Messerschmitt Me109 (oz3417)

About this Plan

Messerschmitt Me109. Scale rubber model WWII fighter.

Quote: "FOREMOST fighting plane of Germany's potent air force is the deadly Messerschmitt Me-109, a single-place, low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction. Only the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 equals its speed, range and fire-power; and latest versions mounting rockets are considered the most deadly fighting plane of the Luftwaffe.

One of the smallest of the fighter planes, it is characterized by blunt, square lines, straight wing tips and an awkwardly sprawling landing gear, all making for simplicity of mass production. In the air, however, it is a merciless, powerful foe. The latest version is capable of more than 400 miles per hour, which compares favorably with the latest Royal Air Force and Army Air Force fighter planes teamed against it. However, one of the greatest assets of a pursuit ship, maneuverability, is apparently lacking.

Reports from the "front" indicate that superior maneuverability of the British "Hurricanes" and "Spitfires" has proved to be the decisive factor in many encounters with the Messerschmitts. In France, the American-built Curtiss Hawk, while somewhat slower, was especially effective against its less maneuverable foe.

Various combinations of armament have been found on planes that were shot down Some planes have as many as eight machine guns while others employ an aerial cannon in combination with several guns. An armor protected cockpit and self-sealing fuel tanks afford a degree of protection for the pilot.

Your fleet of models will not be complete without a miniature Messerschmitt Me-109. The plans which accompany this article will enable you to construct an attractive, authentic model with a minimum of labor. Flight performance of the model shown in the photographs is remarkable for this type plane, for despite the low-wing, pursuit design, the model has made many stable, realistic flights - and it has never crashed.

Standard construction methods are used throughout However, it is advisable to thoroughly study the plans and instructions before starting to build.

Fuselage: Construction is begun with the fuselage. Trace the top, bottom and side outlines of the fuselage on a sheet of paper to obtain the correct shape of the keel pieces. Lightly cement the paper patterns to a sheet of medium-grade 1/16 sheet and then use a sharp razor blade to cut them out. Bulkheads also are cut from 1/16 sheet; cut only those notches shown, others are marked but they are cut later as needed.

Pin the top and bottom keel pieces over the side view and cement half of the bulkheads to their respective positions. It will be noticed that bulkhead No.5 is cut and then recemented at the angle shown. Attach one of the side keels after making certain that the bulkheads are aligned correctly. Remove this portion of the body from the plan and place the remaining bulkheads and the other side keel. Stringers are light-grade 1/16 square strips.

As the work progresses, it will be necessary to cut many of the notches for the stringers; use a razor blade that has been broken to a sharp point for this operation. Once a stringer has been attached to one side always place another in the corresponding position of the other side to avoid pulling the body out of line. Pieces of hard 1/16 sheet cemented between the stringers provide the anchorage for the bamboo pin that holds the rubber motor in the rear.

As indicated on the plan, the front portion of the fuselage is filled-in with pieces of very soft 1/16 sheet. Individual pieces of balsa are cut so as to fit snugly within the space between the formers and stringers. An exception is that section of the nose over which the radiator is later placed. The extreme front of the nose is shaped from four pieces of sheet that have been cemented together. As shown, the center of the nose piece is cut out to receive the nose plug. Cement this nose block to former No. 1 and when dry cut and sand the entire fuselage front to an accurate, smooth shape. Make the radiator front from 1/4 sheet: the shape is indicated on the first page of plans..."

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to gthunter.

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