Let Let Let - Warplanes » Messerschmitt

Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet Ace Publication – Serie Pod Lupa number 14

Darko — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:55:52 +0000

Serie Pod Lupa is known to me for a some times already since I have in my modest library their first monograph P-51A, A-36 Mustang. Ace publication has done a great work once again with their monograph about Me-163 Komet. This publication contains all the things modeller needs, nice set of profiles and drawings in scale as well as walk around gallery and archive photos. The monograph is published on Polish, but has captions in English. The monograph contains 36 pages, with softcover and features all the major Komet versions Me-163 A, Me-163 B, Me-163 C, Me-163 D, Me-163 S as well as some derivative planes like Me-263 and Japanese J8M1 Shushui.

Me 163 Pod Lupa No. 14

Beside historical background monograph provides marking and painting guide for Komet’s served in Luftwaffe, VVS, RAF, USAAF, French L’arme de l’ air and Japanese air force.

Special part of this monograph is dedicated to us, modelers, with the list of available models and accessories in all scales. Nice drawings are given just in 1/72 scale unlike their monograph number 15 – PZL P.24 which contains drawings in 1/48 scale as well, but no fuss it is important that the drawings are good quality. Some nice photos and drawings of cockpit interior are also provided, and by my humble opinion, they will be useful once I start building my kits.

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This monograph is just enough documentation that every modeller needs, not to big but not to small, so I believe that Ace Publication has done a great job with this publication.

This publication is highly recommended!

Sample provided by Przemyslaw Skulski from Ace Publication

Darko Mladenovic

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Airfix Bf 109G-6 mask

Srecko — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:53:53 +0000

One little big thing released in the November from Eduard was small masks for the Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 fighter in 1/72 scale. This mask are intended to be used for the latest Airfix kit of this plane and they have stock number CX247. Masks are made from the well known yellow self adhesive material and precisely pre cut. As well the same Bf109G-6 have two types of cockpit, framed and later with less frames, this mask cover both types and you can make one cockpit protection of each type.

Bf109G-6 mask

This product coming in the plastic bag, inside is cardboard to hold package rigid, small and very detailed instruction for the mask applications and the same mask. Mask are placed on small square piece of the self adhesive and it have pre cut wheel covers as well cockpit protection. Selection is made for covers for two wheels and two cockpit, early type and later Erla type. For both cockpit windscreen elements for protection are the same but the canopy is different. This pack give to you option to cover not only Erla cockpit on the Bf109G-6 ASC subtypes but also all other types which used this type of canopy, like the Bf109G-10, Bf109G-14 and Bf109K-4. With some care this mask can be used also on the models of Bf109G of other manufacturers.

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Images above show the cockpit of Bf109G-2 preserved in Museum in Belgrade and the various archive images where the cockpit is shown. Hope that this close up images could give you better impression of the subject and can be helpful in your work.

This set CX247 fro Airfix Bf 109G-6 in 1/72 scale you can order direct here!

Srecko Bradic

Sample mask is provided by Jan Zdiarsky from Eduard.

Images- archive images Nico Braas, museum images Darko Mladenovic

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Eduard Bf109E 1/32 detail set

Srecko — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:28:51 +0000

I am sure that your impressions are still very high regarding to the very new Eduard release of famous German WW2 fighter Messerschmitt Bf109E in 1/32 scale so March release of the detail set for this kit, as well all what is coming, is more then welcome. This set have a very simple name Bf 109E 32219 and bring one steel fret with very precisely fabricated of metal parts and they are in natural metal, no pre painted parts. This set need no pre painting as well it is in general dedicated to fit airframe details of the kit.

