PART 1: A Quiver of Bulgarian Arrows - Early Emil (1/48 Eduard Bf-109 E4 -> E3) ***FINISHED***

[Ray_W]

The first third of my triple build will be a Bulgarian Bf-109 E-3. My plan is to portray White 4. One of the first batch of 10 Bf-109’s as supplied to the Bulgarian Air Force. This is an option provided by Kora Decals.

 

 

The Bulgarians named the 109 the Strela (Latin characters), translated to English as Arrow.

 

White 4 was an E-3 supplied with no seat armour, no wing cannons (leading edge blanked) but with underwing cannon blisters, cowling MG’s only, the later square type canopy, and no pilot oxygen system fitted. The cannon and oxygen systems were fitted locally following delivery of the aircraft. I will portray White 4 in its later 1941-42 form with the war time black on white St. Andrews Cross.

 

I plan to finish the cockpit interior in RLM 02, rather than RLM 66, as the production of this first batch of E-3’s was in the first half 1940. The first flight of a Bulgarian E-3 occurred at Karlovo on 14 June 1940.  

 

I will follow Dénes Bernád’s research and finish White 4 in the special Bulgarian scheme of wings/tailplane two tone splinter of colours described as like RLM71 and RLM 62, top fuselage spline of the RLM71 colour, fuselage sides RLM62 and underside RLM65. And, of course, the interesting yellow fuselage stripe. Nicely captured in this rare colour picture.

 

 

I may stray a little from Mr Bernád’s research as the paints are described as L 40/70 DKH, L40/62 DKH and L40/65 DKH. The trailing numbers seem too much of a coincidence. He specifically mentions that the dark green component was not black-green RLM70, based on samples he has seen, although I wonder if it was a faded black-green. I will make a call at the painting stage whether I go for RLM71 or a faded RLM70.

 

I will use the 1/48 Eduard E-4 Weekend Edition kit, which has the parts to make a Bulgarian square canopy E-3. Decals supplied by Kora with a few aftermarket bits – Eduard PE panel/harness, resin wheels and propeller.

 

 

 

Looking forward to the official start date.

 

Reference: The excellent MMP Book on Bulgarian Fighter Colours 1919-1948 Vol. 1 by Dénes Bernád

 

Ray

[modelling minion]

Very nice choice Ray, this is a great scheme.

It certainly seems like you and Mr. Bernad have done your research on the colours.

[Col.]

As always I'm sure we're in for a treat while watching your progress on this interesting subject Ray  

[Ray_W]

1 minute ago, Col. said:

watching your progress on this interesting subject

Looking forward to getting into it Col. Only next weekend.

[Ray_W]

Let the games begin. What better place to start than the Emil ... 

 

Separated some parts and cleaned up. Added some location tabs to the fuselage. Mainly for alignment during the dry-fitting process. I want to join and un-join the major sub-assemblies at will. Testing everything. I know from experience that do this , ensure all is square and clearance provided where needed, and this will practically clip together. I will be completing this aircraft with the engine closed up.

 

 

I added a little starboard cockpit wall detail - mainly oxygen lines and valving. I shortened the economiser as the  Eduard supplied item is a little too long. Fitted it to the side wall rather than per Eduard's instructions as glued to the floor pan. This allowed me to finish the piping in situ, all better for assembly and painting. I have the PE replacement for the switch/fuse box and yet I think the plastic is better so will leave as is.

 

 

Port sidewall is OK. It is very tempting to replace the throttle handle and get it out from the sidewall and tilt. Also this is the later throttle with the prop control switch on the throttle. Being an E-3 I think best to have the simple throttle handle with a bulb end rather than this more rounded cylindrical form and I will put the pitch control on the starboard side of the instrument panel where there is currently a blanking plate.  I'll make the mod. Mixture lever is OK. 

 

I have the PE rudder pedal replacements. Another case of where thin the plastic, drill the holes and the plastic will be good enough. Save the PE for something more needy.

 

 

And they will be OK.

