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On the Bench – 1/48 Airfix Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3

The Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3

What can possibly be said about the 109 that hasn’t been already? There have been books – and series of books – dedicated to the 109. Alongside the Spitfire, it’s probably the best-known aircraft in the world, with a ridiculous service history that spanned from the Spanish Civil War to the post-war era, when Israel flew a Czech-made copy known as the Avia S-199. During World War II, the 109 saw service across Europe and North Africa, and was one of the few aircraft types in service from 1939 through to 1945.

The 109E-3 variant served early in the war, up into the Battle of Britain, when it was gradually replaced by the E-4 and E-7.

But I’m not planning a Battle of Britain 109. I have more unusual markings in mind, those of the Swiss Air Force:

Yes, Switzerland was neutral during World War II, in large part because of very vigilant defensive measures.

The Airfix Kit

There are tons of 1/48 109 kits, so why the Airfix? Well, I’ve never buit one, and I’ve heard some very good things about them. Airfix’s recent kits are going a long way to shift their reputation, and the 109 exemplifies that, with solid detail, supposedly superb fit, and little touches like separated control surfaces. In all it should make for an interesting build, and a lot of masking!

Doogs

Hi there. Name’s Matt. Or Doogs, if you prefer. I run Doogs Studios. All the things, from roadmap planning and site stuff to designing, testing, producing, and shipping products. I also like to think about building models, but since this whole venture has taken off, I can't seem to find time. I've been getting flak for having a woefully outdated author bio, which, fair. The last one was over 15 years old!

This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. Jason MacQueen's avatar
    Jason MacQueen February 20, 2012 Reply

    Looking forward to seeing what’s in the Airfix box. I’ve been thinking about picking up Eduards new one-oh-nine, and have read some of the reviews, but haven’t seen anything for the Airfix kit as yet.

  2. randy's avatar
    randy February 21, 2012 Reply

    jason- i got the eduard e-1. beautiful kit. a lot have built arifixes E but theres a lack of reviews. airfixes new toolings are beautiful.

  3. Mitch's avatar
    Mitch February 21, 2012 Reply

    was thinking of tackling the big 1/24 mossie… a gluton for punishment…

    1. Doogs's avatar
      Doogs February 21, 2012 Reply

      Yeah, I’m saving capacity for the new 1/32 H-K B-25, so I’ll be in big plane punishment land myself before too long!

  7. weetam's avatar
    weetam November 3, 2014 Reply

    i hope the new toolings are better than the old ones. its one of the main reasons i dont usually build airfix kits

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