REVELL 1:72 BF-109E
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: Paul Dawson  (rec.models.scale)

Kit:  Revell 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf-109E

Parts: My kit was picked up second hand and a lot of parts were detached from the sprues and it appears that all the parts are there in my kit (thankfully) except a pilot figure (assuming the instructions are correct in including it?), which is about 25 injection molded plastic in light grey plus injection molded canopy piece.  Some flash was evident on the parts that were still attached to sprue. 

Instructions: Just three steps (including the wing assembly and pilot sitting on his seat as one step) make up the old Revell sheet of instructions that essentially fold out into a vertical guide.  A bit vague in a few positioning pointers but otherwise easy to follow and just the one version depicted for markings, quoting Revell paints and FS Numbers.

Versions & Decals:  Just the one version is depicted with a splinter camouflage scheme and the decal sheet is small and includes the bare essentials - Luftwaffe crosses, 'arrow head markers', unit insignia, a couple of other small bits and believe it or not, swastikas (although these are not shown on the instruction sheet).  I'd class the colour as being in reasonable register (that is the colour of the maroon/yellow unit insignia - after all how hard is it to depict black or white?).

Detail:  Basic and typical of Revell kits of this age.  

Accuracy:  Being an aged kit is probably far superseded by some more of today's examples but one gets the idea this was probably the most accurate of its era.  Detail is reasonable and the profile and measurements of the major components are quite convincing.

Impressions:  I picked this kit up second hand at a recent swap meet and was well aware of its age and origins, but I couldn't resist adding it to my fast expanding collection!  One of the better boxarts going around in those days (at least with WW2 kits you could depict a more realistic battle scene) was enough to hook me.  Most of the parts were loose in the box and the sprues cut so I don't know exactly if all the parts are there but according to the instruction sheet they appear to be (other than the pilot figure), so I am happy.  

Constructions looks pretty straight forward as many kits of the era were (and highlighted by the small amount of assembly steps), with some small bits to add at the end.  Major components, like wings and fuselage, are logically and simply broken up.  Affix the fuselage halves (complete with/from nose to tailfin) together while encasing the moveable propeller (the wheels look like they are also moveable on this model) and adding on the tailplanes.  The cockpit is assembled and placed on the inside of the one-piece underwing with the upper halves each side of it and then this subassembly goes straight into the belly of the aircraft. Add on the small bits and undercarriage and you are done! Looks like a pretty simple kit to slap together and cure a bit of AMS!  Probably now viewed as a kid's kit but I am enthusiastically looking forward to tackling this project at some point in the distant future!

 

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