Bf-109E By ICM
Hi Builders,
I finished this little bird a few weeks ago. I was looking for an E model after watching the classic Battle of Brittan, and ICM's kit looked as if it would fit the mark. It shipped all the way from Ukraine, and the seller included a Ukrainian dollar bill (dengi ?) and some Russian candy. If my Russian skills are serving me right, I think the candy package literally says, "Russian Candy." LOL... anyway... The Kit!
I was really impressed with the level of detail molded in; the panel lines are near perfect. I'm not sure if they are visible here, but there are even molded in engine compartment latches! In 1/72! I used Peddinghaus decals for Franz von Werra's II./JG 3 E model. I'm not an expert on -109s, so it is highly likely that this is the wrong variant.
It is painted with Model Master's acrylic 70/71/65 and weathered with artists oils. For the display, I was trying to replicate an oil painting I had seen. I can't recall the artist... Anyway... my goal was to capture those first few moments when you coax an airplane off the ground and into its natural environment.
Good thinking around the dio here! - is it "hairdryerpower" that gets the propeller spinning?
I think the variant's fine. Von Werra was btought down while flying a Bf 109 e-4 which looks like the one you've finished. Nice idea with the wheels retracting and the rotating prop, whatever you used to get them looking thatgodd. Well done!
Paul
Very nice diorama, landing gear retraced halfway, superb.
Think it is a blower which spins the propeller because it looks like also the cone (not sure how it is called English) is rotating.
Well done.
Thanks for the comments, all. You were all close regarding the prop. I didn't figure out the hairdryer trick until AFTER I took the pictures. I used a tripod, the timer feature on the camera, and then blew on it when the timer started beeping. Almost passed out twice 🙂
As someone who builds 1/72 exclusively, it looks fantastic! Love the paint and weathering, and glad to hear your comments on the ICM kit - I think I have 1 or 2 in my stash but have never built one. It does look like it builds up really nice.
Love this Joe! not enough models are displayed this way.
This is a great build!
Nice Model Joe and a great idea to show the landing gear in that position. I used the hairdryer trick on my last model, since I have realized that there is a "wind only" function (no heat).
The ICM Emils are almost copies of the tamiya Emils, but with correct fuselage length. Like your build!
This is a great build, Joe, and the diorama concept fantastic, too.
All the best!
Stunning display!
Very cool display; the groundwork looks great as well!
Very cool.