International Scale Modeller

Before we get onto the kit, being relatively new on the forum here is a little bit of information on myself and why I am taking part in this Group Build. I made model kits as a kid back in the 1970's, didn't we all (well may be not all in the 1970's). Later on in life my eldest son got me interested in wargamming. So I started painting miniature wargamming figures, fantasy figures at first then later Napoleonic. I found my self falling into the wargamming mind set of "table top standard", this being paint the miniatures quickly to a lower standard in order to get them on the table top sooner rather than later. Eventually this became frustrating and I wanted to build "stuff" to a better level of quality and have something to be proud of in the display cabinet. So I found inspiration on You Tube and took up scale model kit building again!

Since taking up the hobby I have built two cars and two bikes. So my next kit was always going to be something different. Then this Group Build popped up, and "I thought that is ideal for me, I can build a plane, they have wings right?". I was always going to eventually build the Tamiya 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6, but being patriotic my thinking was to first build the Tamiya 1/48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I. But looking at the two kits, the Messerschmitt won over just because of no visilible engine on the Spitfire kit. So maybe I am not so patriotic after all! It was always going to be a Tamiya kit, as I am a big fan of Tamiya even as a kid.

Back to getting out of the "table top standard" mind set, Yep I am struggling with this. I am still finding my self not removing that seem line fully, specs of dust found after painting, crease in a decal, etc. So hopefully taking my time and documenting the build on here is going to kick my rear into gear!

Anyway that is enough of me, lets have a look at the kit.

Some sexy box art.



Sprues by which a Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 in 1/48 scale will magically appear.











Bag of small parts, including some magnets (more of that later on in the build).



Decals, ooh we have some swastika's.



Extra's. We all need something extra in life, and this Messerschmitt has a few little treats in store. Will there be more extras later? May be, let's wait and see!





We will see more of the instructions, and more sexy art through out the build, but are some teasers.







I am not going to shamelessly cut n paste the Wikipedia entry here, but give you some links below. But I will say the Germans very kindly built over 33,000 Messerschmitts, to provide sport for our boys in Spitfires and Hurricanes shooting them out of the sky's.

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109

Tamiya Kit Page https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/61117/index.htm

Eduard (for all those little extras) https://www.eduard.com/

Scale Mates Kit Page https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tamiya- ... 6--1102954

Purchase Here https://www.umpretail.com/collections/t ... -g-6-61117

Anyway that is enough of me and the Tamiya 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 for now, lets get on with it.

Day 0 - Which variant to build and in what configuration?

The kit provides three variants...

JG54 (February 1944)



JG27 (Malerne, Crete, December 1943)



JG52 (Novo-Zaporozhye, October 1943)



I have opted for JG54 (February 1944). The reason being I think the Messerschmitt most recognisable feature is the yellow rudder and engine cowling. That paint scheme on the spinner is going to be a challenge!



Canopy open or closed? I am going for an open canopy, without a pilot. Purely on the basis of being able to see more of the cockpit, which my intention is to detail and weather. Although I could still paint the pilot, if he can be removed from the cockpit (let's see when I get to that part of the build).

Landing gear up or down? Now I may be wrong here, but reading the instructions I cannot see the option of having the landing gear up. Anyway I will be having the landing gear down.

Engine cowling open or closed? Now this is where the magnets provided in the kit come into play. Using these magnets we can interchange between open or closed engine cowlings. However with the lower engine cowling open, then you have to remove the drop tank. So decisions later in the build for this.

Good luck with the build Mark, I'll be watching it with interest
Cheers Paul

Good luck Mark, got some nice bits there.

Really enjoyed your opening commentary on the challenges of building to what we hope are “better” standards. Seamlines - yeh I always seam (sic) to leave a lip or two, decals - I tend to end up ripping or rippling ‘em and my favorite skill is leaving the odd fingerprint on something that surely must have dried in the minute I’d left it alone .

