This kit represents Red 3, an early Messerschmitt BF 109B-2 ‘Bertha’ assigned to the Jagdgeschwader (JG) 132 Richthofen wing based at Juterbog-Damm, Germany in 1937.

To be accurate, this is an ‘enhanced’ version of the old 1/48 Hobbycraft Messerschmitt Bf 109B kit.  Using spare parts obtained from the 1/48 Classic Airframes Early Bf 109 and BF 109D kits, resin casting other parts from these same kits and adding an aftermarket cockpit the final model retains about 60% of its Hobbycraft origins.  Specific enhancements are described below.

Click on images below to see larger images

• 2-bladed variable pitch propeller and spinner (spare parts from CA Early BF 109 kit)

• Correct upper engine cowl and exhaust ports for this version of the BF 109B (spare part from CA Early BF 109 kit)

• Correct oil cooler (resin cast from CA Early BF 109 kit part)

• Lower engine cowl, radiator and housing (resin casts from CA Early BF 109 kit parts)

• Metal wire to replicate the ‘v’ supports within the radiator housing

• Correct tail wheel with the oleo scissor (resin cast from CA BF 109D kit part)

• Squadron vac-u-form canopy for BF 109B/E

• Aires BF 109E-3/4 cockpit (4067) modified for the BF 109B

• Metal wire for brake lines

• Fishing tippet for antenna

• Aeromaster Decals 48-456 Birth of the Luftwaffe Part 1

Painting was the standard RLM70/71 splinter camouflage over RLM65 for the time period.  Weathering was performed using a combination of pre-shading, various base color tints sprayed semi-randomly along with subtle color modulation, oil pin washes and filters, pastels and silver/graphite pencils.  Weathering was applied modestly to match historical photos of these aircraft prior to events that led to Germany’s invasion of Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1939.

Enjoy!

Eric Hargett

Click on images below to see larger images