Bf-109D, Dora in WW2 camo scheme
My latest, Messerschmitt Bf-109D by Hobbycraft is presented for review. This kit from 1992 remains passable and makes very presentable Jumo-powered pre-war fighter. If you only do one of these kits, I would recommend it be a Spanish Civil War version. Since this was my second 109D, I did it in NJG-2 markings, as it would have appeared in northern Germany and Norway in early 1940. I used the camo scheme made famous on the 109Es during the Battles of France and Britain because I wanted an operational wartime version of the Dora.
While the 109D was top-of-the-line in 1938, it was obsolete by 1940, and was even abused by French Hawk 75s during the Phony War over Northern France. The Luftwaffe did not want this plane in combat vs Hurricanes, Spitfires or D 520s, so it was sent to Norway as a second line fighter, or used as an advanced trainer in Jagdfliegerschulen.
The basic airframe was of course a great success, even though this version was considered underpowered by the start of WW2.
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- 1. Definitely too many 109s in the collection (including the S-199)
Love your Dora, Bob!
Thanks for the interesting short story!
Thanks, Spiros. I will usually try to add a short write-up of an airplane's history (or the model's history). My model building is not as good as some of the "experten" on this site, so I will try to make up for it with short histories.
One can never have too many 109's 🙂
Nice Dora.
Many thanks, Erik. Pls see my reply to John vd Biggelaar WRT to my mixed feelings on the Bf-109. On the one hand it was an engineering marvel of a big engine on a small airframe. But then there is the history to consider...
Beautiful build, Bob @bobd56az
Love this early camo scheme.
And for your collection, like Erik (@airbum) said, you can simply not have enough 109's, yours are looking great.
Thanks, John. The famous Royal Navy test pilot, Capt Eric (Winkle) Brown described the Bf-109 he test flew as 'sinister', and since it became symbolic of that hideous regime, I feel like I should have a crucifix nearby when I work on one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EricBrown(pilot)
Nicely done Bob, good looking collection of 109's as well.
Thanks, Tom, and always great hearing from you, and seeing your builds. "Real life" was getting in the way of my model building; it's good to have my priorities back in order.
That's fantastic. A rarely covered topic. Love your collection. There's nothing wrong with having different marks. It's a great "theme" of any WWII fighter.
I may be wrong but I think this was the most numerous variant in Spain?
Many thanks, Ross. And yes, Spain was the main theater of ops for this variant. About 200 served there and it definitely helped turn the tide against the Republican Polikarpovs; especially when compared to how poorly the He-51 fared in Spain.
Great looking 109D, Bob, especially from a Hobbycraft kit. I really like the simpler early war camo.
Thanks for the comment, George!
The Luftwaffe spring/summer 1940 scheme is striking. I may do the summer '39 / Poland campaign scheme later, which has the green two-color down the sides of the fuselage.
Great work! Nice info too.
Many thanks, Robert. I love all the 1/72 Phantoms on your blog; great airplane.
Nice add to the 109 collection! Well done.
Thanks, Greg! I think I need a Merlin-powered "Battle of Britain" movie -109 to wrap up my collection -- which Hobbycraft makes. Time to check eBay.
Very nice looking 109, I really like the way it came out. And your have a great collection of 109’s and S-199! I love it!