Messerschmitt Bf 109 F Canopy (RB Productions 1/32)

Bf 109 F Canopy

RB Productions 1/32 scale

S u m m a r y
Details:	RB Productions RB-P32004 - Messerschmitt Bf 109 F Canopy
Scale:	1/32
Contents and Media:	35 photo-etched parts; clear acetate windows with self-adhesive templates; instructions.
Price:	€10 or £6.75 available online from Model Design Construction also available from Eagle Editions' website and RB Productions online shop http://stores.ebay.ie/radub
Review Type:	FirstLook
Advantages:	Excellent detail; clever design; innovative templates for clear canopy panels; canopy windows will be workable; optional parts for pilot's armour plate and external armoured glass for the windscreen; includes stowage hatch door on rear bulkhead.
Disadvantages:	Some pretty challenging construction if followed to the letter.
Recommendation:	Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

FirstLook

Radu Brinzan is a master modeller with a well-earned reputation for quality and detail, as typified by his recent master for the amazing MDC 1/32 scale Ki-61.

Radu has turned his attention to the Augsburg Eagle for the debut product in his own range of model accessories. RB Productions' has followed up his 1/32 scale Bf 109 G hood with a photo-etched 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 F canopy. This will be ideal for the 21st Century Toys Bf 109 F or Hasegawa's kit backdated with Aires' conversion. It will also be appropriate for 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4/7 kits.

This set comprises 35 parts on a single photo-etched fret, plus a sheet of clear acetate with self-adhesive cutting templates.

The small but well detailed instruction leaflet describes the construction process, and advises of likely challenges along the way.

The clear acetate will undoubtedly offer a more "in-scale" appearance for this prominent part of the model. The clear sheet is tacked onto a thin sheet of paper printed with the shapes of each individual canopy panel. This will make sizing and cutting the clear parts very simple and secure. If you are careful enough, the sliding windows will actually operate when complete.

Some truly tiny details are included on the photo-etched fret such as release levers, mounts for the armour plates and the base and spring for the canopy retaining strap. The retaining spring is a somewhat frightening prospect, with a 6mm length of 0.1mm wire being wrapped around two tiny reciprocating loops - presumably workable if you have very good eyesight and steady hands! We can take comfort that all other construction tasks look much easier than this one detail though.

Canopy armour is also supplied, as is the optional armoured glass frame for the front of the windscreen and the rear bulkhead behind the pilot's head, complete with a separate stowage door..

If you own the 21st Century Toys Bf 109 F, this will be the best way to obtain an in-scale, accurate and super detailed canopy. In the case of the Hasegawa kit with the Aires conversion, RB Productions' 1/32 scale Bf 109 G canopy will be a luxurious finishing touch.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Radu Brinzan for the sample

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