Avia S-199 was constructed in Czechoslovakia after WWII from parts and plans left over Luftwaffe production. S-199 was a post-war version of Me 109G-6 but with a different engine – Jumo 211 instead of DB 605. Production of S-199 ended in 1949 with around 550 airplanes built.

S-199's was operated by Czechoslovakian and Israeli Air Forces. S-199 was the first fighter obtained by the IAF, forming Israel's first fighter squadron. First Israeli's aerial victory was also scored by S-199. So, I think that this airplane is a very interesting subject for modeling.

Several years ago I've bought AML kit – classic old Czech short run with resin parts. At that time, this kit has no alternatives in 72 scale – only old low-detail Kopro model with raised panel lines. Also, I've bought some additional detail sets from Kora Models, Elf, Part and others.

But in 2014 KP (Kovozávody Prostejov) released new tool model of S-199 – modern high quality short run. You can see the difference on photos. So, know I'll try to build an Israeli S-199 from these two kits and aftermarket parts that I have collected.

Most likely I'm going to build D.120 airplane from the title photo.

2 additional images. Click to enlarge.

I've removed everything from a port side of the cockpit and added etched and plastic parts again. Also I've scratched new floor – again kit unification with 109G kits don't play well. Some work was done on the seat too.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Bernard, new S-199 from KP is a completely new model but unified with AZ's 109G/K series (KP and AZ are just a trademarks of a single company).

I've finished starboard side and a front panel – again it's a mix of PE and scratched parts. Also, I'll use some resin parts from AML's kit. And now it's ready for painting.

Manufacturer recommends to use some dark gray color, like RLM66, but on photos it can be seen that interior was painted with a very light gray shade, so I've chosen FS36118 gray color for the cockpit.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Some updates. I've split canopy into two parts – windscreen will be used as is, the rear part should be made from foil and positioned in an open state. Windscreen prepainted from inside with interior color.

The rear part of the interior is also done – seam has been removed and PE parts were added. Also, I've made a gun sight. So, that's all with interior for now.

4 additional images. Click to enlarge.

@berniehackettboymodeler Good question, Bernard. KP gives RAL6013 as the overall color (similar to FS34257). I think, this conforms with information in the Israeli Military Aircraft Colors and Markins book. In this book, I've found such text: "ex-Messer pilot and IAF commander Ezer Weizman commented that the RLM02 gray painted Avia in the museum was the wrong color. ... Following this meeting with Weizman, the IAF museum staff found an Avia fuel cap, which confirmed the actual color to be RAL6013". But, in the latest issue of Avizo magazine (http://www.kovozavody.cz/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/AVIZOKP-EN-0416.pdf) there is an article "RLM02 YES OR NO?" which covers this topic too: "... several paints were used, including a light greenish-gray paint, whose hue resembled that of RLM 02 primer and was similar to current RAL 7033. ... It is very interesting, that similar results were found by Mr. Efrati in Israel, ...". So, I still didn't decide which color to use, but all those colors RAL 6013, 7033 and RLM02 are very similar to my mind.

Also, I've bought an authentic paint from Hataka which should represent this Avia's color (RAL6013 according to manufacturer) but it's a little bit darker as it should be, so maybe I'll add some lighter hue to it to represent some color between RAL 6013 and RAL 7033.

PS. Canopy should be opened 🙂

Dmitry, thanks! I LIKE the idea of bus paint! Certainly stranger things happened.

Almost done with assembling – I'll need to add armor inside of the canopy and antenna. From the rear part of a kit canopy I've made a billet and made a "vacuformed" canopy. Landing gears is ready too.

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Final photos – http://imodeler.com/2016/06/avia-s-199-kp-172/