If we use some of the terms from PC world, set’s like this one are in general ‘patch’ or plug in’ with intention to enhance or in some cases correct, exciting available kits. So this is also idea of this set and in fit perfectly to the subject. Everybody who have Eduard kit of Bf109E in 1/32 scale know very well that the same kit is very good detailed, either in the basic plastic parts as well with add on etched parts. But the fact is that this is large kit with a lot of space so there is always option for upgrade. As I have above mentioned this etched set 32219 in general have parts for the airframe construction and first steps in the set instruction leaflet are directed to the use of the parts to replace plastic interior cockpit frames with the metal parts. This include that frames have to be first cut and surface sanded and then placing of the metal parts. With this frames are also provided few box shaped parts which have to replace exciting parts and also to completely change their surface. Most interesting is the pilot inhalator which is perfectly molded but with this set you can make it of whole metal with excellent surface details. More attention is given to cockpit and several parts as well surfaces are planed to be replaced with the parts from this etched set.

Eduard Messerschmitt Bf109E 1/32 photo etched detailed set

Engine is very good made and with option to be highly upgraded. Number of parts is for use on this section and there is part for the engine top cover, air intake as well engine mountings. From the bottom oil cooler are provided with the mesh for face as well metal flap replacement. Idea of all of these parts is to display many of details on the same engine and to encourage modeler to make kit with open engine and more then obvious is that this will be subject of many of the dioramas.

So question is- do you really need this etched set? Definitely- yes!!! As I have note this is large scale and the same kit offer a lot of options to upgrade and detail and principal idea of the large kits is to make it with as much as more possible details. With all from available images from book, magazines and Internet it is very possible to highly upgrade this kit so you should not miss the chance! This etched set is perfectly made for this!

This etched set is highly recommended!!!

Srecko Bradic

Sample product is provided by Jan Zdiarsky from Eduard

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Eduard Bf109E in 1/32

Srecko — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:36:10 +0000

Eduard big step forward was release of brand new 1/32 model of Messerschmitt Bf109E in February 2009, kit No. 3001. Vesrion they deliver is E-1 but no doubt that much more will to come. Interesting to mention si that 1/32 scale is much growing last time and it is very interesting to note that not much attention is given to this model of plane. Decades ago this type is covered by Matchbox and Hasegawa and great change in the quality of delivered kits make big gap in this sphere. This kit from Eduard is long awaited by model enthusiast and this waht it bring for sure feel best expectations from all of us.

Eduard Bf109E art box

Eduard Bf109E art boxSo what we get when open the box- very large frets with great number of the parts this kit have in total 152 parts of those five are clear. In add to this plastic parts are two metal sheet with pre painted etched parts. Photo etched detail sets provide additional 50 parts which give in total 202 parts. First I have noted is that this set no matter of larger scale does not have more parts then regular 1/72 or 1/48 scale model. Reason lay in the size and in this scale almost everything can be made as full molded plastic part. Etched parts cover some very sophisticated areas and sections and as you guess there is parts for the pilot seat as well instrument panel.

Plastic parts are perfect molded in grey brown plastic and parts are separated on the six frets. As we can espect from that kit all control tabs are given as separate parts so this give very easy way in the arrange fo the final look of the assembled kit. Also engine cowling is given separated so it is easy way to make it open. Best at all is that the same engine is also provided to be build from the kit parts so you have all in one pack for the superdetailed kit. Detail which have to be noted is that engine exhaust are separately made. So if you insist on the features like this you definitely have it with his kit. I have took some measurements in regard to avilable data and find all data good and fit to authentic. Transparent parts are excellent made with correct size and shapeand they could be made in open as well closed position.

Assembly should go very smooth due to the very good made assembly booklet in full color. Every step of assembly is cover in deep detail and easy to follow. Last pages are as ussual left for the camouflage and markings of the kit and there is four machines presented. All of them featured early war campaign with early camouflage pattern based on the RLM 02, RLM 70 and RLM 71 greens with the side and bottom in RLM 65 blue. Very good thing is that decals are printed on two decal sheet, one contain full content of various stencils and labels, while the another have decals for the finishing of the camouflaged planes.

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Overal look and impression is that this is excellent kit with very good features and it will definitely have bright future.

