1/24 Airfix Bf-109E

[brandonk]

This is my entry in to the Big GB. I've been flip flopping on what I want to do with this one as far as static or in-flight. I've decided, due to its size that it will be wheels up in-flight and I can hang it to take up less space.

So, this is an old Airfix 1/24 Bf-109-E. I got this kit from Art Waugh, aka Goldhammer. (I miss you, Art) It was wet and very moldy, so I tossed the box and washed everything up. The only missing piece is the front half of the pilot. It is not too bad on detail, but needs some help. I do have to find a pilot for this however. Planning on the yellow "1" scheme, yellow nose and mottled fuselage. This should be fun.

[406 Silverado]

Oh yeah!!!! This is another one that's gonna git a big ol' fat bookmark!!

[dupes]

Watching eagerly! I have this in the stash, and have been trying to decide if it's worth ever building.

[Steve Zuleski]

Awesome, I love the bigger bird kits!

[dodgy]

Hey BK, I might be able to help with the pilot. Will check the stash.

[thug626]

Bookmarked! Eagerly awaiting updates

[armornutii]

   Alllrrriiigghhttty then, and Brandon is off and running.

[lyle]

Jan 29, 2024 13:06:41 GMT -5 brandonk said:

This is my entry in to the Big GB. I've been flip flopping on what I want to do with this one as far as static or in-flight. I've decided, due to its size that it will be wheels up in-flight and I can hang it to take up less space.

So, this is an old Airfix 1/24 Bf-109-E. I got this kit from Art Waugh, aka Goldhammer. (I miss you, Art) It was wet and very moldy, so I tossed the box and washed everything up. The only missing piece is the front half of the pilot. It is not too bad on detail, but needs some help. I do have to find a pilot for this however. Planning on the yellow "1" scheme, yellow nose and mottled fuselage. This should be fun.

You need a hobby….. wow. Going to be nice.

[brandonk]

Feb 1, 2024 11:51:43 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   Alllrrriiigghhttty then, and Brandon is off and running.

Well, sort of. I'm trying to get the C9 off the bench before I get to carried away. But, ATM I am feeling the building bug and I'm running with it.

[Steve Zuleski]

Feb 1, 2024 13:38:14 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Feb 1, 2024 11:51:43 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   Alllrrriiigghhttty then, and Brandon is off and running.

Well, sort of. I'm trying to get the C9 off the bench before I get to carried away. But, ATM I am feeling the building bug and I'm running with it.

Do it, whatchya waitin for? These bigger bird kits are pretty awesome, so ya got my support, Brandonk!

[deafpanzer]

You definitely have my attention! We will need your 109 to babysit all of those Fw190s here… 😁

[brandonk]

Ah, okay, so that was fun...not. The sprues on this kit are not numbered in any sort of order, the numbers are totally randomly placed all over, AND on top of that many of them are printed sideways and upside down. Normally, this is no biggie, you hunt for the shape and find it and verify the number. NOPE, not on this one. The parts in the illustrations DO NOT look too much like the parts you really need, further making finding the correct part that much more difficult. SO, if you have one of these, you've been warned. I took about 1 1/2 hours to go through the instructions, section by section, and pull all the parts off the trees and put them in baggies with all the parts for that step. Sealed the bag, rinse and repeat. This way when I go to work on this I can find my parts and clean them up and assemble. This will help immensely. The bummer here is the one of the lower wing radiator cover panels is missing. UGH, so I can try to find one, good luck, or I'll have to try to scratch one up. I did find one in Great Britain, but with the cost of the part and shipping it's nearly $50 US. I'm not gonna pay that. Fortunately, it is a large part, about 1.25 inches square, and I may have a chance to make it. We'll see. I also need to locate a pilot, seated of course, as I plan on wheels up and in flight. That's not a biggie there. I just need to get one before I finish the pit. So, now that the fun of this part is over, I will move on to other things.

[stikpusher]

Bummer about the missing part. But I bet you could scratch build one easily enough.

[handiabled]

I hope you get the radiator panel sorted out. Bookmarked!

[TJ]

Watching this one.

[dean48ws]

It's a shame that the build has started out like this, I hope you can sort the missing panel!

[lyle]

Oh, man hope you get this taken care of.

