Fine Molds Messerschmitt Bf 109 Batch Build in 1/72 Scale Part II

Fine Molds has engineered the kits with the leading-edge slats and trailing edge flaps in the neutral positions. While technically not incorrect, it is very difficult to find photographs of Bf 109s on the ground without these surfaces deflected. I like to reposition them for a more natural appearance, and because there are four surfaces per wing this results in a few sessions with the razor saw.

The actual leading-edge slats were spring-loaded and deployed automatically at low speeds to increase lift. They could be pushed back into a flush position on the ground but this was rarely done. Behind the slat was a metal skin which I have made here with 0.010” Evergreen sheet.

The slats were thinned and the bottom edge built back up with quarter round stock. At this point the flaps have also been deflected slightly and re-attached.

One odd omission in Fine Molds’ Bf 109 family is the lack of tall-tail options for the G-6 and G-14. I cast a resin copy of the tall-tail from a Hasegawa kit for one of my Messerschmitts. A little sanding was needed, but the fit was really pretty close so this worked out well.

The boattail at the rear of the lower wing section isn’t horrible but always needs a little help. There is a panel line which runs right along the fuselage seams both top and bottom as well as the cowling. I have scribed in these panel lines, but always worry that a contest judge might mistake them for unfilled seams.

I had several sets of Montex vinyl canopy masks, slightly used, which were left over from previous Messerschmitt builds. I have problems getting Montex masks to stick even when they are new, but the vinyl is rigid enough to use as a template for cutting new masks from Tamiya tape. Another trick is to run a black Sharpie along the mating surface of the canopy. This does not interfere with the glue and eliminates any light areas visible through the glass along the seam.

When in place the canopy was shot with the interior color, RLM 66. There is a slight seam visible along the leading edge which was filled with Perfect Plastic Putty, the advantage of the PPP is any excess can be wiped away with a wet cotton swab without disturbing any of the surrounding detail.

Part III here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2023/03/24/fine-molds-messerschmitt-bf-109-batch-build-in-1-72-scale-part-iii/

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