The one thing this wonderful forum and the amazingly supportive members has taught me, and I am not a prolific poster, is to do things your way, at your pace and to your standard. Aspire to improve of course but just enjoy your hobby, your way.

Hope all turns out well. Where in warwickshire are you, I’m just across the border in worcs.

Cheers
P

Day 1 - Fuselage (Steps 1 & 2)



Made a start this evening snipping the parts from the sprues for steps 1 & 2 and tidying up. Dry fitted the fuselage, and discovered the frame on the front which the engine sits on is quite a bit off centre. We are talking a good 3 mm at the very end. I am wondering if dry fitting the engine will pull it back in line with centre. I may try this tomorrow. If not this could get messy!



And yes I have spilt Tamiya Extra Thin on the cutting mat in the past.

Quax wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2019 2:16 pm Good luck with the build Mark, I'll be watching it with interest
Cheers Paul

Cheers Paul

SMAddict66 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 15, 2019 5:45 pm Good luck Mark, got some nice bits there.

Really enjoyed your opening commentary on the challenges of building to what we hope are “better” standards. Seamlines - yeh I always seam (sic) to leave a lip or two, decals - I tend to end up ripping or rippling ‘em and my favorite skill is leaving the odd fingerprint on something that surely must have dried in the minute I’d left it alone .

The one thing this wonderful forum and the amazingly supportive members has taught me, and I am not a prolific poster, is to do things your way, at your pace and to your standard. Aspire to improve of course but just enjoy your hobby, your way.

Hope all turns out well. Where in warwickshire are you, I’m just across the border in worcs.

Cheers
P

Thanks Phil, I am in Nuneaton by the way.

Day 2 - Fuselage (Steps 1 & 2)



My mind has been put to rest regarding the off centre engine frame. As you can see the top of the engine and connection with the frame is all one piece so the engine will sit square with the frame. But still need to be mindful of this when applying glue probably in a couple of weeks.



I have filled the detail as instructed with Vallejo Plastic Putty. Will let it rest over night, then give it another pass of putty. I won't really know if these have been filled successfully until the primer has been applied. So again need to be mindful to check these probably in a couple of weeks.



Tomorrow tidy-up a few more parts, and then the internal fuselage will be ready for primer. Just need to ensure the visible injection pin marks, aren't visible when all the parts are attached, may have to crack open the putty again!

Day 3 - Cockpit (Step 4)





A lazy evening at the bench. Made a start on the cockpit, assembled a total of three parts. We have some Eduard photo etch parts to add after paint, but first needed to remove the detail on the plastic parts first (the red parts on the instructions above). A very sharp scalpel blade did the trick.



Oh and I primed some spoons in Ultimate black primer, more about that at the weekend.

Day 4 - Cannon breach cover (Step 5)



So my first ever effort at photo etch! I picked a simple piece with no bending for my first attempt. Picked up some new tools recently just for this type of job. A Tamiya diamond file, Tamiya photo etch tweezers and Ultimate photo etch placer.



After removing the detail on the kit plastic part, its time to get that photo etch in place.



After much profanity eventually got the photo etch in place and glued with some CA. I think I need some extra thin CA for future work as this.



I have to say the Ultimate photo etch placer (which is basically a wax pencil) is the mutts nuts.

Enjoying this... I'll be adding this kit to my wish list!

BobM wrote: ↑Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:47 pm Enjoying this... I'll be adding this kit to my wish list!

Thanks Bob. I have to say, I am glad I choose a 1/48 and not a 1/72 like your build. The size of the 1/48 parts I find insane, but 1/72 it must be madness!

Day 5 - Cockpit (Step 4)



I have been putting this off all week. How to turn a one dimensional piece of metal into a three dimensional foot pedal (if that is what they are pedals). So lets crack open my new photo etch tools and get on with it.



Well that wasn't as difficult as I thought.



And installed in the cockpit!



Nearly ready for priming the internal fuselage and cockpit.

mse240966 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 20, 2019 10:15 am

BobM wrote: ↑Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:47 pm Enjoying this... I'll be adding this kit to my wish list!