[brandonk]

Now that I have everything off the trees and in bags it looks far simpler. So much so I now know I will have to pimp out the exterior with more detail, namely scribing deeper panel lines and adding rivet detail. She'll be closed up and hanging so that will simplify some of the work. Just need to concentrate on the quality of my work as she is big girl. I will be scratch building the radiator panels as that's the only realistic option. Even though she is 1/24 she is still not too big as I have a P-51D in that scale and it is noticeably larger. That kit I hope is complete, it should be. It will likely be BMF and Big Beautiful Doll. Well, onward and upward I go.

[tcoat]

Feb 8, 2024 10:47:45 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Now that I have everything off the trees and in bags it looks far simpler. So much so I now know I will have to pimp out the exterior with more detail, namely scribing deeper panel lines and adding rivet detail. She'll be closed up and hanging so that will simplify some of the work. Just need to concentrate on the quality of my work as she is big girl. I will be scratch building the radiator panels as that's the only realistic option. Even though she is 1/24 she is still not too big as I have a P-51D in that scale and it is noticeably larger. That kit I hope is complete, it should be. It will likely be BMF and Big Beautiful Doll. Well, onward and upward I go.

That D in BMF would be awesome. There is no metallizer paint (yes I know that is debatable) that can rival actual metal for a finish. 

[fermis]

I dig them big Airfix kits!
I got my first batch, back when they were $20 (P-51, Spit, and my 1st 109)

(109 in pic is my 2nd...but was also $20 on a vendor table!)




That being my 2nd 109....I still have the 1st, but it is destined for the trash can...meaning, it's got parts!!!
I'll dig around...I may have a pilot, too.
I'd be happy to send whatever you need.

[fermis]

I did find a pilot (from the 51)
I did a craptastic job on the modification (it was a LONG time ago!!!)
Might work as a "base" for better modification. 
If ya want it...it's yours.

[brandonk]

Feb 13, 2024 13:27:38 GMT -5 fermis said:

I did find a pilot (from the 51)
I did a craptastic job on the modification (it was a LONG time ago!!!)
Might work as a "base" for better modification. 
If ya want it...it's yours.

Very kind of you to offer. Finding a seated pilot isn't really a challenge, but the radiator panels will be. I have a lead on one, I just need to figure out which side I need. If I have to scratch that up it won't kill me. I'm in no hurry either, so we can all sit tight for now. If I get to needing a pilot I will let you know. Thanks again.

[TOWGunner]

This is going to be one tremendous build! It will really look excellent in those colors too. Looking forward to your project.

[fermis]

Feb 13, 2024 15:37:58 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Feb 13, 2024 13:27:38 GMT -5 fermis said:

Very kind of you to offer. Finding a seated pilot isn't really a challenge, but the radiator panels will be. I have a lead on one, I just need to figure out which side I need. If I have to scratch that up it won't kill me. I'm in no hurry either, so we can all sit tight for now. If I get to needing a pilot I will let you know. Thanks again.

Ya, pilots are pretty easy to get...and much better than I have to offer!
Looks like you have the left side radiator piece.
I'll delay pitching the model...as if I haven't been putting that off for some years!

[brandonk]

Well, finally broke down and gave it a once over. Yup, I am missing the starboard rad cover. Looks like the port on fits the left side, so I hope I'm correct.

[brandonk]

Well folks, I pulled this out and officially started on it. OH BOY, I am gonna need all my skills and patience with this one. Tons of seams and flash, I can handle that. But the fit is awful, I mean really bad. This one is gonna be a real challenge to put together and make it look good. I think I am going to need a support group for this one. I am not complaining, it's just gonna be a real handful. I'll post up some more pics when I have something to show.

[keavdog]

Allright BK! This will be fun to watch. Get out our filler and sand paper
This AND the Kingfisher? Big Birds!

[kyledehart5]

Pulling up a stump to watch!! This will be a good one.

[handiabled]

I'll be following along!

[tcoat]

Jul 21, 2024 20:21:53 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Well folks, I pulled this out and officially started on it. OH BOY, I am gonna need all my skills and patience with this one. Tons of seams and flash, I can handle that. But the fit is awful, I mean really bad. This one is gonna be a real challenge to put together and make it look good. I think I am going to need a support group for this one. I am not complaining, it's just gonna be a real handful. I'll post up some more pics when I have something to show.

Know I say this all the time but there are some pretty cool options for a damaged, missing parts or just nasty fitting kit!