1/72 Airfix Bf 110C-2 New tool

[rowmk9]

So I reckon I will finish my Heinkel with plenty of time left, so I thought it could do with an escort (not that sort).

I plan to build this in the box art markings.

The aircraft is M8+EP from II./ZG76 based at Abbeville and Le Mans ( as a foward operatiog base) between June and September 1940. Jazzy Jase kindly looked up the scheme for me with his matchbox offering, and it appears this aircraft was still with the unit in September. Unfortunately I have not much else in terms of information on this specific aircraft, such as the pilot and wireless operator/gunner's names or fate. I do have the option of trying a small modification of the kit decals, and turn M8+EP into M8+IP that was flown by Leutenant Hans-Joachim Jabs who had nine kills to his name by 15th August 1940.

In any case, II/ZG76 had a bad day on 15th August. Whilst they were on an escort mission they were intercepted by RAF fighters and lost 8 aircraft in a single day (6 shot down and 2 crash landing in France). Perhaps this event is what the artist envisaged when doing the fantastic box art. That is the little I have found out about this aircraft so far, but I hope to learn more for when it comes to build it, some time in September probably.

As Erwin pointed out to me, Where's my escort for this escort? The Bf110 was certainly outclassed in combat with Hurricanes and Spitfires. Well, if I can, maybe a Bf109 will accompany both my Heinkel and Bf110.

A couple of wide shots of the sprues and markings:

This will be an OOB build, almost like a kit review in that respect, seeing as it is so new. Hopefully the mistakes I will make mean that future Bf110's will come to less harm! Edit - I may change a code or maybe add in some small bits like my El Cheapo seatbelts, but thats it.

Rowan

Edited September 2, 2010 by rowmk9

[tango98]

Hi Rowan,

Just out of curiosity I checked the QM loss returns for 15 August but none of the II./ZG76 losses for that day have the unit codes entered. However, and via the diligent research of Messrs Cornwell & Vasco, if you decide not to put Jabs' markings on it, one aircraft from the 6.Staffel that was brought down that day was M8+BP. Crewed by Fw. Jakob Birndorfer (pilot) and Uffz. Max Guschewski (Bf), it was shot down by F/O Ostaszewski of 609 and P/O Zurakowski of 234 and ultimately crashed at North Ashley Down on the IoW with Guschewski being the only survivor.

The only other known code for a II./ZG76 110 lost/damaged that day is M8+WP which crashed at West Wellow near Romsey with both crew being killed.

Cheers

Dave

[FZ6]

Looks like a good model. Hope it's not going to be another kit I have to buy.

This one will be interesting to see.

[rowmk9]

Thanks Dave for looking that up for me. Both of the two aircraft you mentioned are also good choices, and they have some nice history behind them, especially Birndorfer's aircraft. I now have a few options to choose from, and a bit of time to think about which one I want to build.

Also I will have a think on how I will change the code, if I have to (and I am thinking I will). Mask and spray? or decal from an as yet unknown source.

Rowan

[Smiffy]

I'm interested to see how this one goes together, so will be keeping a eye on this.

[Ade]

Good choice of markings.... ! Looking forward to seeing this built up

[Mark M]

im thinking about getting one of these i will watch with interest

[FalkeEins]

Also I will have a think on how I will change the code, if I have to (and I am thinking I will). Mask and spray? or decal from an as yet unknown source.

..currently building M8+ HE - intending to mask/paint the codes. This a/c had a white nose and the sharksmouth. Nice picture of the upper surfaces in Erik Mombeeck's new Luftwaffe Gallery pictorial

http://www.luftwaffe.be

[hacker]

l like this kit full of possibilities for conversion too. One question what is the interior side walls like. l have yet to see a shot of those

thanks

[Mike]

It's good to see this being built so soon after release. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes together

[rowmk9]

l like this kit full of possibilities for conversion too. One question what is the interior side walls like. l have yet to see a shot of those

thanks

Hi hacker, the answer to that question, pretty bare! here's a look at the sidewall detail before I start building it.

So yeah, my compressor for my airbrush has needed to go back for repair, so whilst I cannot finish my Heinkel build, I thought I'd make a start on the Bf110, seeing as there's a bit of interest in how airfix's newest offering goes together. Another post to follow...

Rowan

Edited August 14, 2010 by rowmk9

[rowmk9]

So, out has come the hairy stick and glue. I'm not an expert modeller or photographer, as will become obvious! Having said that, I hope this build will give some of you an idea of the potential of this kit.

So, how does it go together? Very well at this early stage. However, one thing I had to do was sand down the shoulders of the instrument panel as they sit a little proud of the sidewall. This makes the front of the fuselage very difficult to close up without leaving a gap, as this picture shows:

The cockpit was painted RLM 02, inked and constructed with a cursory glance of the instructions. It is fairly easy to work out what bits go where, and in what order. The instrument panel decal needed a fair amount of trimming to fit nicely. The only additions to the kit are a blu-tac cushion for the rear gunner, painted leather brown of course and some of my El Cheapo seatbelts (cut and painted masking tape).

