Airfix Bf109 E4 1:72

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

You do know the Tamiya one is flawed too?

How is it flawed? I know there is a possible minor form error with the engine cover (as with the Airfix version), but in terms of engineering and fit, by all acounts it virtually builds itself.

[72twink]

I'd come to the conclusion it was elsewhere as my hunt was fruitless - I'll have a another look armed with the correct info!

If anyone wants a trouble free, out of the box 109 to build just buy a Zvezda F-2, proof you can jump straight into aircraft production and get it right first time ....... Ok second time but even the La-5fn was lovely!

[dr_gn]

72twink said:

I'd come to the conclusion it was elsewhere as my hunt was fruitless - I'll have a another look armed with the correct info!

The SP&R thread is an exact copy of what's here in terms of building the kit, but just with different contributors opinions mixed in.

ETA the SP&R guys are as intolerant of mediocrity as I am (if not more so), so I'd advise you not to read that thread if you're of a nervous disposition...

Edited by dr_gn on Saturday 2nd June 13:25

[Eric Mc]

dr_gn said:

Eric Mc said:

You do know the Tamiya one is flawed too?

How is it flawed? I know there is a possible minor form error with the engine cover (as with the Airfix version), but in terms of engineering and fit, by all acounts it virtually builds itself.

It is a bit too long - that's all.

As I keep saying, no kit is perfect - even expensive all bells and whistle kits.

Ease of build is another matter - but a matter that tends not to matter to me too much. I've only ever given up on one kit that I just couldn't build - and it wasn't an Airfix one.

[72twink]

Cheery bunch aren't they - are they modellers or just assemblers who need spoon feeding low effort shake and bake?

[Eric Mc]

Sometimes it's nice to have a kit that more or less clicks together perfectly. On other occasions, one that isn't quite to that standard is perfectly OK too. It depends on what mood I'm in as to which type of kit I'm ready to tackle.

The kit I gave up on was the PM Focke-Wulf Ta154. I've bought another one since as I intend to give it another go someday.

[dr_gn]

72twink said:

Cheery bunch aren't they - are they modellers or just assemblers who need spoon feeding low effort shake and bake?

Have you seen their work?

The guy who started that site (initially purely for reviews rather than a forum) - is a consultant for Zoukei-Mura in Japan. His speciality is Luftwaffe aircraft and resin conversions - spoon fed he aint! His Mistel Composite aircraft conversion had to be seen to be believed...

[Eric Mc]

Are they connected with the AIR Modeller magazine?

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

Are they connected with the AIR Modeller magazine?

Not sure. They did give the thumbs up to that new (Polish?) magazine I was on about a few months ago though: Super Model World was it?

[Red Firecracker]

Interesting forum, always good to get alternative viewpoints but I do wish people would refrain from massive signatures.

[72twink]

dr_gn said:

Have you seen their work?

The guy who started that site (initially purely for reviews rather than a forum) - is a consultant for Zoukei-Mura in Japan. His speciality is Luftwaffe aircraft and resin conversions - spoon fed he aint! His Mistel Composite aircraft conversion had to be seen to be believed...

No I haven't but if that's his staple why is a pocket money model that can be corrected with a few passes of a scalpel and a length of evergreen causing him such problems. The model is a "series one" and as always, aimed at the bottom end of he market as a simple introduction and for kids to have something to shoot down with their Airfix Spitfire.

Along with mine I hope they sell thousands, swell their coffers and use that resource to keep upping their standard and pop out more of the fringe subjects they've taken a brave punt on of late!

[dr_gn]

72twink said:

dr_gn said:

Have you seen their work?

The guy who started that site (initially purely for reviews rather than a forum) - is a consultant for Zoukei-Mura in Japan. His speciality is Luftwaffe aircraft and resin conversions - spoon fed he aint! His Mistel Composite aircraft conversion had to be seen to be believed...

No I haven't but if that's his staple why is a pocket money model that can be corrected with a few passes of a scalpel and a length of evergreen causing him such problems. The model is a "series one" and as always, aimed at the bottom end of he market as a simple introduction and for kids to have something to shoot down with their Airfix Spitfire.

Along with mine I hope they sell thousands, swell their coffers and use that resource to keep upping their standard and pop out more of the fringe subjects they've taken a brave punt on of late!

