I figured I'd share my side project that I have been poking around with when I need a break from the Corsair. It's the Eduard 1/32 Bf-109 E-3 done in Josef "Pips" Priller's 6/JG 51 markings from October of 1940. He was a 101 Kill ace and would have 14 kills during the Battle of Britain alone. What makes Priller's kill tally all the more impressive is that all kills were all on the western front, where the competition was a tad bit stiffer.
Some may recall I built their 1/48 scale version a few years ago, coincidentally with the same markings. This is an E-4/7 special edition, but I figured I could get away with calling it a 3, as the moving (opening) canopy part was the only visual difference. Some were retro-fitted anyways from what I understand. I'm certainly curious to how this one stacks up.
I started with the pit. First thing I noticed was the excessive flash, particularly on the fuse pieces. Certainly uncharacteristic for Eduard. I sprayed everything Xf-1 Flat Black then Gunze RLM 66. This pit is quite average just like the 1/48 example, but the PE does help considerably. I'm not paricularly impressed with it and feel it should be better for the scale (oooooor I'm spoiled from the Corsair work of art). Perhaps the Emil was basic in the real thing. I won't sweat it. Also, I see Eduard still can't get RLM 66 right.
Then the fun really began (sarcasm) while trying to close the fuselage on the pit. This was one of the worst fitting kits I've ever experienced. First, the cockpit rear deck was bent downward and wouldn't sit properly. I had to bend it then super glue it in place. Once the fuselage was closed, there was lots of sanding and filling. Here's a sample of how much sanding was needed.
Pitiful...
Then I got here eventually. The nose pieces fit better but were still far from perfect. I needed some filler on some panel lines that were too wide. I remembered the sloppy fit from the 1/48 version which I kind of liked. I figured the panels on the real thing fit the same way.
The wings were added with out issue and the fit was fine, however, this joint was an absolute pig.
But we got there with sandpaper, putty and patience...
Ready for paint..
In true fashion with this kit......ghost seams! More sanding and scribing.
Panel line shade then I sprayed the cowl XF-3 Flat Yellow with a touch of XF-7 Flat Red. I like My RLM 04 vibrant!
Priller's Emil was the normal BOB scheme of RLM 71/02 over 65. I started with the 65. I went with half XF-23 Light Blue and XF-2 Flat White.
Next I threw down the the RLM 02. I discovered I was out of Gunze, so I mixed my own. I went with XF-22 RLM Grey and added some XF-22 Buff to lighten it.
Then I taped off the 02 in the splinter pattern suggested by the Aeromaster sheet I was using and added the 71 with Gunze. (Note: I'm aware Priller's upper wings were field modified with blotchy patterns to disrupt it. I couldn't find photographic reference to mimic it. It's reasonable to assume it was a splinter at one time). After some postshade weathering, I'm here.
All for now...