Thanks Bob. I have to say, I am glad I choose a 1/48 and not a 1/72 like your build. The size of the 1/48 parts I find insane, but 1/72 it must be madness!

Well, I'm not doing PE either... That's nuts! Great job. I will say that I prefer 1/48 and will someday do a 1/32...

Days 3 to 6 - Testing one of Plasmo's methods for chipping a cockpit

I have been watching a few video's and reading material on the subject of chipping and in particular hair spray chipping. I find it very strange having a layer which paint won't particularly adhere to. Then I found Plasmo's build videos on a Messerschmitt Bf 109 without using hair spray or any chipping fluid products.



I will also be referencing Plasmo's build series later in the build.

So I primed some spoons in Ultimate black primer, then applied Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-38 Flat Aluminum. I choose Tamiya Lacquer Paint due to their durability, I didn't want to burn through to the primer or even worse plastic!



Left to cure for a day, then hit with Tamiya Acrylic Paint XF-64 German Grey.



Left that to cure for another day, then chipped using a cocktail stick.



Hummmm, not happy with the results. The layer of Tamiya Acrylic XF-64 did not chip as well as I expected, and I didn't have much control. So conclusions and assumptions...

• May be the Tamiya Acrylic XF-64 layer was too thick? I tend to be a barbarian when it comes to layers of paint.

• Did I leave the Tamiya Acrylic XF-64 for too long before chipping?

• Does Tamiya Acrylic Paint adhere to Tamiya Lacquer Paint too well for chipping?

So I am going to give it another attempt, this time differently.

If I had to guess, you let the acrylic layer cure too long, Try chipping after just a few minutes. Try a chipping fluid, I’ve used AK’s heavy chipping fluid with good success. I believe it’s the same sort of thing, don’t let the chipping fluid and top layer cure, then do the chipping. Once done then let it cure and it seems pretty durable.

BobM wrote: ↑Sat Sep 21, 2019 2:46 pm If I had to guess, you let the acrylic layer cure too long, Try chipping after just a few minutes. Try a chipping fluid, I’ve used AK’s heavy chipping fluid with good success. I believe it’s the same sort of thing, don’t let the chipping fluid and top layer cure, then do the chipping. Once done then let it cure and it seems pretty durable.

That was my gut feeling. AK chipping fluid has been ordered.

Day 7 - Eduard Photo Etch

No progress this weekend, been finishing off my other project a Tamiya 1/24 Toyota Corolla WRC and was hoping to get it completed next week. But had a nightmare and need to order some more decals, but that is a another story.

Anyway some thing has been annoying me with the Eduard photo etch. Parts 25, 30 and 36 on the Eduard photo etch are not mentioned in the instructions.



The instructions reference a "related product", more photo etch for the Messerschmitt. So interested in possibly purchasing more photo etch I checked out this on the Eduard web site.



And there they are in the instructions for this "related product".



Smashing I now know what these parts are! Anyway don't think I will be purchasing this extra photo etch, happy with what I have.

Day 8 - Ready for primer (Steps 1 - 8)

The cockpit and internal fuselage are ready for primer. Tomorrow prime these parts, and some spoons!

Day 9 - Engine (Step 9)

Made a start on the engine. This is an ideal example of always read the instructions, then read the instructions, and the last thing to do before applying glue is read the instructions.



Part D22 attaches to the engine, and is the same colour Tamiya X-18, so naturely you would think attach it now and spray the parts together. However there is a notice indicating the D22 should be attached after the engine has been attached to the fuselage.

Part B25 has instructions tucked away in the corner, these are to remove plastic for an open canopy. Miss this part and glue part B25 to the fuselage and things could get messy.

