Although Eduard's Bf-109E-1 kit has everything to outrun Hasegawa's Gustav/Kurfurst sales (photoetch and flamboyant decals) and also in terms of attention to details (check out those rivets!!), I still guess Czech manufacturer lobbies interests of their home boys :) You know what I'm talking about? Quickboost, Aires, etc.
You see, the kit has magnificat engine and cockpit area, as shown on this pics:
The first thing that I would change (if leaving canopy left opened) is the seat itself. Actually speaking in defense of Eduard, none of the model kits (at least those I've seen) got early bf-109 seat shape and form right. None. Here's how the seat actually looked like:
You can see that the seat was deeper and little bit more "curvy" in outline. I guess here's a very good idea for next aftermarket replacement seat for "resin guys" ;) We have plenty of F-18 and F-16, etc. seats, but we still don't have a decent early modification Bf-109 seat! Take a look at Tamiya's 1/48 Bf-109E-3/4 kit seats and compare it with the original photos - I hope you understand me. Although, is it so critical in 1/48 scale? Especially if the canopy is closed :)So, what's next? Next thing I'm not sure of are the kit wheels. I mean the form and, once again, the depth. You can see here that the disc too shallow and oversimplified:
And here's the photo of original early Bf-109 wheel and the disc:
Anyway, I guess it's too difficult to manufacture such details in plastic or am I wrong? On the other hand, it's a very good idea for the next aftermarket sales hit, isn't it? ;) For example, Ultracast makes beautiful wheels for early 109 Messerchmitts in 1/48 scale (although some rivetcounters may find its tread little bit overdone and too deep):
Well, those were just my 50 cents ;) But what are your thoughts and ideas about the kit? Anyway, just post your comments below.
4 comments:
I'm fairly new to aircraft modeling, and am eager to make my models accurate. You had some very nice photos of actual 109s, and I was just wondering what sources you use to get source photos. Websites? Books? Thanks.
Hi Mike! Thanx for commenting!
Well, first of all I would recommend getting Osprey modelling books (you can find my review here - http://plastic1.blogspot.com/2009/01/5-best-ww2-luftwaffe-aircraft-modelling.html ) For photo references online I use Falcon's Messerschmitt Bf 109 Hangar - http://www.messerschmitt-bf109.de
Feel free to comment or ask advices here.
Cheers!
Arseny aka Roxter
Thanks. I read your follow-up about the resin seat from ultracast. I live in the U.S., and can't seem to find a place to get one. Do you know of one?
Mike, I bet Ultracast ships to the US as well.
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