Messerschmitt Bf110C/D ProfiPACK - 1:72 Eduard

[woody37]

Messerschmitt Bf110C/D ProfiPACK

1:72 Eduard

Also see Paul's review of the Eduard Bf110e ProfiPACK HERE

Not as famous as it's more agile stable mate, the Bf109, the Bf110 has a mixed history of success. First flying in 1936 as a proposed 'zerstorer' (meaning destroyer), tests with proposed DB600 engines demonstrated that it was faster than the 109B as well as its rivals, however development issues on these engines delayed their availability resulting in the A/B versions being powered by the less capable Jumo 210 engines which significantly restricted performance. Interestingly, work was underway before the outbreak of war to replace the 110 with the 210, however development issues with this aircraft meant that the 110 soldiered on and remained in service throughout the war. The C version was the first major production series and made use of the DB601 engines when they became available giving an impressive top speed in excess of 330mph. Early experience was soon to prove the capability of the 'zerstorer' when unchallenged. Success in Poland, Norway and France in the bomber escort and heavy fighter role was achieved due to the class of aircraft it was up against. The tide was turned however when it was put to the same use over Britain. Escorting the bombers during the Battle of Britain, it suffered badly at the guns of the Spitfires and Hurricanes to the extent that as well as escorting the bombers, it became escorted itself by 109's. Its weakness against modern fighters resulted in it being withdrawn from offensive operations over Europe and moved to the night fighter role intercepting British Bombers in which it was well suited. Its airframe enabled the carriage of radar equipment and it was a stable gun platform to perform this role to which it did until the end of the war.

The kit

If you've come across any of Eduard's Profipacks then you'll probably be expecting this kit to be a little gem. Guess what ? You'd be right !

The kit comes in a sturdy top opening box with great artwork and side profiles of the variants included along one edge. Inside the box, you'll find no less than 7 olive coloured sprues and a rather impressive clear sprue. The instructions are provided on an A5 glossy coloured booklet which is another indication of the quality standards that you have here. Being the Profipack version, you also get a photo-etch sheet and paint masks for the rather complicated canopy. If you have used these before, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them ! Eduard has really set the benchmark here. The quality of the moulding is excellent. Where necessary, the fine parts are extremely thin so this probably isn't the kit to choose for beginners, so it does differentiate itself somewhat when compared to the more 'chunky' new Airfix kit. There are over 160 parts included to put some perspective on things.

Building the kit starts in the traditional way with the cockpit. This really is one of the most comprehensive 1/72 cockpits I've ever seen. The impressive side walls are formed into the fuselage halves. You have the choice of using the etch parts or building without and the sub assembly is built up on the floor part to include three seats, bulkheads, radio gear and ammunition. Etch parts are available to replace the pilots panel, radio gear face panels, rudder pedals, seatbelts, throttles and even the sights for the rear facing machine gun.

The cockpit subassembly locates between the fuselage halves along with yet more detail including inserts to fill the wing root and side control panels for the pilot. At this stage, you need to ensure that you've decided on the version you want to build. There are two different fuselages, the D version differing from the C version by having a longer tail fairing that housed a life raft. The exterior detailing on the fuselage continues with the same vein of quality. Very fine recessed panel lines and incredibly restrained rivets are visible. Whilst you could argue that any panel lines on 1/72 scale aren't realistic, I'm very impressed with what Eduard have achieved here, certainly something other manufacturers can learn from.

The wings are mated together next. Unfortunately, there's no option to have the flaps lowered, but the ailerons are separate parts so can be fitted slightly offset if you choose. Engine nacelles are provided in two halves with the lower intakes being added after joining the halves up. The interior detail in the wheel wells is pleasing, however it will probably be easier to paint prior to assembly, so make a note to check at this stage what you intend to do. The radiators have both front and rear grills that sit in the recesses on the underside of the wings with the radiator housing fitting over the top on each wing. The nose gun pack is another sub assembly which is then fitted to the front of the assembled fuselage. If you want this open and the guns on display, it's not possible from the kit but there is a resin replacement to do this available from Eduard as part of their aftermarket range.

The main undercarriage is quite a complicated affair. Each main gear strut has 4 parts to it, with the option of an etch oleo scissor. These are designed to be able to slot in after nacelle assembly which is useful. The high standard of detail continues with the additional parts. The wheels, props, gear doors and exhausts are all finely reproduced. A variety of external fuel/armament loads are supplied in the kit. A huge 'Dackelbauch' belly tank that was carried by some D versions as well as two large wing tanks and two bombs housed under the belly. Some additional wing tanks and smaller bombs are included too, I suspect generically for other versions sharing the same sprues. The prominent loop aerial is supplied in two guises, injection moulded as standard or you can use the etch replacement.

On to the clear parts. With so much detail crammed into the cockpit, you wouldn't want to hide it all behind a closed canopy, so Eduard have provided the options to have both front and rear canopies open. The parts are superbly clear and distortion free and remember you have a set of masks to make painting a much more pleasurable experience ! Incidentally, paint masks are also provided to assist painting the wheels.

The decals

One of the great things about eduard's Profipacks is the decals they provide. No less than 5 schemes are available in this pack provided on two sheets. The quality of print is....as you guessed, superb, with some very fine details including a huge collection of stencils. One of the schemes has green squadron codes, these aren't quite as vivid as the other coloured codes for some reason when inspected under a daylight lamp close up. Decals are also included for the instrument panels as another option if you don't like etch parts and these are quite superb with very intricate detail and coloured where necessary. The instruction sheet provides a separate instruction for the location of the stencil decals such is the number that are included. The following options are included:

Bf110d, W.Nr. 3406, 9./ZG 26 based at Trapani, Sicily in 1941 - carrying large wing tanks and bombs under the fuselage

Bf110d, W.Nr. 3148, 2.ZG 76, Based in Norway 1940 carrying the huge Dackelbauch belly tank

BF110c, "n+AP, 9./ZG 76

Bf110c, 1./NJG3, North Africa 1941

Bf110c, W.Nr.3602, Stab II./ZG 76, flown by Maj. Erich Groth

Conclusion

This is a very comprehensive kit and quite stunning in every respect. Being the Profipack, you get everything you need to make a stunning representation straight out of the box. The quality of the moulding, the clarity of the instructions and the additional contents really make this kit stand out. As mentioned earlier, this probably isn't a kit for beginners due to the many delicate parts included, but if you're not put off by etch and small parts, it would be rude not to have one in your collection ! You can see that Eduard have put a lot of thought into the kit and stamped their quality standards all over it. My only dilemma now is deciding whether to build this or the 1/48 one I have in the stash too !

Review sample courtesy of

[Mike]

Nice review fella - looks like it took some time too. Three hours maybe? It's a good job there wasn't a server hiccup while you were about to post it, or you could have lost all that work!

[woody37]

Ha ha, I lost half a stone in cold sweat earlier. Thank god for auto save, clever little thing !!!!