Are they upping their standard though?

[Eric Mc]

The general consensus in all the reviews I've read is that they are.

My main beef against Airfix is that fact that they continue to sell elderly models, like the P-40 I am building, in starter packs. An old stager like me can bash together an old clunker and make it look reasonable. A kid will get fed up if he has to spend too long cuting away flash etc and it may put him off buying any further Airfix kits - or any kits at all from any manufacturer.

The new Airfix Series 1 releases are aimed at this market and are just about right for the skill levels required for beginners. Hopefully some of the old moulds will be binned for good as the new releases continue.

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

The general consensus in all the reviews I've read is that they are.

My main beef against Airfix is that fact that they continue to sell elderly models, like the P-40 I am building, in starter packs. An old stager like me can bash together an old clunker and make it look reasonable. A kid will get fed up if he has to spend too long cuting away flash etc and it may put him off buying any further Airfix kits - or any kits at all from any manufacturer.

The new Airfix Series 1 releases are aimed at this market and are just about right for the skill levels required for beginners. Hopefully some of the old moulds will be binned for good as the new releases continue.

Re. your last paragraph, surely you'd agree from the photos I've posted, this latest release couln't be easily completed by a beginner? I doubt I'll be able to use the aerial mast, guns, pitot tube or balance weights, and if yuo assemble the wings without modification they won't match the fuselage.

As I said previously, there's no way its a 'skill level 1 kit'; it's priced for the beginner, but is really suited to the experienced modeller.

[72twink]

Yes they are, having taken a punt on a few of them since the re-tools started appear (purely out of curiosity) I'd say so.

[Eric Mc]

Judging from all the smiling kids I've seen bashing together their new MkI Spitfires at the Airfix build sessions I've seen at various model shows, I think they are very much suited for youngsters.

We don't want them too perfect anyway, do we? How else would modelling skills be honed if no skills are required?

[dr_gn]

So a bit more progress. Wheel wells have a circumerencial gap around them that needs filling - it's tricky but do-able. Hopefully a coat of RLM02 will see it right:



Went to a bit of trouble to paint and weather the cockpit (not sure if I'll leave the canopy open or not yet. I thought the instrument panel decals loked pretty good...until I came to apply them. It then became apparent that they are totally the wrong scale, approaching 1:48 I'd guess:



So, no choice but to apply Microsol followed by cutting with a scalpel, and repainting the damaged areas. Even now I've got some 'wrap around' instruments.

SORT OUT YOUR fkING QUALITY CONTROL AIRFIX.

[SlipStream77]

That decal is not a good fit is it?

I would have been inclined to cut the instruments out in blocks and attach them separately.

The Airfix Canberra is nearly ready for some primer now, although I had to build up one side of the fuselage as the canopy didn't fit.

[dr_gn]

SlipStream77 said:

That decal is not a good fit is it?

I would have been inclined to cut the instruments out in blocks and attach them separately.

The Airfix Canberra is nearly ready for some primer now, although I had to build up one side of the fuselage as the canopy didn't fit.

Even in blocks, they still wouldn't fit. Anyway, I'm fine again now

Gave all the weathered bits a coat of XDFF to seal them:



TBH the instruments look OK - a bit HD perhaps, but at least they'll stand out:



Difficult to see, but there is a tiny reflector gunsight on the instrument panel which is a nice touch. I painted the leather crash pad on the front of it brown which you might be able to see:



Minor details:

Instrument panel and wheels are marked as painted equivalent to RLM02 (Light Grey/Green), this is incorrect, the wheels should be Black Green or Black, and the instrument panel should be Black Gray or Black (unless this specific aircraft differed from standard. These areas were not flagged up as non-standard in the official crash report so I assume they are errors).

ETA, The aforementioned head armour with no reference needn't be fitted; Von Werra had had his removed his by the time he crashed.

Edited by dr_gn on Saturday 2nd June 23:09

[dr_gn]

It's looking aircraft shaped now. Weathered the wheel wells, fitted the radiators, wings, tailplanes & lower engine cover, and detailled the tailwheel and part of the spinner assembly:



Will need some Mr.Surfacer 1200 on some joints, but nothing serious:



And then we take closer look at the underside and lo and behold, the tailplane strut holes are totally out side-to-side:



I'll not bother to comment.