Airfix 1:48 Bf 109 E-7
Here is my completed build of the airfix Bf109 E7. This kit was a pleasure to build despite a few minor issues. The detail is very nice but I did still add a few scratchbuilt details. It was my first time tackling a mottling camo scheme and it looked fine but it faded after weathering which is a let down. I must say though that overall I am happy with this build and it has made me move away from 1/72nd and rather build in 1:48. I hope you like it and I would love to hear your feedback and advice!
Very nice
Thank you!
Personally, I think it's a splendid '109, Matthew! Your pilot looks great, too!
Thank you very much! I am intending on making a small display base to put the aircraft as well as 2 figures on!
You shouldn't complain a bit about the paint job. It looks like what you would see after they spent six months in the Med and North Africa. In fact, that mottling looks very much like the photos of this airplane.
Overall, this is really excellent work here. I like this a lot.
Historically, there has been much argument about whether this airplane should be in 71/02/65 or 74/75/76. What many miss is that there were two of these airplanes, and the first one, being early-production, was more likely in 71/02/65 (as you have here) with the replacement more likely in 74/75/76 (which is what I did with mine). It's my belief both are right.
I forgot to mention your weathering is nice and subtle and very realistic - just what one would see in the first airplane, which had been flown since the previous September until its replacement in late March/early April.
Thank you very much. I often have a habit of getting carried away with weathering. With this build I stuck to what was realistic and I can notice it and I am very glad you can too. I was very confused when looking at references of the aircraft and I came to suspect the same thing which you have just pointed out. Thank you for the feedback!
With weathering, outside of extreme environments like the Solomons where aircraft were not maintained beyond the important basics, the rule for weathering should always be "less is more." Aircraft don't get knocked around like creepie-crawlies do.
Haha that is very well said Tom! I am pleased with your feedback. Thank you very much!
Have to agree with Tom's "less is more", most aircrew/ground crew understood a certain cleanliness was good for aerodynamic performance so unless they were under heavy pressure retreating or operationally, like I guess the mud and snow in Russia (Luftwaffe), they tried to keep them clean. Also, the aircraft extremities, outer wings and tailplanes (less so) were generally clean, whereas areas around engines tend to get pretty dirtied/stained with oil and exhaust.
Very nicely done Matthew (@matthewe404) !
I believe this is the same aircraft for which you did some very nice scratch-building with the cockpit (shown here: https://imodeler.com/2018/10/wip-bf109-e-7-cockpit/ ) and worked on the engine (shown here: https://imodeler.com/2018/10/wip-giving-up-on-bf109-engine/ ), right?
A wonderful aircraft, and a very good final result assembling & painting it!
Cheers!
Dolf
Yes you are correct! I am glad you like the result. I must say that I am chuffed that I did not leave the engine cowling off. I am also glad that the cockpit details are still visible from the outside, including the smaller things such as the straps on the rudder pedals. Thank you again!
Cheers
Good looking 109! But don't give up too quickly on 1/72 (my scale)!
Fantastic job! Great work on the figure too.
I agree with TC on the weathering although I've often been guilty of overdoing the used and abused look, particularly on RAF BoB subjects. I'm in the closing stages of finishing a similar Airfix 1/48 Bf 109 and I've been very pleased with the way it's all come together. Shame though that Airfix seems to have made a blunder on the wing tip nav lights. I don't think they were recessed as the OOB mouldings suggest. Hey ho! Can't have everything and the current moulding's loads better all round than their old kits. Paul
Very nice looking 1/49th 109E! Good to see Airfix has supplied separate flaps and leading edge auto slats (or did you open cut those out?). These auto slats would "suck" out in a high angle of attack turn as the wing centre of pressure moved towards the leading edge. I have heard if the aircraft was held close to this boundary, they would go in and out making quite a racket, even over engine noise?