LetLetLet ~ Warplanes
Let Let Let - Warplanes => Aircraft Modeling => Topic started by: Second Air Force on July 20, 2012, 03:49:06 AM
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This rather large package arrived courtesy of our own No.1 (and Eduard, after a fashion) yesterday. A rather impressive box that originally contained two complete Emils, a 1/4 scale instrument panel, and a great looking coffee cup. Srecko is building the instrument panel right now on the Bf-109 GB thread :-ok, and drinking from the cup, I reckon :-paper. I'll be giving my impressions on building the actual kit here.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0378.jpg)
This Eduard Bf-109 has been around for a little while so there isn't much new information I can add. It has some beautiful surface detail and looks to be engineered quite carefully. The decal sheet in the Royal Class boxing is simply unbelievable--twelve different aircraft!
More later,
Scott
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Good luck :-clap
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Good lucκ from me too!!! :-salut
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First I reckon I should address head-on one of the issues that has arisen about the new kit--the fuselage length. Before I dive into this, I must disclose that I do not have an accurate 1/48 drawing of the Emil or access to a real one for measurements to be taken. With that being said, I'll compare the three Emils in my collection, the Eduard, Airfix, and Tamiya.
To start I decided to measure each fuselage from the propeller/fuselage bulkhead back to the rudder post. The measurements were (in millimeters): Tamiya=161.96; Airfix=162.27; Eduard=165.59.
My next experiment was to lay all three fuselages side-by-side with the wing roots exactly lined up. The next photos will show the differences. The Tamiya is on top in darker grey, Eduard in center, and Airfix in light blue-grey at bottom. First, the nose, then the tail:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0381.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0379.jpg)
The next idea was to see how the cockpit openings align with regard to the wing position. I simply laid a tube at the kick-up and this is the result:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0380.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0382.jpg)
As you can see, all three line up fairly well with regard to the cockpit opening, with the Airfix kick-up being a tiny bit further aft. Just for fun I installed the Eduard canopy sections onto the two other makes. The Tamiya did not accept the foreign parts, but the Airfix fuselage and Eduard glass worked pretty nicely:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0384.jpg)
The last comparison was to just tape each half together, first Eduard and Tamiya, the second photo Eduard and Airfix. Note that I didn't spend any extra time lining up the parts except to show the differences in overall length:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0387.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0386.jpg)
Having done all of this comparing and measuring I came to one conclusion: :-thinkI don't know which of these, if any, is a true 1/48 representation of the Bf-109E. I've built a couple of the Airfix kits and enjoyed them. The Tamiya model looks very nice and I look forward to building it as well. The Eduard that I'm building here has some beautiful detail and delicate moldwork and I'm going to enjoy it, too.
Now I will have to find time to get started on the build...........
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Three different worlds!!!
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Yes, three for certain! Add the Hasegawa and Academy kits into the mix and I'll bet there are five different worlds!
I also compared the Classic Airframes Bf-109C/D kit in my arsenal and found that the Eduard canopy fits it nicely as well. I didn't bother with the fuselage measuring though.
I like having this kind of problem--three nice kits, each with their own small problems, that end up looking like the real thing at the end of the build.
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:-ok
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Before starting the build, here are some pictures of the Royal Class kit. First, the photoetch frets, enough for two models:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0406.jpg)
A closeup of the instrument panels. Notice the optional lower panel with the center console for bomb/drop tank equipped machines:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0408.jpg)
Brassin resin wheels. The styrene wheels and tires in the kit are outstanding--these are even better!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0410.jpg)
A few shots of the trees showing the surface detail and mold quality:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0418.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0411.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0412.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0413.jpg)
On to construction!
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:-ok
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Many parts :))
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Definitely this is great!! :-eek You will enjoy!! :-clap
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Okay, I didn't have much time, or the energy, to work on this during the weekend. I decided not to tackle the cockpit first but built-up the wing instead. The radiators are nearly kits in their own right when using the PE parts--each radiator and housing ends up with eight or nine parts! Also the oil cooler is similar and even has the splitter plate in the outlet that is often neglected on other kits. In addition the wheelwells have separate sidewalls and build up into a very nice representation. Following is a photo of the wing after assembly with the ETC 50 VIII bomb rack in place:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0438.jpg)
After finishing the wing I offered it up to the taped-together fuselage. The fit is outstanding! Minimal, if any, filler will be needed, even on the underside of the wing/fuselage joint.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0439.jpg)
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Looks nice!
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I know you will enjoy in build :) Have you consider to full built engine and left it open?
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Well, I have thought about doing the open engine option on the next one. :-think This one will be all buttoned up and ready for the flight line.
