This kit represents
Red 3, an early Messerschmitt BF 109B-2 ‘Bertha’ assigned to the
Jagdgeschwader (JG) 132 Richthofen wing based at Juterbog-Damm, Germany
in 1937.
To be accurate, this
is an ‘enhanced’ version of the old 1/48 Hobbycraft Messerschmitt Bf 109B
kit. Using spare parts obtained from the 1/48 Classic Airframes Early Bf
109 and BF 109D kits, resin casting other parts from these same kits and adding
an aftermarket cockpit the final model retains about 60% of its Hobbycraft
origins. Specific enhancements are described below.
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images below to see larger images
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2-bladed
variable pitch propeller and spinner (spare parts from CA Early BF 109 kit)
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Correct upper
engine cowl and exhaust ports for this version of the BF 109B (spare part
from CA Early BF 109 kit)
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Correct oil
cooler (resin cast from CA Early BF 109 kit part)
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Lower engine
cowl, radiator and housing (resin casts from CA Early BF 109 kit parts)
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Metal wire to
replicate the ‘v’ supports within the radiator housing
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Correct tail
wheel with the oleo scissor (resin cast from CA BF 109D kit part)
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Squadron vac-u-form
canopy for BF 109B/E
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Aires BF
109E-3/4 cockpit (4067) modified for the BF 109B
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Metal wire for
brake lines
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Fishing tippet
for antenna
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Aeromaster
Decals 48-456 Birth of the Luftwaffe Part 1
Painting was the
standard RLM70/71 splinter camouflage over RLM65 for the time period.
Weathering was performed using a combination of pre-shading, various base color
tints sprayed semi-randomly along with subtle color modulation, oil pin washes
and filters, pastels and silver/graphite pencils. Weathering was applied
modestly to match historical photos of these aircraft prior to events that led
to Germany’s invasion of Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1939.
Enjoy!
Eric Hargett
Click on
images below to see larger images
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