1:72 Bf 109F-1 “Fridrich are coming”

Messerschmitt Bf 109F-1 1:72 (AZ model)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Bf 109F-1 in 1:72 scale from the Czech maker AZ model. The boxing belongs to the long series AZ model devotes to the individual versions of the Messerschmitt, which covers even the rarely treated early variants. The maker denotes the F version by its usual nickname from the name of the box.

The real subject

The F version meant a fundamental aerodynamic reworking for the Bf 109. The wing received rounded tips, the radiators were set deeper into the wing, the horizontal tail did away with its struts and the nose received a smoother cowling with a regular conical propeller spinner. The Daimler-Benz 601 series engine was supercharged, liquid-cooled and had an inverted V12 cylinder layout. The armament moved into the fuselage and to the engine, so the wing stayed clean, which benefited the type in maneuverability. The F-1 was the first version of this series and reached units at the turn of 1940 and 1941.

Building and painting tips

Kits of smaller production runs call for dry-fitting the parts and sometimes for slight tuning of the mating surfaces. Finish the cockpit before closing the fuselage and mask the canopy glazing with tape or with ready-made masks. The typical schemes have soft transitions on the sides of the fuselage, so spray at lower pressure and from a distance, or use a masking putty. Bring out the panel lines only on the gloss clear coat under the decals.

Who the model is for

• collectors of the individual versions of the Messerschmitt Bf 109
• modelers who build in 1:72 scale for larger collections
• anyone interested in the early versions of the F series
• more experienced builders used to short-run molds

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.