1:72 Messerschmitt Me 209V-4

Messerschmitt Me 209V-4 — 1:72

This injection-molded plastic kit in 1:72 scale captures the fourth prototype of the Messerschmitt Me 209 series — the machine Me 209V-4. The model is supplied as an unassembled and unpainted kit; the exact contents of the package and the choice of decals are given on the packaging and in the instructions.

The real subject

The Me 209 series arose originally as a special machine to take the absolute speed record — the first prototype reached an extraordinary speed in 1939 and held the record for piston aircraft for years. The V-4 version was a private attempt by the company to derive a usable fighter aircraft from the speed record airframe. It first flew in May 1939, it was powered by a liquid-cooled inverted V12 Daimler-Benz of the DB 601 series and, compared with the record machines, it received a new, larger wing and enlarged tail surfaces; armament was planned. The conversion, however, made the machine heavy, it was accompanied by problems with cooling and handling and series production never came about. The Me 209V-4 has to be told apart from the later, entirely new fighter project Me 209-II.

Building and painting tips

Glue the joints with a thin modeling cement that flows into the seams. Apply a primer before painting and use an airbrush to achieve a smooth finish. On small parts take care to clean the molding flash off properly. Bring out the panel lines with a dark wash and fine weathering.

Who the model is for

• collectors of prototype and record-breaking aircraft
• anyone interested in less common German designs from the turn of the 1930s and 1940s
• modelers working in the widespread 1:72 scale
• more advanced modelers working with smaller parts

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