Bent Box Bulletin #2

Hobbycraft's 1/48 scale
Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3

by Rafe Morrissey

Airfix's 1/48 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3 is available online from Squadron.com

Item: 1:48 Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-3

Manufacturer: Hobbycraft

Stock Number:  HC1569

MSRP: USD $8.00-15.00

Description: Plastic kit. Includes recessed panel lines and clear parts.   Markings included for 2 aircraft.  Under-wing stores include drop tanks, bombs and bomb racks.

Advantages: Excellent cockpit interior, multiple ordinance options, good fit for most parts.

Disadvantages: Slight shape issues with nose, poor machine gun detail, undersize one piece canopy.

Many times, a model will lead to an appreciation for the history behind the subject.  Occasionally, it works the other way around. Such was the case with a book I was reading on the Battle of Britain.  The book took issues with a number of myths about the battle including the notion that all of the bombing units were ineffective. 

In reality, there was one unit, Erprobungsgruppe 210, which did extremely well employing tactics that could have tipped the balance of the battle in Germany’s favor.  It was a test unit experimenting with using fighters, Bf-109s and Bf-110s, as fast bombers flying under radar and attacking R.A.F. airfields.  They were very successful in hitting and damaging those installations but were too few in number to capitalize on the technique. 

Had the Germans employed these tactics more broadly, the outcome might have been quite different.

After learning about this unit, I felt the urge to build one of their Bf-109s.  I happened to have a Hobbycraft Bf-109 E-3 on the shelf that I had picked up for a song and this was the perfect opportunity to build it.  This kit receives scant attention with the Hasegawa, Tamiya, Airfix and now Eduard kits on the market.  It is maligned by the 109 aficionados due to a somewhat chunky nose profile.  I must confess that the issue is beyond my ability to detect. 

On the plus side, the kit is very inexpensive at shows in the Hobbycraft boxing and the cockpit is exquisite.  I was really surprised at how detailed it was and how nicely it all went together.  Frankly, I think it compares favorably with some resin sets I have seen and is worthy of consideration for kit bashing with a less detailed kit. 

As for the rest of the model, generally it is a trouble-free build.  The overall part fit is very good.  There are a few issues to contend with, however. The wing machine guns are very poor lacking the correct muzzle shapes.  I was fortunate that my good friend and 109 expert, Floyd Werner, had an extra pair of machine guns from the new Eduard kit that he was willing to share.  These are real gems molded with hollow ends.  The second issue is that the canopy is molded closed and is undersized being too narrow.  I used a Squadron vacuform replacement which fit well.  These are among the least expensive aftermarket items and still keep the cost of the build very low.

No decals are available for Erprobungsgruppe 210 but the markings were fairly simple.  I found a suitable ‘yellow 1’ from another sheet (again courtesy of Floyd) and used the kit insignia and swastika.  I should note that these units lacked the rear headrest and armor so was not added to the model. 

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I also took the opportunity to practice my base making and figure painting skills.  The base was cut from extruded polystyrene insulation.  I used tile grout for the ground cover and Woodland Scenics railroad landscaping materials for the grass and brush.  I used roots pulled up from the woods behind my house for the tree trunks.  I love these as they look great and need no painting!  I made my own barbed wire for the fence section from directions I found on the Web.  The bomb cart and spare bomb are from the Dragon Luftwaffe support set while the figures came from the excellent ICM Luftwaffe figure set.  ICM’s figures are amazing and rival any resin aftermarket figures. A couple Verlinden fuel drums and ammo crates filled out the space.

All in all, this was an enjoyable build and I am pleased with the final result.  The Hobbycraft kit is not as nice as some of its more modern contemporaries but if you are on a budget or just want a quick fun build to use up some of your decal stash on, it is worth considering.  The cockpit is a real work of art and rivals any kit on the market.  Until next time, build like there is no tomorrow!

Images and Text Copyright © 2013 by Rafe Morrissey
Page Created 10 September, 2013
Last Updated 10 September, 2013

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