I mentioned the "greenhouse" area being a bit short on the Hobbycraft/Academy kit. Here are two photos of the H/A canopy sitting on other manufacturers' fuselages.
First, the new Airfix Emil:
![http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0221.jpg](http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0221.jpg)
Jumo Powered Bf-109s In 1/48
Next, the Tamiya Emil:
![http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0225.jpg](http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0225.jpg)
Jumo Powered Bf-109s In 1/48
The Classic Airframes kit also has a longer opening. However, for a shelf model, the H/A greenhouse won't look too bad, especially if the canopy is opened. This highlights another drawback to the H/A kit in that it only comes with the one canopy, all in one piece. Vacuform or spares box, I reckon.
Back to the actual build, I had to do something about the lack of detail in the radiator inlet. First I cut some plastic screen material I have on hand to simulate the radiator. Next were two diagonal braces from stretched sprue and the characteristic drain tube that runs down the middle of the inlet.
![http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0230.jpg](http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0230.jpg)
Jumo Powered Bf-109s In 1/48
Next was to lengthen the leading edge slats. The airplane I'm building was a very early Bf-109B with the long slats. Rather than model them open I decided to simply fill the inboard line of the original slats and scribe new extended sections.
![http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0219.jpg](http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0219.jpg)
Jumo Powered Bf-109s In 1/48
Next up was to begin assembling the major sections so that I can fill/sand/prime the airframe. I must say that this H/A kit has a pretty nice fit in most areas, the wing joint being quite nice on my sample.
![http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0233.jpg](http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_0233.jpg)
Jumo Powered Bf-109s In 1/48
All in all it's been fairly relaxing so far. Once the primer is satisfactory on the airframe I'll fit the new C/A cowling and match up the C/A fixed-pitch propeller.