1/32 Revell Bf-109 F-2z/Trop.

by Kai Reckstadt

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Here are some pics of my recently completed Revell Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-2z/Trop. depicting the aircraft of the famous German fighter-ace Hans-Joachim Marseille. Basic model was the Bf 109 G-4 which I converted to an F-2z/Trop. with the AIRES conversion-set. I didn't use all parts of the set since the F-2z already used the deeper oilcooler and the wider propeller blades as used in the G-series. The set itself has very good detail but to make it fit correctly some sanding has to be done. The only further addition to the model are PE-seatbelts from EDUARD.

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I did some further detailing to the wheel wells, landing-gear and tailwheel which I also repositioned. The exhausts were opened by drilling small holes (I sweat tears not to destroy them !). The AIRES-canopy is too thin to show the cockpit in the open position. I used the canopy from the old Hasegawa Bf 109 E Kit and reworked it 'til it fit well. I also corrected the spinner (ovoid holes for the blades).

The model was preshaded and then painted with XTRA-Color RLM 78 and RLM 79. Weathering was done with artist-oils and MiG-Pigments applied to the panels to get the typical worn look of aircraft used in the desert. The exhaust-strains were painted by using Tamiya Smoke.  Decals came from EAGLE-Strike. They are very thin easy to apply and in perfect register.

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I decided to build the last "Friedrich" Marseille flew with which he gained the last of his 158 victories. There are a lot of very good photos of this aircraft in the book "Hans-Joachim Marseille" by Walter Wübbe which I used as reference.  Final touches were the antenna-wire with insulators and the canopy holding-wire. I also made a model-base for display. I have to add two figures of Marseille and his group-captain Homuth which are still in my stash. It was all in all an easy build with a pleasing result. 

Kai 

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Photos and text © by Kai Reckstadt