Messerschmidt Bf110C-7
- 16 January 2014 09:56257873Despite being amazingly busy at work, yet another record breaking year I have still made time late evenings most days to do a little model building though my 'pace' has slowed.
In the mid-1930's a concept was developed for a large twin engined long range heavy fighter. The German Luftwaffe's expression of this concept was the Bf110.
Initially in the early months of WW2 the aircraft proved effective but the aircraft and concept showed its shortcomings during the Battle of Britain when the Bf110 faced small modern and nimble single engined fighters like the Hurricane and Spitfire. They just could not match the British duo in combat and so the type was relegated to a fighter-bomber and night fighter role. It was, however, a success in these roles and was very effective.
My model is the Dragon kit in 1/32 scale. The instructions for this model are best described as a 'rough guide to where most parts probably go' and, consequently, I had to do a lot on on-line research to work out how to build this model. The plastic was excellent however, the photo etched parts were poor and the decals superfiscal. I had to download the instructions of a smaller 48 scale Eduard Bf110 to get internal painting call outs and found that these instructions were more help than the kit instruction with what fits where!! EagleCal decals provided the extra decals needed included a lot of colourful 'stencilling' and swastikas that were missed from the kit.
The specific aircraft depicted was flown by Lt Karl Koch of 1.(Z)/JG77 from Norway in 1941. The camo scheme is the mid-war RLM74/RLM75/RLM76 scheme. Paints Vallejo Model Air and Gunze metallic buffables.
Overall, despite the shortcomings, this was a very enjoyable build with an excellent fit.
- 16 January 2014 11:36257879Well done again! Looks like a good model despite the problems you had with the instructions etc, I've not made a Dragon model and so have no knowledge of thses kits, as a AFV modeller it's Tamiya 1/35th all the way!
I'll try and get another one of mine up soon, so we can have a look at another area of this great hobby.Phil Wyborn - Brown at www.wybornphotography.co.uk - 16 January 2014 12:02257880something for those with nimble fingers and great patience, couldn't do it myself.
how many hours approximately did you spend on it barry? - 16 January 2014 12:27257883Howard - typically 1 to 2 hours a night, 4 or 5 nights a week. This particular model was a 12 week job at that rate. Better than watching tv!!
Phil - Thanks for that. I look forward to seeing your next one. You should consider a Dragon AFV as they have a good reputation. Tammy are good though, very good indeed. - 16 January 2014 14:44257888Another excellant build Barry - well done, it looks great.
Roger - 16 January 2014 16:47257894Thanks Roger.
I have decided on a nice simple and quick build next as light relief after doing a complex one and with another complex one to follow.
A little 1/72 Airfix Hawker Typhoon to bring back a few memories of childhood...
It is a new tool kit and has good review for accuracy and fit. Airfix will be bringing out a massive 1/24 scale model of this aircraft in June, which will dwarf my 32 scale models. But I just like this particular aircraft type and there are no 32 scale new tool models out there from major manufacturers, so I expect I will get the 24 scale version.... for now though this little kit will be a bit of fun and the only thing stopping me from completing it in just a few days isthe time needed for paint to cure between coats....
- 16 January 2014 17:56257904A good one that Barry ,why don't you have a go at the remote control fly models
People are building them with cameras in them.
- Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
16 January 2014 19:06257918aha a spy plane kieth. - 17 January 2014 21:35258058Excellent work on that Bf Barry-found your accompanying construction story particularly interesting. How about doing a DC3 in full D Day markings?Never give up...
