1/24, Bf 109 G-10 Erla, Trumpeter

Post by **patrickroos** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 2:28 pm

This will be an OOB build, with a few small additions.
There was resin wheels and a resin cockpit when this kit was released in 2003.
However nowadays they are nowhere to be found.
Being an 1/24 things are not very small and fiddly, so will scratch build some extra detail. (mostly wiring)

-No seatbelts are included so I will order HGWs beautiful textile belts for it.
http://hgwmodels.cz/en/seatbelts/289-lu ... 24502.html

-At this scale things really show, the moulded MG barrels are so and so. Will order Master MG 131 barrels.
http://www.master-model.pl/index.php?pa ... &Itemid=56

-In 1/24 the clear parts are so thick that the canopy must be painted both in and outside not to look funny (I think). Was also thinking about decals, and perhaps instead spraying on the markings. I think this would look good in this scale. However the included decals are Cartograf and look really nice. So...Montex has "Super masks" sets for this baby. They include canopy masks for in/outside and masks for markings.
Will order the set below which then leaves me with two additional marking options (two supplied with the kit), the option to spray or use decals or a combo. Will decide as I go and depending on how well the masks work...

-I plan to have the canopy open to display the cockpit, so proper instruments and placards are needed. A not so impressive piece of film with instruments are included. Will order Airscale instruments and placards.
http://airscale.co.uk/store.php#!/1-24- ... ry=9842273

http://airscale.co.uk/store.php#!/1-24- ... ry=9842266

About the G-10...There are lots of info easily accessed on the web if anyone is really interested.
I will not go into any lengthy detail here, just:
-I'm a 109 lover, Its my favourite warbird and the G-10 is one of my four favourite 109 variants. (out of the 80 or so produced)
(The other three are the E-4, F-4, G-6)
-The G-10 was a unique version produced to be a light, fast, bomber killer and high altitude fighter.
Top speed 426mph (685km/h) @ about 25000 feet where the bombers were. (about the same as the P-51D which had about an 10mph advantage on the G-10 on paper)
-Its purpose was to either attack bombers (G-10/U4 with BK 108 30mm nose cannon), or fly top cover to protect heavy fighters attacking bombers.
-It had a service ceiling of about 40000 feet.
-It had the then latest DB605 D engine rated at 1850Hp
-It has the distinctive Erla haube (canopy) with improved visibility (a.k.a. "Galland canopy")
-It was kind of a rouge project and called "the b-astard aircraft of the Erla factory" within the Luftwaffe. They basically took K airframes and 605D engines (intended for the K) and built the most streamlined, light and fast 109 version to date. It was built from October 1944 until the wars end.

I will as usual use Gunze acrylics and stick to the colours typical for the period:
RLM02, Internals, gear
RLM66, Cockpit
RLM04, Markings
RLM76, Underside, fuse sides
RLM75 and RLM83, Camo (RLM74 was phased out spring 1944 and replaced by RLM83, this 75/83 standard was then finally replaced with
RLM81/82(83)).
RLM70 or 71, prop (spinner)

All for now...next a look at the kit.

Post by **patrickroos** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 8:23 pm

The kit

The first 1/24 109 kit from Trumpeter was released in 2001, a G-2, then this Kit (G-10) followed in 2003.
After that a G-6 Early, G-6 Late and a K-4 has been released.

1/24 is a little special...Its big

and not so many build in this scale, this will be my very first one.
This means that aftermarket stuff as decals and resin are not available in the same way as for 1/72 - 1/32.

Lets look at the plastic...

First sprue, fuse halves, elevators etc...

The detail level is good, in 1/24 I think its fine with faint rivets on a 109.

Some annoying ejector pin marks in the cockpit, however they are quite shallow so will not be to much pain to fix.

Wing sprue, ailerons and flaps.

Again, nice restrained rivets and panel lines.

Lightening holes in wheel/gear bays are not hollowed out, but should be easy to fix.

Engine cowlings, prop blades, rudder...

Nicely moulded blades

Engine

The exhausts are hollowed out and each one is two parts.

Cockpit

Some kind of record!?? 16 ejection pin marks on the cockpit floor...

Well well at least they are not deep.

Stabs, radiators, slats, radiator flaps...

Now these on the other hand...sigh...

Mental note: muster patience to tackle this!

More cockpit, tail wheel...

Nice Revi gun sight

The MG 131 barrels I mentioned above...so and so, in 1/48 maybe. To be replaced with brass.

Spinner, drop tank...

And...they have included this, in "clear" or frosted or something? Only Trumpeter knows why...

