discussion Airfix 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf110 E

[flyjoe180]

I've been working in the background on this, Airfix's 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf110E.







The kit is well proven, but doesn't come without faults. The most apparent is the engine nacelles extend over the trailing edge flaps. I corrected them with careful scraping and sanding.

Before correction:


After correction:

 

[flyjoe180]

The lower wing half with the wheel bays installed. Airfix moulded the Bf110C and E kits with a Bf110G wing. I'm not that fussed about it, so it'll stay as is.


There wasn't much to see in the cockpit, and I didn't add anything of significance. Not a lot can be seen once the canopy is on. Constructions happens quickly and without any problem. I used only a tiny amount of filler on the tail cone area, otherwise it was amazing.


RLM78 on. I added the lower aft fuselage antennae using thin brass tubing.

 

[flyjoe180]

RLM79 on top. I started with a yellow and dark brown pre shade:

I was happy with the effect it gave me



Of course things were going too well, so the tail wheel decided to snap. I thought about using the non-tropical tail wheel, but it is significantly smaller, so I drilled the damaged tropical shaft out and inserted a rod strut inside to add strength.


Things moved on, and here we are today, waiting for the decals to dry. Some of them will require some treatment later. I'm going to add a wash to the underside, but the top I'm tempted to leave as is, due to those deep panel lines. Just some weathering perhaps, exhaust staining, etc.

 

[Mickc1440]

That looks very nice Joe, I'm with you on not over doing the weathering and going subtle

 

[flyjoe180]

That looks very nice Joe, I'm with you on not over doing the weathering and going subtle

Cheers Mick

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Thats looking really well Joe. Great job on spotting and correcting the faulty top wing nacelles. Great paint job as well.

 

[flyjoe180]

Thats looking really well Joe. Great job on spotting and correcting the faulty top wing nacelles. Great paint job as well.

Thanks Steve. Luckily the kit styrene is the softer type used by Airfix in the 2010s so it was relatively easy to reshape

 

[yak face]

Superb paintwork joe ! It looks fantastic , you were right about the weathering , ive often not bothered highlighting the panel lines if theyre quite deep , it can overdo it and look very false , cheers tony

 

[Airborne01]

Liking that very much!
Steve

 

[Geoffers]

Great job Joe, it looks great

I agree with your thoughts on how you might weather it too.

Geoff.

 

[flyjoe180]

Superb paintwork joe ! It looks fantastic , you were right about the weathering , ive often not bothered highlighting the panel lines if theyre quite deep , it can overdo it and look very false , cheers tony

Thanks Tony. This one is painted with old fashioned Humbrol enamels.

Liking that very much!
Steve

Cheers Steve!

Great job Joe, it looks great

I agree with your thoughts on how you might weather it too.

Geoff.

Thanks Geoff!

 

[flyjoe180]

Decals have been sorted, and I have applied some washes, mostly to the underside.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Some really subtle but effective paintwork and weathering on that Joe. Lovely.

 

[Jim R]

That is a great finish. Fingers crossed for the removal of all those canopy masks - good double up as a greenhouse.

 

[flyjoe180]

Some really subtle but effective paintwork and weathering on that Joe. Lovely.

Cheers Steve. Those panel lines really didn't need much more highlighting.

That is a great finish. Fingers crossed for the removal of all those canopy masks - good double up as a greenhouse.

Thank you Jim. Yes, that's going to be a tedious little job unmasking the canopy.


Today I got some exhaust staining on. Not far off completion, just a flat varnish and lights to go.

 

[scottie3158]

Joe,
Looking good apologies for not commenting earlier.

 

[flyjoe180]

Joe,
Looking good apologies for not commenting earlier.

Cheers Paul, no worries mate

 

[flyjoe180]

Flat varnish has been applied, the canopy unmasked, propellers fitted, and the wheels are on and currently setting. The landing light slots straight in to the wing leading edge and sits flush, a very nice fit from Airfix. In fact the whole kit has gone together very nicely, with the exception of the wheels which I found fiddly despite having lugs to ensure they sit flat. Nearly there, just the navigation lights to go.

 

[Steven000]

Lovely paintwork Joe, cheers

 

[flyjoe180]

Lovely paintwork Joe, cheers

Cheers Steven