 

 

I again broke from the instructions and mounted the PE trim wheel chains to the trim wheel assembly. I can slip the chain under the groove in the sidewall former when putting the halves together.  It provides a more satisfying solution than mounting to the fuselage sidewall. One thing to correct is I bent the trim chain floor bracket the wrong way. The chain should be closer to the sidewall. I'll also file down the top chains where they extend over the bulkhead. At the moment I am doing test fitting and if not I spend the whole time bending them back into shape. Maybe file a groove? Check references.

 

Builds up into a nice little assembly. Fit is lovely. Held in place by my third hand - Blu-tac (white in this case) - and you can tell it's a hand by the fingerprints.

 

 

Lovely

 

 

Now to the front end and time to fit the engine and gun platform/firewall. Minimalist build, only what's needed to keep it square and securely hold exhausts and prop. Speaking of which I must replace the prop shaft with something a little longer. I always find the spinner base only just engages.

 

 

 Snip and file off any unnecessary detail that will prevent the covers closing up. Fit and unfit. Also added some tabs to the cowling to assist.

 

 

Nice, everything just sitting there and will close up nicely. Next up - check the canopy fit.

 

 

 

Ray

 

 

 

 

Edited May 29, 2021 by Ray_W
updated throttle handle info

[Johnson]

Great start Ray!

[Ray_W]

Finished the main cockpit details.

 

Starboard side. I decided not to paint the oxygen pipework blue as this was a field addition by the Bulgarians.

 

 

Port side wall is quite simple. Changed the throttle lever to the early version so I will need to put the prop pitch auto control switch on the instrument panel. Also replaced the mixture nob to give a little more 3D aspect.

 

 

 

Instrument panel - I still have some PE toggles and switches to add but will do these just before I zip up the fuselage sides. 

 

 

Ray

[modelling minion]

That is a superb cockpit Ray, excellent detailing and painting mate.

[Ray_W]

Thanks Craig @modelling minion the cockpit turned out OK. 

 

I pushed on and we now have something that looks very much like a Bf-109. Did not take long as I spent a good deal of time early in the build ensuring everything does go together nicely and planning the assembly. Parts fit is excellent. 

 

 

The cowling panels fit very nice indeed, so long as you do not want to also show the engine,  and the wing roots are lovely. I just need the thinnest sliver of card under the panel in front of the windscreen or a little Milliput. I think the thinned card will be a nice solution. Glue one side only, let set and trim and preserve a join line. 

 

 

The one area I strike trouble is the oil cooler trunking. Needs a little internal adjustment to get in the right position and then you're left with a slight gap front and rear. I will use a little CA/Talc and fill and smooth or possibly another sliver of card. 

 

 

I lost the tip off the starboard wing half. I recall dropping the part on the floor and expect it snapped the end off. Sadly did not notice till today when I came to glue the wing halves together. Had to make a piece and drill, wire and glue in position. I will use some Mr Surfacer 500 to check it and finish sand in place.

 

 

One other thing I did was glued some brass tube in at the cannon positions so I can centre and glue the cannon barrels in place at the end of the build. Otherwise I am sure to snap them off. I should of bought some Masters Barrels for this build. Instead I will go with the kit plastic -they look ok.

 

 

Time to frame the canopies, do a little patching and then next images should show some undercoat. This one should be an interesting paint job. I am planning to paint the yellow areas first and then mask. Much easier than trying to get yellow coverage within a narrow masked areas. Wish me luck.

 

Ray

 

 

 

 

[modelling minion]

It didn't take you long to get something very 109 shaped Ray.

You have done a very good job on the assembly, its all fitted together very nicely.

[Ray_W]

19 hours ago, modelling minion said:

It didn't take you long to get something very 109 shaped

 

Such an enjoyable build. I had the time and put in a big 109 weekend. Last night I thought  "I may as well glue the cockpit in place" and then you keep going and before you know it is 2:30 am. As they say, time flies when you're having fun.

