Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Messershmitt Bf 109E - JD McHard
The compactness of the Bf 109E is brought home irn no uncertain manner when this model is viewed alongside the other models in this book... all of which are to the same 1/24th scale. It was a small machine, even by contemporary standards, and for example, the Hawker Hurricane and Thunderbolt look positively gigantic in comparison!
The characteristic splayed landing gear of the Bf 109E is very evident in this photo of the author's model. Markings are from the 8/J G.I. with yallow under-nose and wing tip undersides, and black 13 outlined in red.
The Messerschmitt design was commenced in 1934 and it was the first fighter to be developed by the company. It was of advanced design, employing stressed skin construction, and the prototype flew in September the following year... with a Rolls Royce engine!
Armament was inferior to the British Spitfire and Hurricane, each of which carried eight .303 wing mounted machine guns. The Bf 109 initially had only two top fuselage mounted, rifle caliber guns and one more (later to be replaced by a 20 mm. cannon) firing through the hollow propeller shaft. The production Bf 109E carried two wing mounted 20 mm. cannon and two fuselage mounted MG17s.
The covered Messerschmitt, ready for its final finish, is the smallest model in this series, though all are to 1/24 scale. Framework shot reveals the use of fill-in sheeting around the nose. Being small, weight must be carefully kept to a minimum
Blooded in the Spanish civil war, the 109 went on to achieve the largest production run of any World War II aircraft. It served in all European and North African theaters of war and was well like by its pilots.
This photo again illustrates how skillful use of an airbrush can give a three-dimensional affect to the ailerons.
Top speed was 357 mph, and although some performance characteristics showed certain shortcomings, in practice, the machine was closely matched to its British opposite numbers. The outcome of a dog fight would depend much more upon the relative skills of the opposing pilots than upon any performance advantage of the respective aircraft.
Our model is based upon a machine of 8/J G.I. with yellow under-nose and wing tip undersides and black "13" outlined in red.
CONSTRUCTION
As previously mentioned, the smallness of the 109 is not generally appreciated until it is compared with a series of similarly scaled fighter aircraft, such as those contained in this book. In order to retain flying performance it is even more important than in larger models to watch the weight. The structure is therefore quite severely "edited" while at the same time an attempt has been made to retain a relatively rugged airframe. It is very conventional, but care must be taken in assembly to ensure a warp-free model.
Ship is a fast, stable flier. With the fixed-down gear practically hidden, this action shot of the Messerchmitt is extremely realistic.
Bf-109E model.
REFERENCES
Profile Publications No. 4U "The Messerschmitt Bf-109E".
Aeromodeller plan and feature article.