1:32 Messerschmitt Bf-109 G-2/G-4 - Cockpit Interior (for Revell 03829 kits)

The most widespread fighter and its workplace

The G series became the most numerous family of the whole Bf 109 and was built in hundreds of examples a month in factories scattered across central Europe, among others at the Erla and Wiener Neustaedter firms. Although the DB 605 engine had more power than the older powerplants, the inside of the cockpit stayed practically unchanged from the prewar versions. The pilot sat in a narrow box with side panels of light sheet metal, among the tubes of the framework, with a hand pump on his left and the elevator trim lever at his thigh. In 1:32 scale that whole cramped space is in view once the canopy is open, so it pays to give it some time.

The extent of the set

Unlike the separate straps, this item deals with the interior as a whole: the instrument panel, the side consoles with their controls and the seat with its equipment. Everything is printed in color and with relief, the individual parts are offered up to a finished paint surface and bond with it without the help of glue. In the cramped space of the Bf 109 it is precisely the side consoles that make up most of what is visible once the canopy is closed, so they do the most work on the final impression.

Working with the part

First build the cockpit up in its base color and let it set for several hours. Transfer the side consoles one after another and press them carefully around the tubes of the framework while seating them, so that they follow the shape. Once dry, check the joints against the light and darken any white edges with a fine brush. Only then seat the seat into the tub.