Sword 1:72 Messerschmitt Bf 109D
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: Paul Wherran  (rec.models.scale)

Kit:  Sword 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109 D

In spite of the subject being a smallish aircraft in 1/72 modelling circles this kit is packaged in a rather large box and contains just one sprue of limited run injection molded parts.  The sprue will require a bit of cleaning and preparation as there is a bit of flash on some of the parts.  External detail is suffice and engraved very finely that will disappear under a thick coat of paint.

There are three clear pieces to make up the Bf 109 canopy and looks to be reasonably well replicated, but the perfectly shaped Bf 109 canopy still alludes us! In addition to the plastic there is also a bag of resin parts for the cockpit, exhausts and wheels.  

Instructions are simple and straight forward that includes text in English and Czech (although some of the translated English is a bit weird) and also a good four view diagram of the external colour scheme for the subject.

There is only one version produced by the kit, being subject known as Red 2. The small decal sheet is basic and appears to be propagteam but is nice on register if small on everything else.

As stated most of the cockpit is made up of resin pieces with plastic (for the most part) also provided for those who are not adept at using resin. The cockpit is reasonably well detailed and includes a one-piece cockpit floor, both bulkheads, control stick, instrument panel, seat and rudder pedals.

Most of the major components of the kit are typical limited run quality with little in the way of alignment rails/pins so it is left up to the modeller to ensure proper affixing of the parts.  Fuselage halves are basically complete with the rudder on one half.  The kit also includes the air scoop under the nose as depicted in the boxart above while other parts like the gun mounting on the upper nose are separate components in the kit.  Wheel wells contain only a small amount of detail but depth looks about right for the scale.  Gear doors are thick and will present trouble for the modeller who likes to build wheels-up.  The tailwheel looks awful, very basic and blocky for the aircraft.  The propellors are separated from the hub and spinner and will need some careful work.  Test fitting of some of the major components reveals that this will most likely be a bit problematic, some of the parts will fit well, others, and I guess the interior might be the main bane for the modeller here, will be more difficult.

Dimensionally a quick check of the pieces seems to match up quite well and the overall shape of the pieces are also convincing, but of course some of these subtleties do not reveal themselves until the kit is built.

Overall looks reasonably good in the box but shows the likeliness of most limited run kits, so those not experienced in this sort of field are best advised to look elsewhere for the D.  Prices aside, since this kit is well priced, I'm not sure whether I would choose this one over the more mainstream offerings of the same type.  

 

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