Scott
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I also prefer streamlined shapes :)
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Yes, it fits my display case better if I leave each airplane in one piece. I don't have space for individual display bases for each machine and I know from experience that I'll lose parts if they aren't glued on! Also, I wanted to build this review kit with cowling installed so we can view it next to the competition for visual comparison.
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Great progress Scott!! :-ok :-clap
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I guess this could be interesting:
http://www.letletlet-warplanes.com/2012/07/24/bf-109e-instrument-panel/
Cheers :)
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That panel is beautiful, No.1.
Here is some progress on one of the other models from the Royal Class kit:
Buildup of the cockpit started with the instrument panel. For this item Eduard gives three options in the Royal Class kit; decal with flat panel in styrene, styrene parts with raised instrument bezels, and photoetch. This is a photo of the decals and PE parts side-by-side:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0440.jpg)
Next was to assemble the etched seatbelt harnesses to the seat, then building up the balance of the cockpit floor and bulkheads:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0446.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0449.jpg)
After assembly of the cockpit it was a simple matter to glue the fuselage halves together, then install the wing.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0450.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0451.jpg)
The fit of this kit is absolutely flawless. I don't see any but the smallest areas (around the oil cooler inlet and lower forward cowl) that will require any filler at all. I was somewhat skeptical of how the upper cowl and side panels would all mesh together, but my concern was without merit. Everything fits perfectly!
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I am glad that you enjoy in this build mate :-clap :-ok
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Good! :-clap
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Only the tiniest bit of filler on this one, as I mentioned earlier. Just a spot of primer to double check the seams and it's ready for further painting.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0457.jpg)
And here's the kind of problem we modelers really enjoy. The Eduard Royal Class kit offers two wheel/tire options--the styrene kit parts or their Brassin wheel set. The photo shows unbuilt Brassin wheels at top. The spokes and hub are simply removed from the resin block and fitted to the wheel face. This gives you the correct open area between the spokes and the hub face as on the real thing. The built-up Brassin wheel is just below the unbuilt wheels and the plastic kit wheel is at bottom. The styrene parts in the kit consist of the tire and inner and outer wheel halves. This buildup also has the spokes separated from the wheel face.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0465.jpg)
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At least you have now spares for another kit (if it have inaccurate wheels). Next week will send you resin engine kit, it is review sample and hope you can manage to include it in another kit ;)
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:-ok
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I should mention that the tailwheel in the Brassin kit is also very impressive. So is the tailwheel on the styrene trees! Either option is very nice so whichever ends up in the spares box will be an improvement on another project.
I am formulating a plan for the review engine....... :-think
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:-ok
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Engine... I have basic image of box, you build it and this will be used in article (as direct link to your built). Are you going to put it in plastic kit is on you (but in general it demand to put it in)
:)
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Hmmm......I have a very interesting idea.......
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Painting day, first the Theatre markings:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0467.jpg)
Then masking canopy parts. I totally forgot to mention earlier that the Royal Class Bf-109E has four complete sets of canopy masks, one being applied in this photo.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0468.jpg)
Next a bit of preshading along with a G10. This is only the second time I've tried this method and I'm really starting to enjoy the effect. After the black strips are sprayed the undercolor is applied. You can see the G has a bit more of the staining effect than the E--this was a slight miscalculation on my part, the RLM 65 covers better than the 76 does for some reason. No problem, though, further weathering of the Emil can be done later.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0469.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0470.jpg)
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Just let me know what sample machine you are working if you please :)
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Excellent progress!!!
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Just let me know what sample machine you are working if you please :)
It's the III./ZG1 Wespen-Bomber on the Eduard sheet, No.1.
Thanks, Daniel, it's moving forward......slowly! :-flo
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Just let me know what sample machine you are working if you please :)
It's the III./ZG1 Wespen-Bomber on the Eduard sheet, No.1. (Ellen and I actually spent a good bit of time selecting the decals to use on this first sample. Her first pick was the desert camouflaged Schwarze 8 from JG27 and second was the bomber, mine was the other way around. So, she decided I could do the bomber first, then "her" Black 8.)
Thanks, Daniel, it's moving forward......slowly! :-flo
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Look very nice!! :-clap
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RLM 02 topcolor:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0474.jpg)
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Wait... give me screen shoot of this instruction, I am not sure about use of RLM 02
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I have some Internet images and this does not look at all as 71/02 combination, more look like 74/75 colors. Also note white triangle on nose.
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I think the white triangle is a cover for the supercharger inlet that has blown up onto the cowling. Here's the particular machine from the Eduard instruction sheet:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/Eduard-Konigsemil-AKA-Royal-Class-No-7-Markings-6.jpg)
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This triangle are repean on few images and it have clear shape but lets wait some other to give suggestion :)
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Hmm....I see it more plainly with further study. It terminates at the rear of the cowling and right down to the inlet cutout. I wonder????
