Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/E-1 - 1:48 Airfix

[Julien]

Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/E-1

1:48 Airfix

There has been much written and published in print and in the web concerning the Bf109 which I will not repeat here. The E-4/E-1 model here was used in the high-speed fighter bomber role operating from France against targets in England. It was also operated in the Med, North Africa, and the Eastern Front.

This is Airfix's new tool of the Bf109. I have built the club kit version of this in the markings for a captured Aircraft and found it a very easy kit to build. The kit comes in two sprues of what seems to be Airfix's choice of light grey plastic. The parts are well laid out, feature nicely engraved panel lines and restrained fabric effects were needed. The only two areas of criticism are that some of the sprue gates are a bit large, and the pilot figure is a bit generic. Parts are provided for the flaps and leading edge slats to be deployed or or which is a nice touch.

Construction begins traditionally enough with the cockpit. The seat associated parts are assembled and added to the one part cockpit base along with the rudder pedals and control column. The instrument panel and gun-sight are then added. The modeller can chose to use the supplied pilot or paint the raised detail seat harness.

Following on from this the propeller assembly is put together. A few parts are then added to the cockpit sides (which feature moulded on details as well). Once this is done the propeller assembly & cockpit are added tot he fuselage and this is closed up. Engine bearers can then be added to the moulded in engine if the modeller is going to want to display the engine cowling off the model. Finally for this stage the muzzles for the cowling mounted machine guns are added.

The next stage involves construction of the wings. This is conventional in that the bottom wing is one part onto which the two top parts are added. The wing assembly is then mated to the fuselage. The engine radiator is then assembled and added along with the wing radiators. Tail planes and there struts are then added. The modeller then needs to decide if they want the flaps and slates down or up. The parts are moulded with the right tabs to mount these in the down position. If they are going to be closed up then the tabs need to be removed.

Final touches are adding the moving tail surfaces and rudder which can be positioned how the modeller would like. The correct gun inserts need to be added then to the wings, and the appropriate engine intake added to the port side. The landing gear is then assembled and added. The tyre have a flat spot so this must be positioned in the correct place. A single bomb or a rack containing 4 smaller bombs can then be added as needed. lastly the correct canopy needs to be identified and fitted. The sprue gates on the clear parts are large and brittle. I know as I managed to break one canopy trying to remove it so care does need to be taken.

Decals

Decals are provided for two schemes.

• Oberleutnant Hannes Trautloft 2./JG77, Germany August 1939.
• Unteroffizer Ernst Poschenrieder, 7/JG53 Le Touquet-Etaples Sept 1940 .

Conclusion
This is an excellent kit of a popular model choice from Aifix. The model makes into a great looking kit and is excellent value for money for a new tool kit.

Review sample courtesy of

[Antoine]

I've one question: where's Le Tougeux???

[CharlieNZ]

Where are the swastikas for the tail?

[Julien]

I've one question: where's Le Tougeux???

Where does it say that? This is now the second time you have made comments about my occasional miss spelling of a French word, a language I do not speak. This happens mainly due to auto correct / spell check. If you would like to make constructive comments to help me then I welcome them. I have now changed the spelling.

Where are the swastikas for the tail?

Thanks for a constructive comment. I did mention this to Mike and it slipped my mind to mention it. It seems Airfix don't provide them any more which is a disappointment. Not sure why as other model companies get round the rules for selling kits in Germany. I do feel you loose a certain part of historical accuracy by not including them.

Julien

[CharlieNZ]

I guess we wouldn't want all those neo nazi thugs from displaying airfix's latest and greatest in hommage to national socialism...

I actually have the Trop boxing at home in the stash, I never noticed but I'll now have to check to confirm that they are missing from that sheet as well.

Edited March 19, 2014 by CharlieNZ

[Antoine]

Where does it say that? This is now the second time you have made comments about my occasional miss spelling of a French word, a language I do not speak. This happens mainly due to auto correct / spell check. If you would like to make constructive comments to help me then I welcome them. I have now changed the spelling.

Julien, you did get up on the wrong foot, did you?

It happen that when I use my tablet to go on BM, smileys are not available.

I should have known.

By the way, it's not a French word, just a French name, so nothing to do with a language that you do not speak.

You see, that's not important you don't speak French, same for me with english, I do not speak it.

I just (try to) write it!

Oh, and Le Touquet is about 160km from London.

I'm typing from home on my PC, so this time, I'll not forget the smiley:

[Julien]

Hi,

I just reviewed the TROP and they are missing there as well.

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234957453-messerschmitt-bf109e-4n-trop-a48-airfix/

Julien