy and Erla Haube canopy types are included.