1:48 Bf-109E-4/7

The real subject

The Bf 109 in its E version, known among modelers as the Emil, is the form of the German fighter from the first years of the Second World War. You can recognize it by the square wing with radiators projecting under its leading section, by the boxy canopy with its prominent frames and by the narrow landing gear attached to the fuselage, which gave the machines trouble on the ground. The E-4 version was among the fully developed forms of the Emil; the E-7 added a pylon under the fuselage, thanks to which the aircraft could carry a drop tank or a bomb and get further from its base.

What a photo-etched set is for

Photo-etched parts are made by etching an outline out of thin metal sheet. They therefore have a thinness that a plastic part cannot come close to, and they complete a model precisely in the places where a plastic part is necessarily too thick. The list of parts and their position on the model are shown in the instructions from the manufacturer.

Tips for working with photo-etched parts

Separate the parts from the fret with a sharp knife on a hard surface, not with scissors, otherwise they will twist. Make the bends in one go along their whole length, ideally in a bending tool or between two blades laid against the score line. They are glued with a minute amount of cyanoacrylate glue transferred with a pin; cement for polystyrene does not hold on metal. Wash the metal before painting, degrease it and spray it with a primer, otherwise the coat will come off the smooth surface at the first touch.

Who it is for

For builders of Bf 109E models in 1:48 scale who want to take a model beyond the level of the contents of the box. Photo-etched sets tend to be cut for a particular kit, so check in the instructions from the manufacturer in advance which one the set will fit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.