Then there is a smaller box

It contains springs for the gear, rods...

The rubber parts

Etched hinges for movable control surfaces, flaps

Film with instruments

And clear parts

Clear parts are not perfect, but considering its a 12 year old kit, they are more than fine.

One of the highlights of the kit is that Trumpeter was smart and outsourced the painting/marking and decal design to Aero Master products who does their research well.

The decals are printed by Cartograf and very nice

Instructions are Trumpeter standard, quite ok
(BTW color for part H40 is wrong, the oxygen regulator is black w light blue front or all light blue.)

As You see it has spring dampers in the gear...hm lets see how that will work!

For scale...A big big 109...

OK, in summary
The moulding looks good, some minor flash here and there, nothing to mention really.
Clear parts are ok, will look really nice when polished up.
Detail level is ok. I like the restrained panel lines and rivets. Normally I don't like rivets at all on 109 kits, since You can barely see them on real aircraft... (except on the underside) But in 1/24 I think it will look nice.

All the important stuff are in the cockpit, except belts, but they would have been replaced anyway so no prob.
The MGs could have been better in this scale I think and not that hard to mould. Again very nice replacements are available so cool.

Scale wise, Yes there are some minor faults, but nothing major to care about. The outline of the fuse and wings are very nicely in scale.
The only thing that stands out (to me) is the "thin" supercharger intake, its much "fatter" on the real thing and a quite prominent feature.
Maybe fix, maybe not...

Oh, forgot one thing, the pilot back armour should be plexiglass but is moulded one piece. A little surprising

. But will be fixed with some scratch building.

A cool feature is the complete and fairly detailed engine, and the fact that You don't have to display it if You don't want to.
From what I have seen You can close the hatches with engine installed without any problems or need of fixing. (unlike Eduard and Zvezda and others) Have not decided yet, but think I will have it closed up, as in not bother with painting or detailing the engine.

My research says this kit goes together without any major problems, and from looking at pics it builds up to an impressive and beautiful 109!

Post by **CJSomerset** » Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:22 am

Now I'm jealous.........

Post by **patrickroos** » Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:17 pm

CJSomerset wrote: Now I'm jealous.........

Buddy build...?

Post by **patrickroos** » Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:25 pm

Ok after some more extensive research...
I will NOT use the montex masks for the markings...hooooly smoke that's a lot of work and begging for trouble.

Also looked at some builds and the included instrument film looks ok if done properly, so no Airscale instrument decals for that.
Just placed an order for these extras:

Airscale cockpit placards, will look really nice in 1/24 I think.

Examples

HGW fabric belts...

Master MG131 brass barrels

Canopy masks, in and outside

Ok, have the final bits left on the Zvezda 109 F-4 and will also finish off the Gripen for the Homeland GB then I will dedicate my time to this Jumbo 109 project...

Post by **patrickroos** » Sun Jul 26, 2015 10:20 am

The build is divided into sections, starting with the engine, cockpit, putting engine and cockpit together, install in fuse, fuse, wings...

This is my first ever 1/24 airplane build, feels kind of strange when the parts are so big.
But guess You get used to it after building a bit.

I will build the engine and cockpit in parallel, starting with the engine.

The engine block of the DB605 is made up of four parts, then You put cylinder block covers, gearbox and other pieces on.
Fit is not great but after removing some burring and sanding its ok.
Will require some filler here and there.

Cotton bud for scale. Mock up, covers and gear box not glued. Will fix up the block first.

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 4:57 am

I look forward to seeing you work through this.

Joe

Post by **Joesdad** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 7:17 am

Wow what a project Patrick! this is going to be be great

YouTube · Post by **Jscale32** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:21 am

Would you recommend that kit to a beginner/intermediate modeller?

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 9:36 am

fightnjoe wrote:I look forward to seeing you work through this.

Joe

Thanks Joe!
Amongst other things it was Your build and vids that inspired this Jumbo madness...

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 9:37 am

Joesdad wrote:Wow what a project Patrick! this is going to be be great

Well, Ill do my best, first 1/24 ever and one have to think a bit different with this scale!

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 10:02 am

Jscale32 wrote:Would you recommend that kit to a beginner/intermediate modeller?

