Hello Everyone,
I'm a 60 year old engineer, commercial pilot and business owner that hasn't built a plastic model in over 45 years! Over the years I have built RC model planes and helicopters, along with a few full size aircraft (Van's RV-4, Pitts S-1D, and Kitfox IV). I decided that I wanted to try to build realistic-looking scale models (WWII aircraft for starters) in 1/48 and/or 1/72 scale. I watched a ton of youtube videos and spent a lot of time researching on this and other forums and decided to build a 1/48 Airfix Messerschmidt Bf 109 E4. Everything was new to me and I had a lot to learn. Sometimes, I would have to deviate away from actually working on the kit to test and practice new techniques (mostly airbrushing which I had never done in my life). In any event, I just completed this first build over the weekend and thought I'd share a few pics with you. Overall, I'm happy with the outcome; I was determined to try out as many techniques on the build as possible and did. I knew I wanted a pretty "dirty" model from the start but I did overdo my oil paint weathering and paint chipping effects. My friends and family think that it's a really great model while I think that it's a reasonable and decent first build. Let me know what you think. Can't wait to start on my next one!
Completed 1/48 Bf 109 E4
Top View
Rear Qtr View (I never figured out what that round "stain" is at the top of the rudder; I'm guessing glue?)
Front View (Heavily chipped!)
And finally, the Heavily Weathered Bottom! (Too much, but learned a lot!)
Hope I posted the pictures correclty (first post). Thanks to all of you forum members; I spent a lot of time researching and reading your posts and threads. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. It really helps us newbies!
On to the next model...
Utah_Aviator
Logan, Utah