AMODEL 1:72 MESSERSCHMITT BF-109F
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: Johan De Wolf (rec.models.scale)   

Kit Details

History

As the 109 must be one of the most well covered aircraft of WW II, I’ll keep it brief. When it first appeared over northern Africa the 109F simply outclassed everything the allies could throw at it. Most pilots that flew it agreed that the F was the best of all 109 versions. However to keep up with developments more armor and armament was added. Subsequent 109 models became heavier and less nimble and never enjoyed the same level of supremacy that the F did. In total over 2000 Bf 109F’s where built.

The kit

Although not particularly interested in 109’s I put in a “joke” bid on eBay, and to my surprise won the auction for this kit. Now before you walk away thinking it’s an Amodel kit, why bother…. You might want to read this, especially if you are a 109 fan. 

The kit consists of 3 white sprues with 49 parts, and a “clear” canopy. The parts are finely engraved, though not as crisp as the on a Hasegawa kit. There is some flash here and there, but no sink marks or ejector pins. As on most Amodel kits the parts are covered in mold release agent, so a scrub with detergent is needed to ensure paint will stick to it. The fit of the parts is pretty good provided you spend enough time cleaning up the parts. 

So far nothing new you say…..Ok so here is what might make this kit interesting for you. Although the box simply says Bf 109F, there are a number of options in this kit. First of all you can build it as a standard F-2, and by simply sanding off the stiffening ribs on the tail, an F-0 is also possible. To make one of the F/trop versions there is a sand filter included. Then there is an ETC 500 rack complete with SC 250 bomb, so you can build a 109F/B. It also includes two MG 151/20 gun pods, making the F-4/R1 another option. Next are parts for an F-4/R6, an ER4 rack complete with 4 SC 50 bombs. Also present is the drop tank complete with centerline rack for an F-4/R5 or F-5. Finally there is the fairing with camera port for an F-6. 

All these extra parts could also be used on a 109G kit, to make different versions of that type. The canopy needs a good polishing and will be acceptable after a dip in future. The instructions consist of a single A4 size sheet with a short history (in Russian), 4 construction diagrams, a head on scale view (for the correct dihedral), 5 scrap views showing the additional parts for the sub-versions and finally the paint scheme for the single decal option. The decal sheet is well printed without registry problems. The decals look very thin and rather matt, and include stenciling.  

Accuracy

The dimensions are spot on. The kit follows the scale drawings in Monografie Lotnice #8 pretty much exactly. All panel lines and inspection hatches seem to be there and at the correct places. Compared with photographs of the F the kit also holds its own well. It captures the clean lines of this version very well. The only reservation I have is about the exhausts. These look a tad too large.

Note that for the bomber and photo versions an additional panel needs to be added under the standard instrument panel.

Construction 

The cockpit is made up of 5 parts (including a pilot). If you plan on replacing the kit canopy with something better you might also want to consider investing in some resin or etched goodies to spice up things a bit here. Oddly enough the armored headrest is not included in the kit and has to be scratchbuilt. The instructions would have you glue on the exhausts and prop before closing the fuselage. However I would rather make a fix so these parts can be added after painting. Next the wings and supercharger intake are added. The oil cooler and radiator baths are all separate parts making scale thickness lips much easier, and giving a much more accurate look. Finally the good looking landing gear, radio antenna, rudder balance weights and the armament of your choice can be added. 

Painting and Decals

Painting details are given in RLM and Humbrol numbers as well as in generic names. The only decal option is for an 109F-4/trop, coded yellow 14 and painted in RLM 79 sand brown over RLM 78 mid blue. This is of course Hans-Joachim Marseille’s machine when he was Staffelkapitän of 3./JG27. The aircraft was based at Quotaifiya, North Africa in September 1942.

Conclusion

This kit is no match for the new Finemolds kit of the F. But at less than a quarter of the price of that kit, it certainly is an option if you don’t mind to put some extra effort into it. Also all the extra parts for the different sub versions make this kit deserve a bit more attention. In terms of accuracy it certainly overshadows the Italeri and Heller kits. And because of the low price you’ll have money to spend on some aftermarket details and decals.

References

 

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