First Build & Intro - Airfix 1/48 Bf109E-4

Hello Everyone,

I’m a 60 year old engineer, commercial pilot and business owner that hasn’t built a plastic model in over 45 years! Over the years I have built RC model planes and helicopters, along with a few full size aircraft (Van’s RV-4, Pitts S-1D, and Kitfox IV). I decided that I wanted to try to build realistic-looking scale models (WWII aircraft for starters) in 1/48 and/or 1/72 scale. I watched a ton of youtube videos and spent a lot of time researching on this and other forums and decided to build a 1/48 Airfix Messerschmidt Bf 109 E4. Everything was new to me and I had a lot to learn. Sometimes, I would have to deviate away from actually working on the kit to test and practice new techniques (mostly airbrushing which I had never done in my life). In any event, I just completed this first build over the weekend and thought I’d share a few pics with you. Overall, I’m happy with the outcome; I was determined to try out as many techniques on the build as possible and did. I knew I wanted a pretty “dirty” model from the start but I did overdo my oil paint weathering and paint chipping effects. My friends and family think that it’s a really great model while I think that it’s a reasonable and decent first build. Let me know what you think. Can’t wait to start on my next one!

Completed 1/48 Bf 109 E4

Top View

Rear Qtr View (I never figured out what that round “stain” is at the top of the rudder; I’m guessing glue?)

Front View (Heavily chipped!)

And finally, the Heavily Weathered Bottom! (Too much, but learned a lot!)

Hope I posted the pictures correclty (first post). Thanks to all of you forum members; I spent a lot of time researching and reading your posts and threads. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. It really helps us newbies!

On to the next model…

Utah_Aviator
Logan, Utah

I really like it. Airfix kits are a wonderful choice for those getting back into the hobby. You did a great job!

That’s one dirty fighter! I’m thinking the rounded stain on the VS is a bird splat. It’s great that you’re enjoying the hobby and posting. Welcome to the forums!

Nice! Welcome. A classic 109 is a great subject for a restart. Well done.

Thanks everyone! Glad to be here.

Welcome aboard! It sure looks like you have built more than one scale model before this one! Superb results for your first effort!

Hi UA,

That is one hell of a comeback Emil you’ve got there. Great work! Keep’em coming. :slight_smile:

And don’t worry, that is far from a heavily chipped bird. :slight_smile:

The belly could be a little cleaner, but hey, it’s a matter of personal preference so nothing wrong with it as it is.

Looking forward to your next build.

Best,

Nikola

Thank you guys for all of your compliments and encouragement! I am very happy with the results of this first effort. Hope to do even better on my next one!

Nice build and weathering.

If that’s your first model in 40 odd years, I would say it’s excellent! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you both; very kind indeed!

Why beat your self up? It’s a good model by any standard.

Thanks AT6!