Since this is my first build in (probably almost) 2 decades, I thought I’d open a thread to keep you updated on my progress. I must’ve built my last model kit when I was in my early teens. Needless to say my skills were mediocre back then. Still, as most of you here, I was always very proud. Flash-forward to now, me being the father of a 3-year-old, I thought I might get back to the hobby.
The kit I chose is Eduard’s Weekend Edition (no PE, masks and stencils) of Dolfo Galland’s Bf 109E-4.
Considering the quality of the kit, I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the box. I really want to take my time here (no rush-jobs like when I was a kid) and several years of miniature wargaming/painting (and numerous websites) have made me confident that I can get this kit right. The only thing I really lack is an airbrush. Maybe some day…
Anyway, I have a question someone could answer me: The kit includes the engine for the plane, which means the cowl can be optionally opened or closed. Since I’m choosing the closed cowl version, is there any need for me to paint the engine at all, considering it will be completey hidden? I know the exhaust pipes need painting, but other than that?
Furthermore, considering this is 1:48: When painting, would you recommend adding 10% white to (all?) the colors for scale effect? I don’t have the paints yet, I might go for Vallejo or Mr.Color. Apparently Vallejo has very good matches for the different RLM colors, but will they look good in this scale or too dark? Any recommendations?
Hope to keep you updated whenever I make significant progress. Other than that, keep your hints/tips coming!
Welcome back to the hobby. I haven’t built this kit, but I see no need to paint the engine if your leaving the cowlings on. You might even need to sand the cowling insides or the top of the engine to get the cowl to fit right. As far as scale effect for paints…meh…I’d paint it whatever shade you like. If it looks good to you straight outa the bottle then go for that. I only lighten up my colors for fading/weathering. Just a note: if you are brush painting, Vallejo colors are your friend, and Mr. color is best left for the airbrush.
Ah, thanks for the tip on colors. If I can find Vallejo, I’ll go with them. And as for the engine, the kit specifies that you need to leave out certain engine parts for the cowl to fit at all…
I’m currently building the Profipak version and the engine cowl was a bitch. I ended up having to leave the engine out all together and fit the exhausts seperate from it.
Yes, the way I read the instructions you not only need to leave out certain parts while constructing the engine, but also (as you said) trim the engine top a bit before installing it. I’ve been akso wondering about canopy masking: Since the weekend edition don’t include the masks, I think I’ll try downloading a picture of the correct mask and print it out to scale on some adhesive paper (or trace it over by hand/ruler)
Started building this weekend. Here’s a view of what I did with the cockpit so far. Considering I haven’t done this in well over 10 years, I’m quite satisfied, especially at this (small?) scale. I think I’ll go 1:32 for my next Emil
