Hasegawa 1/48 Bf-109F 'Eastern Front 1942'

Following the success of the Bf-109E, Messerschmitt looked for ways to improve the aircraft. They did so by developing an upgraded airframe which was more aerodynamically 'slick' compared to the earlier airframe. It got rid of the tailplane supports, had rounded wing tips, lower and wider wing radiators and a more rounded nose. It also removed the wing guns and used a motor cannon, something that was supposed to be incorporated into the 109E, but never was. This did somewhat limit the total weight of fire, and that received mixed reviews from pilots. Later the 20mm gun was retrofit to replace the 15mm version in many 109F-2s. Probably the most well liked upgrade was an improved DB.601E engine. Many pilots felt that the 109F was the best of the series.

Hasegawa has certainly gotten its money's worth out of the 109 series of kits. I almost hesitate to guess how many 109F-K kits have been produced using basically the same tooling, but it is a lot. Apparently they are running low on ideas for after a spate of limited edition boxings, newer releases have slowed to a crawl. Perhaps that is due to the newer toolings from Zvezda, Eduard and others.

The kits themselves are really quite well done. Sharp engraved panel lines, an adequate cockpit with sidewall detailing, a fairly standard complete lower wing with separate upper sections, a five piece prop/spinner, separate slats, flaps, and radiator outlet doors and a canopy that can be posed open.

The landing gear are well done and sturdy with fairly positive locators. The exhaust can be installed from the outside, which helps when it comes to painting the kit. One does have to open holes if the drop tank is to be used and there are a few holes to fill and bits to sand down, but nothing major at all. Probably the least fun part of the build is installing the upper cowling, which is in two halves. Oh yes, and the aileron mass balances, which have a tendency to disappear during installation.

You get a standard instruction sheet with this one along with a separate addendum sheet to cover this particular boxing. Both options are in RLM 74/74/76 with side mottling. The box art plane of an unknown Technical Officer has yellow on the lower wingtips and rear fuselage. The entire upper fin is in grey. The other is a yellow nose plane of Gerhard Barkhorn. It also has a very broad yellow fuselage band near the tail. Decals are nicely printed and should work just fine.

Unless you are someone who only builds the newest kits, then you should seriously consider this one or one like it for your next 109F build. The kit is detailed enough for most of us and won't drive you nuts with small parts or dodgy fit. What's more, you can find them quite easily on-line or from vendors at shows.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants#Bf_109F

October 2024

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