This is Academy's Bf109E, kit 2133.

I built this kit as an E-4 (it can also be built as an E-3). The reason for that is that I had aftermarket decals for an E-4, and I knew from experience I did not want to use the kit decals. I used decals from Third Group 72-005. The decals worked very well. I did not put on any stencils. I hate applying decals in general, and in 1/72 scale the stencils are difficult to see anyway.

I did screw up in a couple of places. I forgot to put the armored headrest in. I also did not get the antenna right - it sticks out a little more than it should, although I don't think you can tell by the photos. The canopy was not wide enough, but that could have been my assembly of the fuselage. I also broke one of the hozizontal stabilizer struts, so I used Evergreen strips, epoxied in.

Tamiya paints were used. I used XF-23 Light Blue for the RLM 65, a custom mix of roughly 50/50 XF-2 Flat White and XF-22 RLM Grey for the RLM 02, and XF-13 JA Green for the RLM 71. The JA Green looked a little too dark at first, but I was happy with the end result. I did the mottling by hand, but I thought it came out pretty good.

I used Krylon Fusion Dover White Satin for the primer. It worked okay, but I still need to find a primer I'm happy with.

I used Eduard masks, which fit much better than on previous models.

For the clear coats, I used First-Step varnishes. I thinned the gloss with windshield washer fluid and the flat with Testors Acryl thinner. I thought the Acryl thinner worked a little better, but the gloss turned out very well. I had no trouble putting on the decals using Microset.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.