Well...hard to say.
One the one hand its (I think) easier to work with it since everything is so big.
On the other hand, all challenges also gets bigger due to the scale. (remember all kits has more or less challenges)
Thinking of gaps, filling, sanding, polishing.
Also building is another ball game, vs lets say 1/72 and 1/48.
With 1/32 and especially 1/24 You have to think more ahead and build, as in putting together and gluing, stepwise/section wise.
Use all types of glue, Hot, regular, CA, PVA...
All mistakes gets blown up and are much more visible.
Finally painting such a big model in a god way requires a different approach.
There is also the fact that many large scale kits includes detailed engine(s), cockpit, wheel bays, bomb bays etc.
In other words many areas to master, and if one decides to tackle such a kit, no way around them.

This kit has a fairly detailed cockpit, but no different from any modern 1/48 kit, so should not be a prob.
However, why I would hesitate to rec. to a beginner is the engine. Its a kit on its own, and even if You don't display it, You have to build it.
Point being, You have to build it right, as in straight and true. Otherwise You will run into fit issues in general (engine vs fuse and hatches).
Also issues with exhaust stacks and spinner/prop fit to nose, shaft has to be nicely centered or the spinner/prop will be offset.
This challenges does not exist on kits without separate engines.

My rec. would be to start with good (do research) 1/72 or 1/48 kits.
Look for kits with good references (good parts fit), not so many parts, inexpensive (You should afford to fail/not be afraid to fail).
Modeling is a step wise learning experience, You have to test, experiment, fail and learn to evolve Your skills.
There are no short cuts or easy way I'm afraid...

So...short answer, no I would not rec this particular kit to a beginner. Intermediate, Yes!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 10:04 am

1/24 109, what's not to like? Will be watching with interest Sir. Good luck with the build. I recently made this thing's little brother, the Trumpy 1/32 109G6 (Late), great kit. I hope yours is just as much fun.

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 10:27 am

Ok, this is where I am now...engine is a little kit on its own, about 40 parts.
Everything requires thorough cleanup and some parts lots of sanding to fit and get into shape.
The engine block itself required some minor filler here and there.
The side tanks for the methanol/water injection were a pain. Really needed to be sanded into shape after gluing together.
The instructions are a bit vague on some parts, and have some stuff in the wrong order if You ask me.
Be ware, put on the super charger and the connected piping in one go to secure it lines up...
I followed the instructions and did not, so had to cheat a bit to make it line up ok.

(hence the tape to force things a bit while settling)
Only the three small pieces left to go on before paint, the rest will be painted separately or go on after.

1/48 P-51B fuse for ref.

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 3:29 pm

She be a large one for sure. Nice work on the engine. Clean and crisp.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 4:02 pm

Stokesy44 wrote:1/24 109, what's not to like? Will be watching with interest Sir. Good luck with the build. I recently made this thing's little brother, the Trumpy 1/32 109G6 (Late), great kit. I hope yours is just as much fun.

Thanks mate!
109 kits are always fun, no matter what!!

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 4:04 pm

fightnjoe wrote:She be a large one for sure. Nice work on the engine. Clean and crisp.

Joe

Thanks Joe!

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 4:07 pm

Aftermarket stuff arrived today!

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 10:35 pm

Engine resting, starting with the cockpit

This MUST be a record in ejection pin marks!?!

I especially like the one marked pink...

Gone!

Need some fluid after the exercise...

1/48 G-6 cockpit for scale...

Putting the trim wheels together and getting them aligned is aways a good test of ones patience...
And equally exiting to glue them on their console, having them stay in position!

OK, this is where I am now...stick not glued will paint it separately.

Post by **Danta2er** » Tue Jul 28, 2015 1:05 am

Wow, will be watching this for sure!

Post by **fightnjoe** » Tue Jul 28, 2015 5:23 am

Really moving right along.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Tue Jul 28, 2015 8:53 am

fightnjoe wrote:Really moving right along.

Joe

Joe, as You have really really built this kit inside-out, anything special I should look out for?

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 5:10 am

Actually the fit for the pieces I used was beautiful. The engine went together nicely with little clean up.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:42 am

fightnjoe wrote:Actually the fit for the pieces I used was beautiful. The engine went together nicely with little clean up.

Joe

Yeah, that's my experience also so far, and am really enjoying this build, hope it continues that way!

Post by **patrickroos** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:33 am

Cleaned the fuse halves and the fit is nice

(1/72 G-6 fuse for ref.)
Put it on the table, looked at it and thought, hooooly crap its big!

Have no clue where to put this beast when done...but that will be a question for later...

The cockpit is standing on a reinforcement plate, mock up only at this stage.

To check how things fit together. Need to understand where cockpit is in the fuse, how much will be seen, which ejector pin marks have to go etc.

