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Eduard 1/32 Bf 109E-4

By Rick Geisler

 The Kit

The Eduard 1/32nd scale kit of the Messerschmitt 109E-4 has created it's fair share of controversy. The most controversial aspect of the kit is the clear canopy sections, which are molded incorrectly. Eduard has at last admitted to the problem of the too narrow cross section and has promised to correct the flaw in future releases. Where this puts those who have purchased the current release still remains to be seen. There is already a well publicised alternative to the kits canopies, the Squadron/Falcon vac formed offerings!

The kit is molded in Eduard's common Tan Plastic with finely engraved panel lines. The kit outline is good,the only question being the "hump" in the fuselage behind the cockpit. Details are excellent, although there are some refinements and/or corrections that can, and perhaps should be made. The kit contains 152 Injection molded parts on 7 sprues plus one clear sprue of 8 parts. Also included are 2 Photo Etched frets

Data Decals

containing pre painted instrument panel, rudder pedals, seat belts and many other details. Masks for the painting of the canopy frames are also included.The instructions are clear and concise, with a logical assembly sequence. Cockpit, engine/ engine compartment, fuselage assembly, tail surfaces, wings, landing gear/radiators, canopies, and finally detail assemblies and painting guides. Some have commented that while assembling the earlier 109E-1 that they did not realize that the engine was an option to be installed with the cowling off, or left out for a closed cowling. Eduard has marked this very clearly in this release!

Decals

The kits markings include 5 options. These include, Helmut Wick, Geschwader Kommodore of JG2 Richthofen, Adolf Galland, Geschwader Kommodore of JG.26,Yellow 10 of Ofw. Fritz Beek, 6th JG51, Yellow 13, Lt. Joseph Eberle, 9th JG.54, and finally Oblt. Franz on Werras' II JG 53 bird. All decals are well registered and seem to be accurate. Also included is a second smaller decal sheet containing full stencil markings for 1 Bf109E-4.

Conclusion

In conclusion I feel this kit is obviously light years ahead of any other 109 E in this scale, in spite of the known imperfections of the kit. In my opinion the Eduard offering is a very good kit of an Historically important aircraft . This kit is recommended highly in spite of any "Flaws"in the moldings.

Thanks to Matt and Eduard for the review sample.