 

 

[Retired Bob]

That is a quick start you have on your 109 Ray, you are really making a great job with the cockpit and getting the engine cowls sorted. I have only just picked a set of markings for my 109G.  The one thing that bugged me with the Eduard 109E was the representation of the fabric control surfaces, what were they thinking?  I'm glad the new Wingsy 109E's have smooth "proper" fabric control surfaces.

[Ray_W]

45 minutes ago, Retired Bob said:

The one thing that bugged me with the Eduard 109E was the representation of the fabric control surfaces, what were they thinking?

 

Hi Bob,

 

Yes, somewhat exaggerated, looks like a sheet metal rendition. You can add to your list - undercarriage a little long, leading edge slat chord width too wide and something very subtle going on with the fuselage behind the canopy that is not quite right, a bit thick. I seriously consider sanding the rib taping, reducing the slat width and shortening the undercarriage (I have done this once before) and usually ignore it, push on and finish the kit and end up being very happy with the rendition. It has never been one of those kits, to my eye,  where you finish it and think it just looks wrong. That's why I am building 3 in this GB maybe 4 if I decide to go  G-10 DB605D or, maybe, G-6 DB605A AS - that night fighter scheme is calling. 

 

Ray

[Mottlemaster]

hello Ray

your sure making some quick and quality progress on your 109 . I had to re read your intro as it looks 1/32 scale . I just might crack out my 1/48 Eduard 109 G-6/AS and join in the Eduard fun . The older airframes with the RLM 02 light grey look so much better (in my opinion ) than the dark grey of later models .

Agree with your yellow plan .

 

cheers Alistair

[sampanzer]

Great progress on this one. I am learning loads from your photos!. Keep them coming!

[Ray_W]

12 minutes ago, Mottlemaster said:

I just might crack out my 1/48 Eduard 109 G-6/AS and join in the Eduard fun . The older airframes with the RLM 02 light grey look so much better (in my opinion ) than the dark grey of later models .

 

Hi Alistair,

 

The RLM 02 interior certainly makes for an interesting cockpit. Your G-6 A/S is a great choice. I have been umming and ahing on a 4th and seeing this Profipack kit is available within a short walk I might just have to pick it up and do this scheme. Red undercarriage as well. Takes a dark grey in and out scheme to another level.

 

 

Ray

[Mottlemaster]

10 minutes ago, Ray_W said:

 

Hi Alistair,

 

The RLM 02 interior certainly makes for an interesting cockpit. Your G-6 A/S is a great choice. I have been umming and ahing on a 4th and seeing this Profipack kit is available within a short walk I might just have to pick it up and do this scheme. Red undercarriage as well. Takes a dark grey in and out scheme to another level.

 

 

Ray

You have just sold the mad idea that i can squeeze in another entry to this g/b . Going with the all blue scheme with the Micky mouse emblem of Hptm .Horst Carganico . Your very lucky to have a seller within a short walking distance ......all i can get is a postcard and Devon fudge

 

Cheers Alistair

[Ray_W]

18 minutes ago, Mottlemaster said:

Your very lucky to have a seller within a short walking distance

 

I don't know if it is lucky.

 

When you have a convenient LHS (and I have three - yes three) within walking distance you go in for a bottle of Tamiya Extra Thin and you walk out with a couple of kits. Just like the Good Ol' days. I should tell them, please don't put the GasPatch Me-163 or the Tamiya F-4B on the shelf.  Somehow I think it will be more like "Ray take a look at what just arrived".

[modelling minion]

54 minutes ago, Ray_W said:

 

Hi Alistair,

 

The RLM 02 interior certainly makes for an interesting cockpit. Your G-6 A/S is a great choice. I have been umming and ahing on a 4th and seeing this Profipack kit is available within a short walk I might just have to pick it up and do this scheme. Red undercarriage as well. Takes a dark grey in and out scheme to another level.

 

 

Ray

This was one of the possibilities I was considering for this GB, I actually have the kit for once. It really is a great scheme with the red being a nice contrast to the camouflage.

 

I agree that the RLM 02 cockpits of the early 109's do look better than the later 66 painted ones, I am just looking for my pot of 02 for my build which I haven't got a thread up for yet.

