1/48 Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf-109 E4/7 “White 12” flown by 7 / JG 26 Staffel Kapitan Joachim Muncheberg
Here is an article on another Bf-109 kit that I built about 18 years ago shortly after it first was released by Tamiya.
It was built right out of the box and I used Model Master enamels to finish the plane. The mottling was done with an Aztek air brush. The colors used were RLM 02, 74, 75, and 76. RLM 70 was used on the propeller and RLM 04 was used on the yellow cowling.
At the time of this build, I didn't have access to the internet, and relied solely on the kit instructions, and various book on the Luftwaffe in my collection.
I liked the look of the yellow nose on the 109 and proceeded from there. Just recently I found out the history behind the man who flew this plane.
Along with being a Luftwaffe pilot, it appears that Muncheberg was also an athlete. He played football, and was a regular competitor in track and field events. Muncheberg was allowed time off from his regular flying duties to train for the 1940 Olympics.
He also had a dachshund named Seppl, that went everywhere with him, from the start of the War until his death in 1943. Muncheberg is seen on the left with his best friend (sitting in his lap) in this photo below.
Muncheberg was officially credited with 135 aerial victories, while flying over 500 combat missions. At least 46 of these were credited as being Spitfires.
His tally was 102 planes on the Western Front, including the victories over France and the Battle of Britain, 19 over Malta, one over Yugoslavia, 24 in North Africa, and 33 on the Eastern Front. He was the 19th Luftwaffe pilot to surpass the 100 victory mark.
Muncheberg was the second Luftwaffe "Experten" to achieve 100 victories over Anglo American opponents following Hans - Joachim Marseille. He achieved this feat on 13 March, 1943. Muncheberg would be dead 10 days later.
He was flying a Bf-109G2 when he was killed over Tunisia. His 135th victim, US Army Captain Theodore Sweetman, was flying a Spitfire with the USAAF 52nd Fighter Group. The Spitfire caught fire after Muncheberg scored hits on the plane. Some sources state that the Spitfire exploded, and then Muncheberg flew threw the remaining parts, which in turn damaged his 109. This damage caused to Muncheberg to bail out of his stricken plane.
Other sources state that US Army Captain Sweetman deliberately rammed into Muncheberg with his burning Spitfire, causing him to bail out of his 109.
Captain Sweetman was killed. Major Muncheberg bailed out and was severely injured. I don't know if he was injured by the ramming / flying through debris or if he was hurt while bailing out. He died on his way to the hospital. Muncheberg was 24 years old.
I found these other B & W photos from various online sources.
As usual, comments are encouraged. This kit builds like a dream...
Up to your usual standard(s) of excellence, Louis...an interesting backstory and a nice set of accompanying photos. I assume you didn't take these pictures 18 years ago, so I also commend you on preserving this build to share with us now. Well done!
It appears I once again caught you in the middle of adding photos ...those B&W images weren't there a minute ago. 🙁
Thanks buddy ! This one has been a hangar queen in one of my display cases over the years. I entered it in a local "Hobby Town" contest shortly after I built it and came in second with her. It has survived several moves and overall I think it's held up rather well too. Take care my friend.
Beautiful build, as I said before Louis - inspires me to get going! Interesting 'experten' too - in the shadows of HJM and others. And never survived long enough to be lauded by the regime.
Thanks Paul. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress too. I'm sure that it will be great. Yes he was an interesting person for sure. Thanks again my friend.
Nice build Louis,were do you find the time,sure you dont have blue tights and a red cape, I'm still on my tank build,can I ask you mentioned you used a aztec airbrush have for many years thought of buying one but I have not heard many good things about it,I thought it would be OK because it has no needle.Thanks.
I built this one about 18 years ago. Right now I'm working on trying to get the Tamiya Panther done, and possibly a Stug III and a Russian KV-1 all from Kursk. The Aztec air brush was good, simple to use but it didn't last. The tips had to be replaced on a regular basis even though I kept them clean. I had several replaced under warranty but they recently changed the process where the warranty is now only good for two years I think?
It's a great one to learn on though. Hopefully this helps.
I meant to say that I had several air brushes replaced under warranty. The tips were not covered. Sorry for any confusion.
I.m confused at the best of times,but thanks for the heads up on the Aztec,you did confirm what I had heard about it.I have built a KV-1 they are a large tank, kind of like a square box on treads,Cheers
Your ME 109 has certainly survived its 18 years very well, Louis, and your up to date photography bring out the best of it. Seppl looks like rather a big dachshund though.
Thanks Jim for the compliments. I was thinking about Seppl too. He does look like a bigger version of a Dachshund maybe not a purebred dog ?
Take care my friend.
Hey thats George I'm better looking,forgive you, to many late nights modeling.Cheers Jim.
Ooops ! I did type in the wrong name ... I'm sorry George, please forgive me. Good catch Jim... and thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Sorry George Mrs Gonzo just looked at you Pic and she say's your better looking,who am I to argue! anyway I want dinner tonight.Ha Ha
Great build sir, as well as the bit of history!
Thanks Bob. I try to include some history on each of my builds. I hope that it makes the article more interesting. Thanks again buddy.
Great lookin finish on that 109.
Thanks Anthony. I appreciate the compliment.
Sweet Emil Louis! Great photos and history
Thanks David. I'm happy to see that you liked the article.
Another very nice build Louis!
Thanks Greg ! I appreciate the compliment buddy...
Well done on both the model and the history
Thanks George. I'm glad that you enjoyed this one. I appreciate the compliments.
My favorite airplane of WWII! Thanks for posting louis!