airfix 24th bf 109 e3/4

[fortunesofwarmodels]

what are others experience with this kit?

im having a lot of problem right now with the cowlings, gun covers and canopy... the problem being, they dont actually fit...



any tips/hints on how to solve this would be greatly appreciated

[Neils]

The cowling fits on these old Airfix 1:24's is notoriously tricky to do with the engine in, to the point where I think they were designed to be left off if the engine was made. I had the same issue on my 1:24 P51, and ended up making it look like they had been propped open like a car bonnet(couldn't find any pictures of how they were maintained but it seemed a reasonable way of doing it). Just get a small, thin piece of sprue/spare part, paint it aluminium and use it like a bonnet prop.

It has the added advantage of showing off all that nice detail you've done rather than cover it up. In the new typhoon, Airfix learned from their old 1:24 kits and made the cowling and engine fits mutually exclusive.

It took some nifty, special engineering from Tamiya on their 1:32 super kits some 30 years later to make the cowling things work properly

[fortunesofwarmodels]

had the same issue on my 1:24 P51

rut roh... thats my next aircraft build...

[Neils]

had the same issue on my 1:24 P51

rut roh... thats my next aircraft build...

You'll probably be better at fitting it than I am

[fortunesofwarmodels]

not gunna put the engine in it now you've said that, that way, the problem is solved before its an issue

[Neils]

Do the engine anyway, and see if you can get it to dry fit. If not you've had the practice, if so you just made a nice looking kit, even better.

[Johni044]

There is a problem with the 109 cowls on this kit and I seem to recall the top MG's. Between the two barrels about half way down there is two protuberances that need to be trimmed. Made it in the 70's so memories a bit faded.

From pictures I have seen the cowls on the aircraft do not seem to be exceptionally flush.

[Jon72286]

I have been eyeing this kit. Is this one that I should take off my wish list????

[fortunesofwarmodels]

depends on your skill level Jon, im a relative novice with aircraft and tend to do them OOB, but someone with a biot more expertise might be able to sort the problem

[MICX007]

HI there, I'm new on this forum and I would not say that I'm an expert modeller neither. Just to share with you guys my experience with this model which is actually on my workbench. The cowl is really an issue if the engine block is on. Seems like if the engine is on the cowl should be left opened and if you want to have it closed better then not to have the engine. Unfortunately for me was too late when I realised that....

[OneSmallStep1966]

I picked this kit up last year because Airfix were selling them on a promo for just £19 and I wanted something big to try out airbrushing on.
Quality wise it wasn't a brilliant kit, lots of flash and some fit issues, but I don't recall having the very bad fit issue you have and mine does have the engine and mg's installed.