[Ray_W]

5 minutes ago, modelling minion said:

This was one of the possibilities I was considering for this GB, I actually have the kit for once.

 

Craig, Do it! Your're saving me money. Phew! I'm off the hook.

[modelling minion]

8 minutes ago, Ray_W said:

 

Craig, Do it! Your're saving me money. Phew! I'm off the hook.

Now I did say I WAS considering it! I am staring with an Emil, then an Friedrich (or two) so I will probably not have time for the G.

[Roberto]

Wow. Great progress!

[Ray_W]

50 minutes ago, modelling minion said:

Now I did say I WAS considering it!

 

We'll wait and see our enthusiasm in two months. After all, we need to leave some for the others seeing there are only 33,984 109 air frames to choose from. 

[Retired Bob]

4 hours ago, Ray_W said:

When you have a convenient LHS (and I have three - yes three) within walking distance you go in for a bottle of Tamiya Extra Thin and you walk out with a couple of kits. Just like the Good Ol' days. I should tell them, please don't put the GasPatch Me-163 or the Tamiya F-4B on the shelf.  Somehow I think it will be more like "Ray take a look at what just arrived".

Ah, I remember those days in the 80s, you're LMS knows your name and keeps kits that they know will pique your interest under the counter so you can have first refusal.  Now it's all internet/postal  model buying, by chance I have both of those kits you mention on pre-order from big H.  Returning to the Eduard 109E kits, the review in the Valiant early 109 book does not mention any faults with the kit which is interesting.  I bought 2 of the Eduard 109G-6 A/S kits at the last Telford show in 2019, I'm surprised myself that I haven't built one yet (but then I have over 20 Eduard 109's in the stash)

[Ray_W]

15 hours ago, Retired Bob said:

Returning to the Eduard 109E kits, the review in the Valiant early 109 book does not mention any faults with the kit which is interesting

 

Hi Bob,

 

 I reduced the oleo compression a little on one I built by removing the torque links and then shortening (0.75 mm) and pinning the cylinder rod and adjusting and re-attaching the torque links. Made it look a little less spindly and yet, since, have not worried about this on subsequent builds. Slightly flatten the wheels and you do not notice. 

 

There has been a number of discussions on the leading edge chord width. If you measure the Eduard slat inboard width it is ~6mm or a full size 288 mm and outboard ~3.6 mm or full size 173 mm. See the following drawing - inboard 215 mm (1/48 4.5 mm) and outboard 138.5 mm (1/48 2.9 mm) So it is a significant 1/48 variation with Eduard outboard plus ~1.5 mm and inboard plus ~0.7 mm.

 

  

I recall Mansur Mustafin measured some survivors and he measured inboard 206 mm and outboard 134 mm. Tom Cleaver did fill and reduce the slat width on one of his builds. I keep promising to do this and get lazy. The others on the shelf look quite nice and that is without alteration. If it really bothers you then can do a simple alteration by closing it up and fill and re-scribe. Slats closed up on the indent being quite appropriate for a parked Bf-109.

 

So for me, again, no changes.

 

I am just about ready to paint. Some inspection needed and a couple of little things to fix.

 

 

The sliver of thinned card under the gun top cowling worked well.

 

 

Canopies masked with thin strips of Kabuki tape (Tamiya) and infilled. .

 

Canopies are carefully glued in place with Tamiya Extra Thin watching the capillary action feed under the edge. Just enough. I prefer Tamiya Extra Thin for polystyrene and thin CA for vacu-formed canopies. Much prefer the strength.  Never had an issue with fogging although I have a secret weapon and always circulate warm air.

 

 

 I'll tack the centre hood in place with PVA just for painting.

 

The oil cooler trunking gaps and the seam under the nose have been filled and sanded with a Gel CA/Talc mix. You always see more with the photo so there is some tidying up to do plus some rivets and panel lines to replace. I will do that after a coat of undercoat so I can see more clearly what is needed.

 

 

The tail plane struts are a nice fit so I glued them in place with PVA while getting the tail plane position correct.  Since removed to make painting easier. 

 

 

Ray