Srecko Bradic

Sample kit is provided by Jan Zdiarski from Eduard.

References:

Official German manual Betriebs- und Rustanleitung Me 109 mit motor DB 601, Messerschmitt A. G.

Official Yugoslav manual TEHNICKI OPIS I UPUT ZA AVIONE MESERSMIT Me-109 sa motorom Dajmler Benc DB-601, Zemun 1940

Model Art Special No. 375 Messerschmitt Bf109B-E

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Duxford 2007

Robert — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:16:22 +0000

Duxford is an excellent museum and must rate as one of the best aircraft museums in the world, it is located in Cambridgeshire and was an active airfield during the Second World War. The famous pilot Douglas Bader was based at Duxford also the film Battle of Britain was filmed here.

Followingg airplanes are present on this images:

OV-10 Bronco

DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 s/n WP800, DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 s/n WZ879, Handley Page Victor K1A s/n XH648, McDonnell-Douglas F-15A Eagle s/n 76-0020, De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide s/n HG691, Vickers Varsity T1 s/n WJ945, North American OV-10A Bronco s/n 99+32, Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 s/n XX612, Avro Shackleton MR3 s/n XF708, Hawker Nimrod II s/n K3661, Avro Shackleton MR3 s/n XF708, Fairey Gannet ECM6 s/n XG797, Gloster Javelin FAW9 s/n XH897, De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2 s/n XS576, McDonnell-Douglas F-4M Phantom s/n XV474, Focke-Achgelis Fa330A-1 s/n 100143, Schweizer T-3A s/n 252983, Morane-Saulnier MS.502 s/n CF-HF, Percival Proctor III s/n LZ766, Gloster Meteor F8 s/n WK991, Hawker Hunter F6A s/n XE627, Goodyear FG-1D Corsair s/n KD345, Messerschmitt Bf-109E-3 s/n 1190, Hawker Hurricane IIA s/n Z2315, Bristol F2b Fighter s/n E2581, Polikarpov I-15bis s/n 19, Focke-Wulf Fw-190A s/n 980554, Supermarine Spitfire LFIX s/n MH434, Bristol Bolingbroke IVT s/n R3821, Hispano Ha-1112 Buchon s/n 1, North American T-28 Fenec s/n 517692, Supermarine Spitfire LFIXc s/n MH424, De Havilland Sea Venom FAW21 s/n XG613, Westland Wasp HAS1 s/n XS567, Mil Mi-24D Hind s/n 9621, DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 s/n WP859, Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard IIB s/n FE695, Curtiss H-75A-1 Hawk s/n 82, BAC Strikemaster 80A s/n 1133, Supermarine Spitfite T9 s/n H-98, Westland Whirlwind HAS7 s/n XK936, English Electric Lightning F1 s/n XM135, SEPECAT Jaguar s/n XX108, Harrier GR3 s/n XZ133, Avro Anson I s/n N4877, De Havilland Mosquito TT35 s/n TA719, Avro Canada Canuck s/n 18393, North American Yale s/n 3349, Goodyear Corsair s/n KD345, Westland Lysander IIIA s/n V9673, Supermarine Spitfire F24 s/n VN485, English Electric Canbera B2 s/n WH725, BAC TSR-2 s/n XR222, Westland Wessex HAS1 s/n XS863.

