2015 Messerschmitt Bf 109 Group Build

Thanks guys. You all have awesome builds going. Got mine into paint today. Pics ASAP.

Handi, Panter Pilot, Lee,,, Great work guys! (Herman too) All at various stages, Very cool!

OK my fellow plasticholics... I'm calling this one done. This is a Bf109"E"4, of II/Jg54 , 1941 During the Balkan Campaign. Constructive comments, thoughts, and ideas are always welcome...

Thanks!

Well, all in all not to bad for a 38 yr. old kit. I am doing research on an "F" right now, and will begin as soon as I satisfy another GB I'm involved with in the Night Hunters IV and the 1945 GB and Bishs Starwars GB. Not exactly in my comfort  zone, but will be fun just the same! Back building 109s soon , but still looking in and seeing the amazing building going on here! Take care!

Doug 

Well, that's certainly an impressive start to the GB. I do like that scheme, I rather like yellow nosed German aircraft and the rest of the scheme really adds to it. You have done a great job on it and really nice work on the weathering. Can't believe you have done this in just a month as well.

And I guess I will be seeing plenty of you in two of those other GB's.

You bet you will Bish! I'm semi retired and my wife travels a bit, and I guess I'm lucky where I get a lot of build time. I'm getting ready to crack the seal on my speeder bike, and am really looking forward to it! Also as soon as my paint arrives I intend to start the 1945 build.

Thanks for the comments Bish. I also like the yellow noses, and have always wanted to try this camo scheme (again) since the first time didnt come out too well. Also having built a few of these kits already, I knew what to watch for and what needs attention from the start.

Thanks again, and see you in Star Wars II !

Doug

Wow. Spectacular.   Great way to start this GB. 

Bravo Sir!!!   Awesome!

Lee, good start and congrats on your first GB pic post!!!! That's a fine looking cockpit.

Doug, thanks for the additional info on EZ-Line. I also use fine for 1/48, as that's all I've built since back. The heavy looks perfect on your 1/32 though.

Joe (mustang), thanks for the tips on the sprue stretching, mate. Perhaps one day I shall try that.

Joe, (Lawdog), coming along great as usual. Man, you are fast and you don't let anything, even a stubborn airbrush, slow you down.

I missed the last two pages and have to run, not intentionally ignoring anybody.  ....back later

Rigidrider

LawDog, yes the air scale instrument dial decals are indeed individule gauges and are applied one at a time. They supply a sheet approx. The size of a a buisness card (depending on scale) and it is supposed to have every type gauge or indicator that the luftwaffe used. You can normally do several kits with I sheet. Drawback is they dont stick well, but  as was mentioned earlier, a drop of micro sol and or micro set will resolve that issue easily, and several drops of future will make a convincing glass face, to finish the process. They also sell placards and such which really dresses up the pit and any other area used on. I routinely place them around the pit and other areas of the aircraft, they do lend a nice touch.

Doug

Interesting....so they conform to the surface just like normal decals under Micro Sol.  In 1/48 I particularly wouldn't be too concerned about what the gauge actually says as long as it looks good.   Gotta try these. 

Doug, congrats on finishing that Emil.  You did a beautiful job, camo and all.  I too have a soft spot for those yellow nosed Emils...

Handi........killer camo my friend..

Prowler...great start.

Mustang...I have a 2014 Chalenger, I love that car...

Tom......I look forward to seeing that AK grime on that RLM 65....

Joe

Well when we last saw the subject I had constructed a boxlike structure for the starboard side.  When I went to fit it into the pit with all the other things I found that it was much too large for the space.  I went back and looked at ref pics and then redid it.

Before....



And then after....



I did manage to get everything painted...






And then with all the parts in place.  All but the IP and its hood are glued.





I do feel I rushed through the last bit but with everything in place and in the fuse halves it should be ok.  

Next up will be to finish up the gunsight and then on to the engine and its compartment.


All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.



Joe

Handi, your attention to detail and craftsmanship are always a joy to watch. Coming along nicely.

Joe (Mustang), forgot to mention that finish on your Challenger looks great, bro. I'll be it looks even better in person.

Tom (panzer), coming right along. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who doesn't pre-shade. In my case, It's cuz I've never figured out how to spray in a straight line, pure and simple. :)

Doug. You know your work always impresses me. IMO, you've set a new standard with this one. I loved the 'roadmap' camo from the start, and it's been great fun watching it come together. Outstanding work, friend.

I can't believe you pulled this off in a month.

Fight'n Joe, Wow. That's really something. Wow.

Doug - my complements on your completed Emil based in the Balkans.   I think you nailed the the 'road map' scheme, really stands out.  Brave too how you've dirtied up the yellow cowl and rudder. 

The only constructive criticism I'd suggest is toning down the grass a bit, maybe a light spray of a medium grey?  It could be though I've seen too many months of snow outside my window.

regards,

Jack

Ok I'm back finally after the crazy way my computer was acting last night!!

Doug: Again pal.....great build and paintwork. The base adds yet another level to this awesome masterpiece! Let me know which pic you would like to use for the intro post buddy!

Greg: Thanks for the good word on the Challenger. For more on that build check out my other GB that I'm running!

Joe: The last thing that I see is where you rushed through that pit build! Looks great!!

Jack: Months of snow? Yikes!! 

I guess its time I posted a few pics. Some of this progress has been on going over the last month while the engine is the progress since the last update. After looking at some pics I decided I can ad a lot more to the engine that I had thought, so after this there is not much resin left.

The firewall is also ready. As you can see most of it was primed before I added the last parts. I have left the left side mounting bracket for when the engine is attached. The area that would be in the pit has been painted RLM 66, I still have to weather this area and paint the straps on the gun breach cover.

