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Airfix 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf109E - Circa August 1940


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After Canberra build, I thought I'd try something a little different as a reasonably quick build.....

 

One of my friends gave me this Airfix Bf109E as a christmas present, not a bad kit and my first experience of the new light blue PS sprus......very soft and easy to sand, but a pain to paint onto. This will be a straight, out of the box build, and going with the paint recommendations on the box. Not sure if I'll be using rattle cans for the cammo or brush painting due to the size.....we cross that bridge when I get to that stage..

 

46577079654_08c599ef6c_z.jpgDSC_1972

 

The sprus are supprising well detailed, and feel very nice.

 

47300229771_b43a4ef07c_z.jpgDSC_1973

 

Two different canopies..

 

40335576083_17d2d3fb6a_z.jpgDSC_1974

 

Quite a decent decal sheet, and they do take a while to soak in decal fix too....I had already started the cockpit by the time I took this pic.

 

32358491547_ee42446977_z.jpgDSC_1975

 

Pretty basic tub, and I decided to use the decals as detailing for the dials...seems to have come out ok? Unfortunately the angle and the sunlight was causing my issues when taking pictures.

 

40335569503_e81e6d66c4_z.jpgDSC_1979

 

40335569813_a64b37853e_z.jpgDSC_1980

 

47248247242_d63fdb4ca6_z.jpgDSC_1990

 

Buttoned up and LOTS of sanding required it seems......I'm hoping that the soft PS will help with the sanding and no doubt lots of filler. The location pin holes do need widening slightly as it is a tight fit.

 

47248248072_0bac3b1a07_z.jpgDSC_1991

 

47248247872_d23c4dd574_z.jpgDSC_1992

 

Thats it so far.....more to come :)

 

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I seem to always need to do at least some filling in on the seams. 

 

It doesn't need much, but will make all the difference. Still unsure what paint scheme to go with as yet..... 🤔 

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Small update....well pretty large one to be honest.

 

Most of the seam lines have been sanded out which is handy. some of the lines needed to be re-etched but that wasn't too difficult due to how soft the PS is.

 

32368909737_76d6046ed6_z.jpgDSC_1994

 

The rest of the build so far has actually been really enjoyable, I never realised that the Bf109 had leading edge flaps? This is the current state as I kinda forgot to take pictures through the build.

 

46395833195_c2320588fc_z.jpgDSC_1997

 

46395833275_a14c8f2572_z.jpgDSC_1998

 

46395832885_cbd37a4a15_z.jpgDSC_1999

 

Gear will be down as well, and still undecided on the paint scheme.........

 

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I think I'm going to go with the non mottled 1940 paint scheme of Franz von Werra....

 

r0007-f-2-jpg.454192

 

From doing a bit of research into Tamiyas rattle can paints the equiverlant main paint scheme

 

RLM76 - Light Blue - AS-5 or XF-23

 

s-l225.jpg41nr-CEEdTL._SX355_.jpg

RLM 62 Green or the closest I can find...Olive Drab - TS-28 or XF-62

 

s-l300.jpg415919_130424050916_tam81362small.jpg

 

 

Now the RLM Grey I am a little unsure on...I can find the code as a paint pot, but not as a AS or TS matt rattle can

 

41pScaJpnUL._SX355_.jpg

 

Any advice or pointers on the RLM grey in a rattle can would be great...i think a light sea grey may be suitable?

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I use Revell paints, so I don't know the codes for each colour. You can try using Revell enamels 45, 39 and 49 (RLM 02/71/65), they look like the proper shades for an early Bf 109 camouflage.

Edited by Sturmovik
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I would, but I prefer using Tamiya's rattle cans as they give such a nice leveled finish to the model. 

 

 

Plus they dry really quick. 

 

I do appreciate the tips though. 

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The real 109 rear fuselage has a distinct seam running the length of it where the model seam line is. If you describing the lost panel line detail for the circumferential panels then just scribe a light panel line on the top and bottom to represent the panel line. 

 

Have  fun and enjoy painting the model.

 

Plasto

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Bit of an update chaps!

 

The principle build is done and she's all masked up and ready for paint...

 

33504523448_d14e832df2_z.jpgDSC_2009

 

I've kinda bucked the teend and placed all flaps down....Probably isn;t correct, but it looks OK to me...

 

32439145487_5e8dc1f8b9_z.jpgDSC_2010

 

I did slightly cock up the forward part of the canopy and got alittle too much liquid poly gle on the clear causing it to fog. the damage was too much and had to opt for one of the alternative front canopy sections. It is slightly different but not by much..

 

32439226677_47ff8912e3_z.jpgDSC_2015

 

47327909902_b8027d84a6_z.jpgDSC_2017

 

Under carriage will be painted & constructed seperatly.

 

The trio of rattle cans that will form the main colour scheme...They are the closest I can find to what should be, so fingers crossed

 

47380658531_a8b3ff5b36_z.jpgDSC_2014

 

I'll start the paint and masking this weekend...hopefully...

 

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Looking good :thumbsup2:

 

Only a minor point, and it's your model so your choice, but my understanding is that the ailerons (the outer control surfaces on the wings) deflect in opposite directions. The flaps (for reducing speed whilst maintaining lift) both go in the same direction.

 

No criticism intended, you understand :)

 

 

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46 minutes ago, clive_t said:

but my understanding is that the ailerons (the outer control surfaces on the wings) deflect in opposite directions. The flaps (for reducing speed whilst maintaining lift) both go in the same direction.

this is  in general correct, but, on the 109, if you drop full flap, the ailerons both go down a bit as well!

the ailerons do not droop as much as the flaps though.
IIRC the instructions do show the exact angles though.

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Cheers gents.... There is a slight angle and they can be dropped, but not by much.

 

I think it states around 31 degrees? I think this may be a little more than that though. I'll see if I can detach them and reposition 

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This weekend, I managed to adjust the outer control surfaces to a less aggressive angle, and attempt the splinter cammo scheme for the first time.

 

Fist coat of Luftwaffe aircraft blue

 

46481538105_012006ecdf_z.jpgDSC_2018

 

I then realised that the original shade of grey I was going to use was more suited to the nose paint scheme, so I needed to use one of the darker shades to offset.....Just barely had enough

 

46481527235_43d439fc4c_z.jpgDSC_2019

 

Lots of masking...and I mean LOTS! Layers upon layers to make sure the splinter looked as good as it could

 

32454714427_4cd989aedd_z.jpgDSC_2020

 

And the big reveal...

 

46481526285_a30c6ec7ab_z.jpgDSC_2021

 

I think it turned out nicely....some detailing and extra painting needed....when I get some more time :)

 

 

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Cheers Iain, 

Its been a great kit to build too. Really liking the new material Airfix is using now. 

 

Looking forward to seeing your build, sounds like a really interesting subject 

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