Here's what the tub looks like when its ready:

Thats the progress so far.

Rowan

[CPNGROATS]

Rowan: That's looking rather nice, I will have to get a couple of these ME-110 kits...!

Cheers,

ggc

[rowmk9]

This is a pretty straighforward build, except for two areas (at least with my skillz!).

Fuselage together, lower wing half attached, undercarriage bays in place. All fit really solidly and with no fuss.

Option for long or short tail. The short one is used on this one.

Exhausts go together nicely, I like the idea about making the alignment easier.

Watch the fit of the engine nacelle to the wing though. The exhausts were a bit on the loose side, and I left an annoying gap that will be difficult to smooth over nicely.

I'm not convinced the gap/panel line should be as visible as the engine nacelle/wing fit have made it. will likely need some filing and sanding.

[rowmk9]

Opps, hadn't finished posting but did by accident!

anyway, the other area that people should take care with is the tail and horozontal stab fit.

This gap has since been filled in. Other people may not find the exact same issues as I have, but who knows. I still think this is a great kit, but in places a bit of respect needs to be shown.

Rowan

[FalkeEins]

hi Rowan,

I'm having exactly the same 'issues' with fit in certain areas - the cockpit is horribly empty but then they all are in this scale. Some sidewall detail would have been nice. I have no idea what that part behind the observer's seat is supposed to represent - the radio operator's seat ? Fortunately the canopy is thick enough to make any efforts here rather superfluous. I'm thinking of filling some of those panel lines. Also building the Fujimi C alongside this one - and the Airfix kit is at least as good..

Edited August 15, 2010 by FalkeEins

[AnonymousDFB1]

Looking good Rowan

[Dave Fleming]

hi Rowan,

I have no idea what that part behind the observer's seat is supposed to represent - the radio operator's seat ?

I'd wondered about the camera for the C-5

[tango98]

Dave,

It's probably meant to represent the small folding seat for the use of the observer/gunner when changing the ammo drums for the 20 mm's. In the reconnaissance version the camera was installed further forward.

Cheers

Dave

[Mark M]

looks good mate

[rowmk9]

Hi guys and gals!

After a little enforced absence due to work and a dead compressor, I'm back in business!

My He111 is finished, and I'll be posting pics of that soon.

As for this Bf 110, it's at the preshading stage, having had a few bits added and the canopy attached and laboriously masked off. Soon, She'll have some paint and really start to look like a warbird.

Piccys

[Mentalguru]

Intriguing build. I would say you have done just the right amount of work to feel your way around this one, and kudos to you for giving us a blow by blow photo essay of the high and low spots of this new kit.

I have to say I am impressed with the masking of the canopy- very neat!

How does the completed airframe "look" to your eyes. It all looks good until I look at the fuselage- is the rear section the right length- I am SURE it is, but maybe it's just the photo's making it look a little short?

If your painting is as good as your masking, (and the cockpit) then can't wait to see the finished article...

[FalkeEins]

..yes looking good. Hate masking canopies. I'm at a similar stage with mine - shape looks spot on especially the nose where it is a couple of mm longer than the Fujimi 110. I've filled in the panel lines mostly as they are very deep, drilled out the supercharger intake and added a few detail parts not in the box - aileron mass balances, crew boarding ladder, fuselage 'towel rail' antenna. More on the blog..

[rowmk9]

Thanks for the comments guys. It does look a little stubby in the above pics doesn't it? I think it is ok though, and I'll defer to FalkeEins greater knowledge on this one, as I know little about the finer details of Bf-One-Tennery. My thoughts on the kit so far is that its a little bit basic in places, and really could have done with just that little bit more of finesse. Having said that, its still a good model (so far!) and I guess if I wanted an uber kit like that we see from the land of the rising sun, I'd expect to pay £20-25 instead of £7-8, so it's fairly reasonable in that respect.

[Mentalguru]

Thanks for the comments guys. It does look a little stubby in the above pics doesn't it? I think it is ok though, and I'll defer to FalkeEins greater knowledge on this one, as I know little about the finer details of Bf-One-Tennery. My thoughts on the kit so far is that its a little bit basic in places, and really could have done with just that little bit more of finesse. Having said that, its still a good model (so far!) and I guess if I wanted an uber kit like that we see from the land of the rising sun, I'd expect to pay £20-25 instead of £7-8, so it's fairly reasonable in that respect.

Interesting point you make there Row, Hasegawa have been steadily working their way through Luftwaffe twins in 1/72, now you have me thinking how apt a '110 series would be..