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Robert Hodgson

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Messerschmitt Bf110 Eduard

Srecko — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:33:32 +0000

The first pages of history for the famous Zerstörer Bf 110 were written at the end of 1934, when C-Amt RLM (the technical branch of the Reich’s Air Ministry) issued a specification for a two seat, twin engined aircraft to fulfill a need within the Kamfzerstörer category. Submitted proposals came from Focke-Wulf (Fw 57), Henshel (Hs 124) and BFW (Messerschmitt Bf 110). In the spring of 1935, the RLM changed its thinking on the spec, and cancelled the universal Kamfzerstörer category in favor of two specific types, the Schnellbomber and the Zerstörer. The new concept of a heavy fighter of the RLM were best satisfied by the Messerschmitt design, which wasn’t really dictated as much by the original specifications. The first prototype, the Bf 110 V1, first flew May 12, 1936, and the modified second prototype V2 was submitted to the Erprobungstelle in Rechlin on January 14, 1937. Four development aircraft, A-01 to A-04, powered by JUMO 210Da engines, were delivered at the beginning of 1938.Aproduction run of 45 Bf 110Bs began in July, powered byJUMO210Ga engines, delivering some 500kW (680hp). At the end of 1938, the production line for the high performance DB 601 finally got going, and these were mounted into the first major Bf 110 version, the Bf 110C. The Bf 110C, as was the case with the Bf 110B, was armed with two MGFF cannon, mounted in the fuselage below the cockpit floor, fourMG17 machine guns mounted in the nose and one rear firingMG15 machine gun manned by the gunner/radio operator. There was a crew of two.

Messerschmitt Bf110 scale model Eduard

The Luftwaffe received a total of 169 Bf 110Cs by September, 1939. The first combat experience of the type in Norway and France uncovered a small operational radius, unsuitable for an escort fighter. The first attempt to remedy the shortcoming came in the form of a large, under fuselage conformal type external fuel tank, called the Dackelbauch. The Bf 110C-3, adapted to carry this tank, were re-designated D-0. Results were not entirely satisfactory with the D version, and so there was a reconstruction of the fuel system, after which aircraft of the D version carried two drop tanks under the wings, and a small oil tank under the fuselage. The Bf 110D also standardized a longer fuselage, by way of an extension at the rear carrying a life raft and other emergency survival gear. This was a feature also evident on some subsequent Bf 110Es, which were equipped with bomb racks under the fuselage and wings. The majority of Bf 110Es were powered by the DB 601N engines. The following Bf 110F received the DB 601F engines housed in reshaped nacelles, with newer, more rounded spinners, aerodynamic features taken from the Bf 109F. Upgrading efforts were noted in the armament as well, where theMG FF were replaced by MG 151s. Significant changes came with the Bf 110G, powered by new DB 605 engines. The rear firing MG 82Z double gun appeared on the G-2, and with the G-4 came the replacement of four forward firing machine guns with two 30mm MK 108 cannon. The G-4 also saw larger rudders mounted. The Bf 110 went through not only technical changes throughout its career, but also through a development of its operational use. It entered the war as a heavy escort and attack fighter. By the time of the Battle of Britain, it became apparent that the aircraft, in the role of escort fighter, had been pushing the envelope of its capabilities. On the contrary, as a defensive weapon against British bombers, the Bf 110 made an extremely good showing of itself, and remained a deadly foe through to the end of the war. The placement of RAF bombing operations within nighttime hours from 1941 brought the Bf 110 into the realm of night fighting on the Western Front. On the Eastern Front, they excelled as fast fighter bombers. Their earlier role as a day attack fighter was still fulfilled not only on the Eastern Front (where they were employed throughout the war successfully even as the originally envisioned escort fighter), but also on the Western Front into the depths of the summer of 1944, where the role was abandoned primarily, and finally, due to the effectiveness of American fighter escorts.

As a night fighter in the G-4 version, thanks to a heavy forward firing armament and radar, they soldiered on literally until the very end of the war. As such, it was the night fighter role that would prove to be the most significant for the Bf 110 during the course of the Second World War.

Eduard has released 1/48 scale kit of this airplane in the late summer early autumn 2007 and this was big bang in their releases. All of their products are very quality but this one is larger in size then any other and the same construction of the original airplane give as result very complex model kit. The same kit has over three hundred of parts and from the box is possible to make C or D model. Fuselage has inside two assembly section which has to be included. One is the front nose section which can be display open and feature four machine guns with all systems inside. Other section is the cockpit of course and it have top detailed compartment for the three crew.

