Revell's 1/32 Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4
By Dennis Ferriol
This is the 1/32 Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4 released by Revell using Hasegawa's tooling/molds.
I've always loved the tulip design depicted on the cowling of 109s so I used AML's decals (Item No. 3201) which also came with resin wheels that are far better than the kit's rendition. I also enhanced the kit's front office using Eagle Editions resin cockpit (Item No. 32026) and Eduard's pre-painted photo-etched seatbelts.
Construction was straightforward even with the resin cockpit. This was made possible by constant dry-fitting to achieve a very good fit with the fuselage. I added brake lines and canopy retainers made from copper wire. Aerials were also provided employing fine fishing line. Painting was done using Gunze's RLM colors while minimal weathering was achieved using oil washes, fine pastel powders for the exhaust stains and silver pencil paint chipping on high wear & tear areas like the propeller.
All in all, this plane was a delight to make. OOB, the kit is already exceptional with all the finely-molded details. Adding the resin cockpit made it better. I highly recommend this kit for value for money.
© Dennis Robert Ferriol
This article was published on Friday, September 27 2013; Last modified on Saturday, May 14 2016