Hi MSE

I don't normally do Wingy type things, as more a Tankie kind of guy.
I though found myself reading your write up on this great build and really admire your way of photographing and the use of the Instruction book in your piece (are you scanning this in?).
Your doing a sterling job.
By the way, I grew up in Warwickshire, and my parents still live in Leamington Spa (my Mum always mentions its Royal Leamington Spa ). In my Army days, I used to pick up a mate from the Longshoot (is that right?) in Nuneaton. Grew up in Leamington and Warwick so have fond memories of the Shire.
Great build and great write up.
DW

Donkeywalloper wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:21 pm Hi MSE

I don't normally do Wingy type things, as more a Tankie kind of guy.
I though found myself reading your write up on this great build and really admire your way of photographing and the use of the Instruction book in your piece (are you scanning this in?).
Your doing a sterling job.
By the way, I grew up in Warwickshire, and my parents still live in Leamington Spa (my Mum always mentions its Royal Leamington Spa ). In my Army days, I used to pick up a mate from the Longshoot (is that right?) in Nuneaton. Grew up in Leamington and Warwick so have fond memories of the Shire.
Great build and great write up.
DW

Hi Donkeywalloper

Thanks for the kind words. Yes I have scanned the instructions, although then found I could download them from the scale mates web site. I am still finding my preferred genre, although as a kid it was always German armour. Yes the Longshoot is a pub on the A5.

Day 10 - Exhaust Stack & Engine Upper Section (Steps 9 & 29)

Made a start on the Exhaust Stack from Eduard. After a hectic day at work what could be better than snipping, sanding, and tidying up parts. It is the part of the hobby I find therapeutic.





I have to remove large chunks of resin. So snipped as much as I could. You don't want to sand large resin chunks, as resin is an irritant. Warning the more you remove the flimsier the part becomes.



Done.



I am waiting on delivery of some "super thin" CA, and chipping fluid. So the photo etch on the Exhaust Stack can wait for the CA to arrived. So I moved onto step 29 as this is also the engine.



A few more parts tidied up and glue together with Tamiya Extra Thin.



I am a bit miffed by the lack of detail on the gun barrels, so after this will be looking on Hannants and see what I can find.

Day 11 - Engine Upper Section (Step 29)

Another therapeutic evening snipping, sanding and tidying up.



Also watched this video I found on You Tube of the last surviving Messerschmitt Bf 109 and what it took to restore.

Day 12 - Engine Underside (Step 32)

A lazy Friday evening tidying up some more parts, whilst watching the guys "live at the bench". Still waiting on delivery of some "super thin" CA and chipping fluid, lets hope it is delivered today.

Day 13 - Exhaust Stack (Step 29)

Delivery of CA and chipping fluid today, so can now make some progress.



First finish the photo etch on the exhaust stack.





Sprayed the cockpit and fuselage with Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-38 Flat Aluminium. Tomorrow spray the chipping fluid, then Tamiya Acrylic Paint XF-64 German Grey. Spoons first!



Ouch that seem line needs some therapy.

Day 14 - Back to chipping some spoons

So my first attempt chipping without any sort of chipping fluid failed miserably. So I purchased AK Interactive Heavy Chipping Fluid and today gave it another attempt.



Spoons sprayed with Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-38 Flat Aluminium, then AK Interactive Heavy Chipping Fluid. The chipping fluid went on a bit thick. I sprayed it at 18 psi at about 2-3 inches.



Next sprayed a layer of Tamiya Acrylic Paint XF-64 German Grey and oh the streaks in the chipping fluid are showing through. Now this is probably due to the pressure being too high and/or sprayed a little too close.



After about 30 minutes it chips nice and easy, so tried again after two hours and still chips nice and easy without any water.



So conclusions.... Still not 100% confident in chipping in this manner with or without the fluid. The streaks showing in the final XF-64 layer is annoying, and would destroy the look of of cockpit. I would definitely not be using this on the external fuselage with results like this.

I still have a spoon with just Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-38 Flat Aluminium, so will give it another go with the chipping fluid. This time at a lower pressure and at a greater distance to spray more layers of misty chipping fluid.

