1:72 MESSERSCHMITT BF 109 K-4

Messerschmitt Bf 109 K-4 in 1:72 scale from Heller

An injection-molded plastic kit of the single-seat fighter Messerschmitt Bf 109 in the K-4 version in 1:72 scale. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted, and a decal sheet is included.

The real subject

The K version was the last production development branch of the Bf 109 and was meant to unify the earlier variants into a single manufacturing standard. The K-4 was powered by a Daimler-Benz 605 series engine in a late form, and its gun armament consisted of a cannon firing through the axis of the propeller spinner supplemented by a pair of synchronized weapons above the engine. Against the older versions the machine can be told by its taller wooden vertical tail, reworked wheel covers and a retractable tailwheel. The aerodynamically refined airframe was among the fastest piston fighters of its day, but as the weight grew so did the demands on the pilot.

Building and painting tips

The cockpit shows most in the result, and it has to be finished and painted before the fuselage is glued together. Check the fit of the wing and the radiators dry; with older molds a little work with filler and sanding tends to be needed. Polish the canopy and fit it over masks, because sharp framing is the main visible detail at this scale. Late German schemes rest on mottled transitions between shades, which are best done with an airbrush at low pressure and a smaller nozzle. Apply the decals onto gloss varnish and fix them with a softener, then even the whole model out with matte varnish.

Who the model is for

• Modelers focused on the late development versions of the Bf 109.
• Builders in 1:72 scale who compare the individual variants of one type.
• Anyone interested in practicing mottled airbrush transitions.
• Modelers looking for a classic kit of a well-known type.

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