1/48 Bf109F-4/R3...Reconnaissance Aircraft..Sardinia 1942

[spanner570]

Hi chaps.

Anyone who has had a look at my model of the Bf109 flown by Major Helmut Wick and my attempt at the wonderful cammo on the Balkans Bf 109, will realise I'm a sucker for different, even wacky cammo schemes.

I've been on the look out for a 'Saw tooth' cammo 109 for ages, and finally nailed this 1/48 one on E bay for £7.00 inc.p/p!

I have been pestering Steve (Stona) with questions and thanks to his great knowledge and patience, I have enough information to make a start on this model.

The kit, from ICM is terrific, loads of detail (See the picture of the bits just for the engine!) I like to give these less common kits a chance rather than the usual Tamygawa stuff, because they usually are a lot cheaper, tend to go for the more obscure types of aircraft and can make up into great kits. I haven't started it yet, so I can't comment on the fit....Yet!

So here is my project, I'm really looking forward to having a crack at the saw tooth cammo. The front box art is a bit naff, but inside......

Steve, if you read this, it would be nice if you were to add some info. and history about this particular type of aircraft.

Cheers,

Ron

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[Ian M]

If its as good as their (ICM) spitfire kits, you should be well pleased.

Good thing your a hairy stick guy. I would go mental trying to mask that camouflage.

I will be looking forwards to seing this come together.

Ian M

[Guest]

That camo looks terrific, lots of patience needed though. Its nice to see these more obscure patterns and different options. Btw that engine looks fantasticly detailed.

[Guest]

7 quid? 7 quid?? You're a one for the bargains Ron! I'll look forward to this one as I remember you did a smashing job on that 1/32 109 from a year or so ago.

Patrick

[Guest]

Should be a good build,looking forward to seeing it being built.

Les

[stona]

Good to see you underway Ron.

Ron's doing a Bf109F-4/R3. It's a photo reconnaissance version from 1.(F)/122. It was coded F6+TH. We've managed to find a couple of piccies of it based in Sicily. Between December 1941 and January 1943 the unit was based at Gerbini and then Catania.

We've managed to establish that despite the R3 designation this aircraft did have a full radio installation with mast and all relevant antenna wires and Ron has sorted out the mottle on the rudder.

Looking forward to seeing this kit built,good luck with that camo

Cheers

Steve

[spanner570]

Thanks for the encouraging posts chaps, and to Steve for a potted history of this Bf109.

It's been a while since I tackled an aircraft, so it should be fun....

Sorry, but the cockpit won't be all whistles and bells, as my main focus of attention will be having a crack at the cammo scheme.

Anyway, I'm off and running and need help straight away.....What colour are the large horizontal engine support brackets please?

Here is a photo of the well detailed engine. Final parts tally 24!

Cheers,

Ron

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[Guest]

The engine looks fantastic Ron. sorry cant help with colour though, I would of thought either a silver or black?

[stona]

The engine bearers would be RLM 02.

The engine is indeed essentially black but you can have fun mucking it up. They used a lot of oil!

You can also have fun with the fluid reservoirs,like the annular oil tank on the front of the engine behind the spinner. Natural metal or RLM 02,the choice is yours.

The exhaust pipes were made from an alloy (not cast iron as I've seen elsewhere!) and were treated with a blacking compound (called Kernick Schwarze) similar to the stuff our forebears would have used on their stoves. I can't say I've ever seen them looking rusty.

Cheers

Steve

[spanner570]

Thanks boys for your feedback.

Great photos Steve, just the ticket.

That first picture could well be 'our' Bf109, the saw tooth certainly is. It has me thinking....

I was going along with the notion that the cammo would be sharp, like a saw tooth, but looking at that picture, the teeth are slightly rounded.

This makes me wonder whether it was applied with a brush? Either way, it makes my job a bit easier!

Thanks again boys,

Cheers,

Ron

[Guest]

Look forward to the camo scheme and build on this Ron.

[Centurion3RTR]

Can't wait to see the 'Brush Master' at work again Ron matey.

Have fun, John

[saguy]

great price ... that is about in sa rand 70 ... in the local hobby shop kits like that go for about zar 350 / 400 ... great camo too .... saw this on the web which u might to have a look at ....rgds lindsey

1/48 bf109G-6/R6 "red 13"

[spanner570]

Thanks for the great comments chaps.

After looking at Lindsey's link, I think I will bin my effort before I get further into the build, and go back to making pizza 'ouses! lol

Anyway here is the finished engine. Sorry, I couldn't resist a play with the background!

Cheers all,

Ron

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[Guest]

the engine looks fantastic Ron!