If fails again, then may be have a crack at this with the wife's hair spray!

Day 14 - Back to chipping some spoons (Update)

Well after the earlier attempts with AK Interactive Heavy Chipping Fluid I tried again, sprayed at 12 psi at around 8 inches away. Three misty coats, this time no runs and streaks. But now we have a mottled effect.



So it seems unless you have 100% perfect coverage with the AK Interactive Heavy Chipping Fluid then you will effect the layer being sprayed over it. Now being a clear coat, then it is difficult to see if you have achieved 100% perfect coverage.

Could it be I am spraying over a Lacquer? I doubt it. Maybe it needs thinning?

Needless to say I won't be using this product on the Messerschmitt, may be on future projects after trying out different methods and mediums, by which time I would probably have used the entire bottle!

Nice choice there and some great progree mate

Day 15 - Back to the Engine (Step 9)

Wanted some thing simple in the evening after work, so cracked open some more photo etch.





I need to crack on with the cock pit, so may be tomorrow.

Day 18 - Cockpit (Steps 4,5 & 6)

Back to the cockpit this evening. An evening of hand painting detail within the cockpit. Painted with various Vallejo lines of acrylic paints.



I always use a wet palette, and never use paint straight out of the pot. My paint is always diluted. Here is my home made wet palette, don't waste money purchasing one. It is simply a container with a sponge and a sheet of grease proof paper, all can be purchased at a local supermarket.

I use Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brushes. Yes these are expensive brushes, around £8 each. But trust me the first time you use a Series 7 you will appreciate the quality.



And finally to end the evening clean the brushes. It takes a couple of minutes, but worth it. Those Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes will last years, if taken care.

Day 21 - Testor's Dull Cote using an Airbrush

I have always used Testor's Dull Cote as a matt varnish medium. Although always with a rattle can or brush out of a bottle. Recently for some reason the rattle can has not been as matt as it used to be. So how I have a airbrush, lets see what results we can achieve.

I thinned with Mr Hobby Levelling Thinner 50/50.



Before two spoons, one with a metallic grey and the other black, both with coated with Aqua Gloss.



After, yep that will do. Much better results than the rattle can. The tone of the black in the picture looks very affected, but in real life it isn't as bad as it looks.



Now I can use Aqua Gloss to seal the cockpit and fuselage, before washes, etc knowing that the Testor's Dull Cote through my airbrush will give me the results I expect.

Day 21 - Cockpit & Fuselage

Nearing completion of the cockpit & internal fuselage. In places I have probably over chipped, and really happy in other places. So just need a clear coat of Aqua Gloss, washes and more of the Eduard pre-painted photo etch and a final dull coat with Testors then can be assembled.

Day 22 - Cockpit (Steps 4,5 & 6)

Another evening after work, this time applying a wash to the cockpit. I used AK Interactive's Paneliner for Grey and Blue. First time using this product, and have to say I am impressed.



It is enamel based so some mineral spirits on a cotton swab for removing excess and tidying up.

Here are a few shots of the cockpit.





Tomorrow give it a blast of Testor's Dull Cote.

Day 25 - Cockpit (Steps 4,5 & 6) - DONE



The cockpit is finally complete. My first aircraft cockpit and happy with it.





Tomorrow complete some more steps for the fuselage.

Day 26 - Cockpit & Internal Fuselage (Steps 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 & 8) - DONE






An evening putting the two fuselage parts together, inserting the cockpit along with a few extra parts.





Next the engine. Looking forward to this as want to detail the engine quite a bit.

Lovely work and very informative, you’re efforts are paying off

Looks good to me and nice work, its funny how we go for years with a tried and tested then find a new product that just saves more time with better results

Day 27 - Horizontal Stabilisers (Step 10) - DONE

Sneaked an hour at the bench, so a nice easy step the horizontal stabilisers attached to the fuselage. Wasn't in the mood to spray the engine, so picked an easy leisurely step.