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Wings are also complex but not as the fuselage. It house engines in the front and they are made from several parts. Also on the bottom is placed radiators which is present perfectly thanks to the photo etched parts. Most sensitive section is the landing gear. No need to say that this is very detailed section and parts consisted landing gear is very tiny so much care have to be taken during the manipulation.

As you have noted the kit have photo etched parts in the box. Also to note that transparent parts are most detailed manufactured and several parts need photo etched parts before join to other parts. It feature option for closed or open cockpit.

As usual for the Eduard assembly sheet is not assembly sheet at all but very detailed booklet in full color and A4 form. Last pages includes camouflage and markings for several airplanes and decal provided with kit are of excellent quality.

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One of the best Eduard kit ever made!! Very detailed and with many build options. But it is the complex kit and definitely is not for beginners. Highly recommended!!

Srecko Bradic

Sample kit is provided by Jana Sulcova from Eduard.

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Modernization of Yugoslav VV

Srecko — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:06:20 +0000

In the mid of thirties Yugoslav aviation operated with the modern airplane of the period but it’s time were slowly running out. All other foreigner air forces was similarly equipped with biplanes but they looking forward for their replacement in close future with all metal monoplanes with retractable undercarriage. A plan for modernization of VV KJ was made in 1935 by commander of aviation general Milan Nedic and his plane include providing of new 495 airplanes of those 114 bombers, 212 fighters and 169 reconnaissance’s. As well permitted financial support was symbolical; equipment in the 1937 remained the same as some years before. That year Yugoslav Kingdom had operational 247 Breguet XIX, 3 Dornier Do Y, 2 Avia Fokker 39, one Junkers G.24, 20 Avia BH33, 8 Hawker Fury, 143 Potez XXV. Actual number was slightly larger as well in the moment of report [ 18.08.1937] a number of planes was not serviceable and was on repairs or on overhauls and did not enter in the total number. Any way, there were 130 bombers instead of requested 258 and most of them should be replaced in service from 1939 to 1940. Fighters force should had operational 186 planes and they have 28 only, with instance that Avia fighters enter in service from 1929 up to 1932 and they have to be replaced two years later and Fury fighters should last in service up to the 1942. Most of the reconnaissance forces were consisted of 103 Breguet XIX and 143 Potez XXV. Aviation should have by peacetime formation 243 reconnaissance planes.

SM.79

Aeronautical centre, schools and aeronautical facility escadrille had 215 trainers instead of 420. There were 127 Fizir of various types, 14 SiM PVT, 55 Hanriot trainers, 13 Gourdou Lesseire and six Dewoitine [formerly fighter’s planes]. Project was to retire all foreigner types until 1938 and domestic type until 1940, while PVT would be in service till the 1942. as well in operational and reserve aviation was 619 serviceable airplanes, instead of 1107 planes by the plane of the peacetime order.

New project of modernization had done in 1939 [order Str.Pov.V.D.Br.389/37] by new commander of aviation, General Dusan Simovic. Plan was similar to the previous but with instance that more 42 bombers and 38 fighters were requested. That plan could cost the country 312.800.000 dinars. Again financial present ultimate problem but the first result of the proposed plans for modernization appeared. In the October 1937 begun to arrive from Germany modern twin engine medium bomber Dornier Do17K and a month later first Blenheim was delivered from the UK. The Dornier Do17 was used in combat in Spain and performance was satisfactory with defense weakness. Yugoslav version Do17K delivered from Germany had two to four machine guns and bomb load from 800 up to 1250 kg which was two to three times mote than Yugoslav massive bomber Breguet XIX and identical to the three motor bombers in service. Action radius was also larger then on the Breguet planes.

