Airfix's 1/72 scale
Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-4

by Brett Green

Airfix's 1/72 scale Messerschmitt Bf 110 C is available online from Squadron

Here is my 1/72 scale Airfix Messerschmitt Bf 110 C.

Although the overall dimensions and main shapes are quite good, accuracy falls short in a number of key areas. These include the long and sharply defined engine nacelles that intrude onto the upper flaps, the lower nacelle profile, the wide propeller blades, the small vertical stabilisers / rudders and the flat "deck" on the upper rear fuselage.

Detail is also absent. Airfix has made no attempt to reproduce the gun sight, mass balances, the pitot tube nor the distinctive "clothes rail" blind landing antenna under the fuselage.

I filled and sanded the deep, wide panel lines using Tamiya Surfacer before the main parts were assembled. This subdued the heavy panel detail somewhat.

I scratch built some upper sidewall detail for the cockpit. I was not too concerned about strict accuracy as little would be visible through the thick one-piece canopy.

The colour photo-etched instrument panel, radio faces, harness straps and the gunner's strap were sourced from Eduard's "Zoom" Bf 110 C interior set, Item No. SS388. Although it is labelled "Interior", this set also supplies some essential exterior elements including the blind landing aerials and actuators.

The very thick DF loop was cut off and replaced with a piece of copper wire bent into shape around the handle of a paint brush.

It's not all bad news though. The kit is inexpensive and fit is very good overall. I liked the long stem moulded onto the landing light, and the cluster of machine guns in the nose is clevery done. Lots of options are included in the box too, with bombs, drop tanks, separate boat tail and other parts that may be used to build a Bf 110 C, D or E. The Bf 110 E boxing includes even more options.

Decals for this interesting hybrid scheme come from EagleCals sheet no. EC#119, "Bf 110 C/D". The night fighter camouflage also helps disguise the remains of the surface detail!

Construction and finishing of this model will be described in Issue 19 of ADH Publishing's newest model magazine, "Military Illustrated Modeller". The Airfix kit was built side-by-side with the new Eduard 1/72 scale Bf 110 E, which also features in the article.

Military Illustrated Modeller is available at WH Smiths and other newsstands.

It may also be ordered online directly from the Military Illustrated Modeller website.

The electronic version is also available for iPad, iPod, Mac, PC and Android devices.

Traders wishing to stock this magazine should contact ADH Publishing at enquiries@adhpublishing.com

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2012 by Brett Green
Page Created 28 August, 2012
Last Updated 28 August, 2012

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