The detail level in the cockpit is a bit sparse, the scale makes every empty space very visible.
Thought id just add some stuff to liven up a bit.
Started with some wiring, this is lead and 1,5mm tape.

Post by **Willem** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:46 am

Lovely stuff Patrick. Enjoying watching you put this beast together.

Post by **fightnjoe** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:49 am

Nice. Going to paint up very nicely with the added stuff.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:23 am

Thanks guys, yeah, just trying to liven it up a bit.
In 1/24 You really see stuff, so there better be something to look at!

Trumpeter has not provided a G-10 cockpit but more a "generic" 109 G ish one.
Guess its the same cockpit with all their 1/24 G and K kits.
So just building on the generic theme and try to spice it up a it.
I love this, my favourite aircraft, but I'm not a 109 rivet counting fanatic.
If You are, there is huge potential to rebuild the entire cockpit to a true G-10.
Especially the gun breach which is totally off and kind of stands out like a sour thumb in there.
Buuuuut, Im just enjoying myself, love this build so far!

Some really thin lead twisted, bend in place and mark where to cut.

Cut thin stripes of tape for cable clips, cut the whole thing to length, dab some CA on and put in place.

Added the oxygen pipe also from tanks (You can see the three Yellow tanks in Joes build) to the regulator.
Fuel indicator line not glued, will be re-built with a clear part for the glass tube.
Calling this side done now, in the mock up pic approx what You will be able to see of it when buttoned up.

Post by **fightnjoe** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:38 pm

Patrick you are really moving through. It looks crisp and clean. Very nice work.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Fri Jul 31, 2015 9:25 pm

Left side done.
It is a bit empty also on the real thing so just livened up the right side a bit.

And this is approx. what will be seen...

Hmmm...quite a size difference!?

Will have to look into this!

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Aug 01, 2015 6:03 am

Looks very nice so far. Maybe I chose the wrong way to build this kit. Yours looks very impressive so far.

Joe

Post by **frack** » Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:18 pm

looking forward to seeing the finished job

Post by **patrickroos** » Thu Aug 06, 2015 8:42 pm

fightnjoe wrote:Looks very nice so far. Maybe I chose the wrong way to build this kit. Yours looks very impressive so far.

Joe

...there is no right or wrong way mate.
All I know is that Your build was amazing!

This will be a traditional one.

Post by **patrickroos** » Thu Aug 06, 2015 8:43 pm

frack wrote:looking forward to seeing the finished job

Thanks mate!

Post by **patrickroos** » Thu Aug 06, 2015 8:53 pm

Ok time to finish of the cockpit building phase.

Made the second (missing) lever from styrene rod and sheet...added some hydraulic hoses to the rudder pedals.

Found some suitable left over PE...

Calling this cockpit build including some scratched stuff done now after doing the back bulkhead.
I will add straps for the rudder pedals made from foil after painting.

Left side view

Right side view

Loving this build, but...was a bit thrown back and disappointed when I examined the IP.
Made of brittle clear plastic, no prob, but there is 12!! raised pin marks...

Tried to clean up as much I could with a blade without causing to much damage. Oh well lets see what It looks like with some paint on.

Some cleaning then time for primer and pre-shading!

Post by **planemaker** » Thu Aug 06, 2015 9:18 pm

Amazing detail work, Patrick!

Can't wait to see some paint in the cockpit.
Good luck with the rest of the build. It's gonna be a beast!

Post by **patrickroos** » Thu Aug 06, 2015 9:37 pm

planemaker wrote:Amazing detail work, Patrick!
Can't wait to see some paint in the cockpit.
Good luck with the rest of the build. It's gonna be a beast!

Thanks mate, appreciated!

Tyttö on hirviö...

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Aug 08, 2015 12:50 am

Now that is going to look very sharp.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Sun Aug 09, 2015 5:15 pm

fightnjoe wrote:Now that is going to look very sharp.

Joe

Guess Your IP was the same?
Just hope it will look ok painted...

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 12:00 am

It could have been for sure. I did not notice when all was said and done.

It looked decent afterward though.

Joe

Post by **patrickroos** » Mon Aug 10, 2015 6:27 pm

Sure did, thanks for sharing Joe!
Well, not much one can do about it.
It is what it is...

Post by **patrickroos** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 2:18 pm

Got the first parts primed up.
Used Badgers StyNylRez primer, AMAZING stuff!!

This is the first time you actually see stuff and what it looks like, I'm quite happy with the result.

Next starting to paint the cockpit...

Post by **Danta2er** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 5:03 pm

OK, so...

Post by **Pauljames** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 7:43 pm

A good job so far