Avis 1/72 Bf-109C-1, previewed by Scott Van Aken

HISTORY

The second full production version of the Bf-109 was developed from two prototypes. The Bf 109 V8 was constructed to test the fitting of two more machine guns in the wings. Results showed that the wing needed strengthening. In the following V9 prototype both wing guns were replaced by 20 mm MG FF cannons.

The short-lived Bf 109C ("Caesar") was powered by a 700 PS Jumo 210G engine with direct fuel injection. Another important change was a strengthened wing, now carrying two more machine guns giving four 7.92 mm (.312 in) MG 17s in total. The C-0 were pre-production aircraft, the C-1 was the production version, the C-2 an experimental version with an engine-mounted machine gun. The C-3 had 20 mm MG FF cannons replacing the two MG 17s in the wings but its not known how many C-3 were built or converted. The C-4 was planned to have an engine-mounted MG FF, but the variant was not produced.

A total of 58 Bf 109C of all versions were built by Messerschmitt.

THE KIT

Looking at the sprues for this kit, you'd think that it was the same as the previously reviewed 109D-1 and C-3 variants. Almost. The instructions state that this is a limited edition kit, which to most of us means short run and it very much appears to be just that. The somewhat soft light grey plastic is molded on three somewhat thick sprues. One clear sprue carried two somewhat thick single piece canopies.

The cockpit seems well appointed for this scale and there is good detail on the inside of the fuselage halves. The lower cowling/radiator section is well molded and made up of many parts, so I can foresee this being a bit of a fiddly construct in this area. In fact, this kit provides two of these lower radiator bits and tells you which to use. They differ minimally with one having a cooling hole in it and the other without. A number of parts are quite small, such as aileron mass balances, oil cooler and some others, so care will be needed in construction. The kit features a separate rudder and the upper wings also include the ailerons and flaps, ensuring a relatively sharp trailing edge. Personally, I prefer things to be like this. This kit also includes the large, wooden prop that was common to the B model until replaced by the metal Hamilton Standard. It is the main change item and is so shown.

The parts themselves are all a bit on the rough side when it comes to the edges, so all will need at least a good sanding. Sprue gates are commendably small for a short run kit. Many of these gates run onto the part itself so will need to be carefully cut free and sanded. This is, after all, a low pressure short run kit so one expects these things. I did find but one sink area, that being on the fuselage opposite some cockpit interior detail. I found this on all three kits previewed and it is caused by the rather thick oxygen tank section. Easy enough to fill and sand. Like all the rest of the Jumo engine line as well as the 109E versions, this aircraft has wing guns. In this case machine guns for which openings are provided. This aircraft does not have wing cannon

Instructions are well done and provide the usual illustrated drawings for construction steps. Each step lists the parts used. Color information is generic with RLM references provided as appropriate. They correctly call out RLM 02 for the interior color. Markings are for two aircraft. One is a Condor Legion plane in RLM 71 over 65 and I suspect that the 71 should be 63, but your choice. The other is the box art plane of IV(N)./JG 2 based in Norway during 1940. It is in RLM 71/02/65. I'm also thinking this might have 109E type ejector exhaust as many Jumo 109s were so converted. This plane has also been identified in several books as a 109D one aircraft. When it doubt, check references as many are conflicting. The decals are well printed and quite matte. Only use will determine how well they work.

OK, so this seems to take care of the Jumo 109 Family from Avis. I see that they have already done an A and B version, so with a bit of effort, you could have all the early 109s from one source. I say effort as I'm building one of these and it is short run; not a toss together kit.

KIT #:	72012
PRICE:	$14.95 from http://www.scale-model-kits.com
DECALS:	One Option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
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