It is slowly starting to look like an aircraft!



A bit a therapy required at the joints. I over sanded the leading edge on the stabilisers before attaching, leaving a step. Will tidy that up another day.

Day 28 - Engine (Step 9)

Sprayed the engine along with other parts Tamiya XF-18 Semi-Gloss Black. The chipped with a sanding stick. Hoping to complete the engine by this time next week.

Day 34 - Magnets (Steps 33 & 37)

This kit comes with some magnets so that you can build the kit with the engine cowling open or closed and switch between the two as you feel.

Step 33 shows the configuration with the engine cowling open.



Step 37 shows the congfiguration with the engine cowling closed.



I want to detail the engine with more cables, pipes, tubes, etc. Well I am going to attempt this, lets see how this comes off.

However in step 37 you will see that we are instructed not to attached the engine upper section. Now this makes it more difficult to detail the engine. So have come to the conclusion that I won't be using the magnets and attaching the engine upper section permanently.

Day 35 - Engine (Step 9)



I recently purchases the AK Interactive's Engine Wash set. Have to say really impressed with this product.



The Engine was primed in Ultimate black primer. Sprayed with a coat of Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-38 Flat Aluminum, followed by Tamiya X-18 Semi Gloss Black. Then chipped with sanding sticks, cocktail sticks. Given a coat of Aqua Glass, then the decals and washes were applied. Finally a blast of Testors Dull Cote to matt it all back down.

Day 40 - Engine & Cockpit (Steps 6 & 33)

More work completed on the engine and cockpit.





Next I might complete the cockpit before moving onto the wings.

Day 42 - Why I love Tamiya

This is typical Tamiya engineering at its best. The instructions call out for some 2mm and 1.5mm holes to be drilled for the drop tank mounting.



And Tamiya have kindly centre punched the holes!! Simply crack open the pin vice and away you go, don't have to worry about centre punching. In addition the holes are different sizes, so the mounting point cannot be incorrectly assembled.

Day 48 - Wings (Steps 12,13 & 15)

Had a slow week at the bench, well hardly found the time. Eventually today got some Tamiya XF-22 RLM Grey down on the inner wings and wheel wells.















Needed to decant some Tamiya AS-5 Light Blue (Luftwaffe). It is off gassing at the moment as I type. When I first tried decanting sprays, the one thing that freaked me out was how cold the glass jar became with a lot of condensation build up on the outside. But was told that is normal.



Then to round off the day, cracked open some rust pigments and rusted up the exhaust. I think I over did it a little, but will see how it looks when attached to the engine.



Hope I get more time at the bench this week. Really want to get the inner wings painted and on the fuselage then it will start to look like a plane.

Also made some purchases this week for a accompanying miniature. More on that when it arrives!

Just caught up with this thread - sorry for being late!

That's some superb progress so far - really impressed with the amount of PE you're cramming into a small space.

Day 56 - Engine (Steps 9 & 29) - DONE

Another slow week at the bench. Work and family life have been keeping me away from the bench in the evenings. Managed to grab an hour or two on Sunday afternoon!

Finally got the exhaust stack attached to the engine, and the guns/cannons attached to the upper engine section. This completes steps 9 and 29.









Just an engine oil wash to complete the exhaust stack to get done.

Also in preparation for the fuselage and wings final spray paint, I mixed up Tamiya XF-24 Dark Grey and XF-27 Black Green. Also some XF-54 Dark Sea Grey and XF-63 German Grey. Along with the AS-5 Light Blue (Luftwaffe) all ready for spray painting the body.





Hoping tomorrow evening I can get the wings built.

Very nice work there mate looking forward to more

Day 59 - Wings (Steps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18) - DONE

Huge progress made the last couple of evenings, the wings are done.









I actually ran out of cloths pegs.



Under side of the wings, showing the internal painted.



The wings only dry fitted to the main fuselage. At last it is starting to look like an aircraft.

Very nice work - good to see it taking shape at last