Ikarus IK all metal fighter prototype

Process of modernization continued in 1940 but not in satisfactory level. Fuel accumulation was for 25 day’s of combat activities and aviation had only 25% in quantity of the proposed order. Only a credit of 200.000.000 dinars was permitted and aviation staff was looking for solution to provide more financial support in effort to organize technical minimum for peacetime formation and possible expanding in the event of war. That was 57 escadrille in the peacetime and in the war confrontation this number should be at least raised on 125 escadrille capable to oppose invader. Even this reduced number of planes requested 2.135.000.000 dinars. If there add bombs, 270 spare powerplants, 2049 machine guns and cannons [ with ammunition] this sum is as high 3.365.814.000 dinars, an amount which staff of aviation could only to dream on.

Except of financial problems, Yugoslav Kingdom had the political problems in providing of foreigner planes. Yugoslavia could not get modern version of Dornier Do17 from Germany and most of the second ordered batch was older versions. Even this delivery was extended up to the early 1939. Better situation was with Great Britain, who delivers twelve fighters hawker Hurricane in December 1938. This plane was more advanced project in compare with Fury, as well that was monoplane with retractable landing gear, with four more machine guns much higher speed, climb ceiling and combat radius.

Caproni bomber

But two months before, fighter of domestic industry, Ikarus IK-2 became operational. Project of that plane was made in 1934-36 and the plane performs excellent performance. This was maybe the first plane with central armament, cannon firing thought engine shaft and in many trials outclass its main competitor, British Fury.

Modernization was planed to be done in three steps. In first should be provided 500 of planes. Second include providing of 250 planes and after releasing of two first steps and in regard to the political and military situation would be released more 250 of airplanes. Foreigner delivery presents one of the major problems. In the July 1939 was signing a contract of delivery of aircraft from Germany. But from the large order of fighters, bomber and trainers only 39 Bf109 were delivered until the end of the year while one hundred were ordered. In the time that was very modern and very best world fighter and was leading edge of Yugoslav defense as well that was the best plane in service and the most numbered. Only order which was released was delivery of Do17K. From UK was promised twelve Hurricanes, twenty Blenheim and one hundred of Merlin and Mercury engines but this batch was never released.

Avia Fokker tri engine bomber

By the end of the year from Italy begun delivery of tri engine bombers Savoia Marcheti SM.79. That plane had very good capabilities and performance and its appearance gave visible strength to the bomber units of Yugoslav aviation, which was weak in a reason of British non delivery of Blenheim and hesitate of German side to deliver modern combat planes. Domestic industry tries to oppose to this problem. From March 1939 Ikarus had begun delivery of license built Blenheim bombers. Until the releasing of documentation and blueprints, factory spent ten months only to release of the first production sample. That bomber carried the same amount of bombs as the retreating Breguet XIX but was more advanced in design and performance. Aviation ordered forty planes. In a reason of the British delay in delivery of material, factory delivered 18 planes only until the end of the year. But that could be solved with other solutions as well Blenheim was capable to be powered by Italian engine, as well Polish Mercury engine and so far that K-14 Yugoslav built radials could be used. More problematical was replacement of the powerplant for the Hurricane, which presented technically more complicated problem. In this way in 1940 was tested one conversion of Hurricane with DB engine [same as on the Bf109E] and that late was known as a LTV-1. The same production of Hurricanes presented the problem and Zmaj factory had finished successfully production of Fury biplanes. No matter that Fury presented one of the top biplanes, he could not be matched with more advanced monoplanes which became prime equipment of the modern air forces. Yugoslavia had by the end of 1939 only 60 modern monoplanes so Fury was temporary important.

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Dutch hero

Srecko — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:15:55 +0000

This classic oil painting was inspired with the heroic fight of the Dutch pilot Koos Roos who have downed two German Messerschmitt Bf110 twin engine fighters during the German invasion on Netherlands. His Fokker D.XXI fighter airplane was also crash during this action but after the war it is rescued and today display in nice small museum.

Images bellow shows some of the step in paintings. I have used canvas paper, for me something very new but very good. The same painting was done in less then two months and some step are last longer due to the time need oil paint to dry.

Fokker D.XXI

It was real pleasure for me to paint this art. This painting is in private collection now.

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Srecko Bradic

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