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Considering the the era of the campaign in the East, the camouflage colors of the Bf 109 E-7 must be RLM 74, 75 and 76.
The red triangles outlined in white are for oil tanks. We can see two small dots (in fact two red rings) under the one behind the air intake of the supercharger. This is the mark of "Rotring" a trade mark for oil. The triangle on the nose under the hatch cover is for the engine oil tank and the other near the air scoop is for lubricating oil of the supercharger gear.
Jicéhem :-wave :-wave :-wave
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Thanks, Jicehem.
The white area in question is just above the supercharger intake and extends up to the left gun "bump" on the top of the cowl (just behind the wing of the Wasp).
A question about the color scheme--is it plausible that this airplane is a hand-me-down from other units that may have been in the 02/71/65 scheme?
Thanks for any advice in advance,
Scott
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Mate- try to do triangle on cowling on both side, I guess that this is some kind of local unit insignia or attempt to brake up camouflage pattern to make harder target for AA.... who knows :-think
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Thanks, Jicehem.
The white area in question is just above the supercharger intake and extends up to the left gun "bump" on the top of the cowl (just behind the wing of the Wasp).
A question about the color scheme--is it plausible that this airplane is a hand-me-down from other units that may have been in the 02/71/65 scheme?
Thanks for any advice in advance, :-salut
Scott
Hi mate, :-salut :-salut :-salut
Oh, I'm sorry but I didn't saw this triangle :-red :-red :-red
I've no idea about what it could be. Maybe a mark for servicing a different engine (DB 601 N ?) or maybe a temporary mark (assembly plane ?)
Concerning the camouflage colors, we must keep in mind that those colors appeared during the Battle of England (British reports) as soon as mid-August 1940. One of the first Bf 109 (if not the first) to receive the new colors 74, 75 and 76, was Bf 109 E-4, Skz CI+EJ which was photographed at Rechlin in September 1940. The Bf 109 E-7 were built from September 1940 through March 1943. That are the facts. All interpretations are possible...
Jicehem :-wave :-wave :-wave
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Galland F-4 was also in autumn 1940 in grey colors.... so :)
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Galland F-4 was also in autumn 1940 in grey colors.... so :)
Sorry mate, but the Bf 109 F-4 was built from May 1941 (by WNF) onwards and then by Erla (from June 1941 onwards). First F-4 had WNr 7001. Messerschmitt GmbH built no F-4 at all...
In Autumn 1940, Galland's Bf 109 F was most probably an F-1 from Mtt GmbH (WNr 5621-5757).
Jicehem :-wave :-wave :-wave
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My typo error, sorry. You are right :) As well machine our friend work is from 1942 no doubt about late colors and the same grey value indicate that
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This evening I added the white cowl marking we've been considering:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/RF0N4jBEedpqKf7ghawc.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0479.jpg)
A coat of clear lacquer has been sprayed on and next will be decals.
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:-ok
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:-ok
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:-ok
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Decaling taking place on this one, slowly like the G10 on the other thread.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0486.jpg)
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Look great mate :)
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:-ok
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Thanks, y'all!
Here's a bit more of the kit review. Eduard has provided a very nice representation of the exhaust system for the Emil. Each stack is individually molded and snuggles tightly into the cowling slot. These key into the cylinder heads for alignment purposes.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0490.jpg)
Other nice details are also visible in the attention to small items like the brake lines on each gear strut.
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:-ok
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Very nice indeed!
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Oh,i like it !!! :-clap Look great with decals. ;)
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The review sample is complete. Thanks to Eduard for producing this and No.1 for sending it to me for evaluation. I truly enjoyed the entire build. The fit is exemplary---even the opening portion of the canopy gave no problem! The clear parts fit so well that the center piece wedges in place tightly enough that glue is almost not needed.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0498.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0497.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0499.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0512.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0509.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0511.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0502.jpg)
I'll pull one of the Airfix models from the display case for comparison photos soon.
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Excellent work mate :-ok
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Splendid!
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Thanks, friends.
Here is a comparison, in foreground is Eduard E, then MPM T, and Airfix E in background:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0537.jpg)
And a couple of the Airfix and Eduard machines together as a comparison of the two:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0541.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0542.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0538.jpg)
I must say that I enjoy building both of these kits and the final result of each has been pleasant to me. The Eduard package is really well detailed and fits beautifully, with extremely nice decals and clear parts and I look forward to building another.
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This line up is great as well your conclusion :-ok
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Great work!! :-clap :-clap
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...And great photos! :-ok