And finally the prop, which is now all painted. The blaeds got 2 coats of RLM 71 and then polished before a third coat.  As for the spinner, you can see I didn't go for the spiral. I rather prefer this one and its the same as the Bf 109 I built in 2013. The other reason being that after about 30mins of trying to mask a spiral I gave up and went with this design.

That's all for now folks. Going to get the engine primed later, but like everything else that will get 2 coats before I start painting.  

Looks good Bish! Well.....all I've gotta say is that you're beating my progress here! lol

Joe -- fabulous paintwork and the Challenger is one of my favourite muscle cars! I have no clue how to do paint like that!

Doug -- SWEET -E! The camo and weathering came out superbly and the base is a major enhancement!

I didn't manage to do anything on my -D today and I'm back to work tomorrow, so I'll be posting updates as I can. She's into details painting and final assembly, so there's not far to go, and the good news is  got the resin wheels masked and sprayed on Saturday morning...

M/TB379

Thanks Mike! That's from a spray can believe it or not. That's also just a clear coat on that build. No paint.

I'm looking forward to seeing that rascal of yours with the updates. What's next on the build roster?

mustang1989

Looks good Bish! Well.....all I've gotta say is that you're beating my progress here! lol

Well there's plenty of time. And I really want to get ahead with this years commitments especially as I have no idea how long that giant 32nd build will take.

Thanks! After the -D I'll switch to armour-mode and finish a Trumpy E-25 from last year that's into the paint stage. I'm waiting on masks and such for the next couple of 109s. I confess, annoying as this HC has been, I have the Academy boxing of same and am seriously considering a J.88 bird from 1938... I must start my 262 for RD V as well.

M/TB379

You guys are just awesome, and your kind words humble me, Thank you.

I'm going to try to address a few direct questions...

  Joe (Lawdog) yes the airscale decals do suck down and act as normal decals do with the use of a setting soultion. And yes, I agree with yoy that I havn't got to the picky, picky point where I am so conserned with the correct placement of the gauge. I have a tough enough time using tweezers to get the gauge decal into its nole! LOL... I might try the next time to do a correctly laid out IP. We' ll see.

  Jack... right you are! Some was too bright, and I was going for the early summer look, being they moved into the Balkans in late winter 1940. The grass by the way was made with Jute twine, urtwisted and placed in mixtures of green to yellow (mixing so to obtain different shades) food coloring, (wear latex gloves if you try this) then white glued to base, it takes time but makes a nice grass. Color was bright and did need to be toned down, but I think I over compensated the contrast in my camera when I took pictures. I'll try to remember that the next time, thanks for the opinion. It helps to know what others are seeing that I may have missed.

Greg... thank you, I am lucky to have a lot of time to build, wife travels and I am semi retired (plan to be fully retired in about 1 1/2 to 2 yrs) and I can usually build to my hearts content. And I guess some of the techniques I use allow me to work in longer spurts. I'm just happy to be able to be with this group and to have developed relationships with such a great  bunch of fellow builders, I have learned new tricks and techniques here and hope to have passed some of mine to others. Thanks again.

Oh Doug.....Doug! Which one of those beautiful photos do you want posted in the intro? And..................what's next pal?

Joe... far as pictures, I like the 4th or the 5th one, you choose bud,

Bish, man I'm liking that engine...really thinking about trying my hand on one!

Thanks Doug. It is nice but the instructions have to be checked carefully. And I think I will have to scratch a few  parts that are not included but show in the photo's they include of built engines. I will defiantly be getting the He 162 engine.

Whats next (after a brief pause) is going to be a 1/ 32nd  21st century F2. Not sure what one yet,  kinda leaning towards the Med. Maybe a nice desert camo. OH! Buy the way, my book arrived yesterday... what a hoss! That bad boy is Huge and weighs in at over 10 lbs, per the shipping label!  Love this book!

Doug

Rigidrider

what a hoss! That bad boy is Huge and weighs in at over 10 lbs, per the shipping label!  Love this book!

I have not seen a 21st century aircraft built before. The merit 88 I did early last year was an old one of their kits. That's the closet I have got. Be interesting to see this one Doug.

Greetings Gentlemen. I have been sitting on the sidelines following along with this GB and it is high time that I jump on here and acknowledge the incredible 109's being built. And it is indeed stunning and awe inspiring. The overall level of skills, techniques and knowledge displayed is truly phenomenal. Each and everyone one of you are demonstrating the remarkable. And the rate at which some of you are cranking along at certainly has me deeply envious. I had good intentions to join in on this GB yet, obligations and other commitments require my attention for now. But, should I make progress on said priorities I do hope to join in late with a quick and simple build (dadgumit I want me one of them there coffee mugs). I regret that I do not have the time to acknowledge each and everyone of you on your outstanding 109's. Yet, I do wish to single out a couple of particular ones:

Doug: WOW!! I mean...WOW!!!! You my friend have built what I consider one stunning, jaw dropping, eye popping, epic 109! Doug, that is absolutely fantastic. I have had the pleasure of watching you turn out some excellent builds but, this..this is a coup de gras on your part. You have elevated yourself to Master in my eyes.

John (falcon): I have to reach out to you with the highest of kudos for carrying the 1/72 standard. You are doing the braille scale proud. Excellent, excellent work so far. Should I find the time to get in on this GB I'll be building a 1/72 109 E-7. And what with ole Bish going big this time, you're the man. Love what your turning out there and you serve the dark side well.

Keep the awesome coming gents. I'll be popping in and out here with you all.

    Joe

Morning Bish... Me neither but were going to give it a shot! I already see some must do and will alter items, add a bit here change this... but over all not too bad looking a kit. We'll see.

Joe R... Good to hear your going to build here! Always enjoy your presence and wip! As to your comments... You really are too kind. Thank you my friend!

Doug