Bf 109K-4

I obtained this Hasegawa kit off of Squadron's Comsale list. I used the savings to get an aftermarket resin cockpit and wheels by True Details and decals by Aeromaster. The build of this model, its advantages and shortcomings have been well documented. I must say, however, that this has become my favorite model so far.

The aftermarket cockpit went easily into the model and added a lot of interest. I really had no fit problems with the model to note, but I did close the tail wheel doors, and opened the main wheel wells underneath the wing bulges. I decided to attach the outer doors of the main wheel wells, even though they were commonly removed in the field, because it is the easiest way to identify a K-4 version (although several versions of the 109 were slated to have these doors, only the K-4 was produced with them). I repositioned the elevators as well to give it a more realistic look.

I chose the markings of "Black 4" from JG 52 because I loved the red tulip on the nose. It made a beautiful model. This is a popular subject of the K-4 version, probably because it is so striking. I had a little trouble finding a color match to the red tulip decals, but decided that Model Master "Gloss Red" was as close as I was going to get and went with that. The decals were good, in fact the tulip decals went on without as much work as I had anticipated; the only exception was that Aeromaster didn't provide decals for the white stripes on the stabilizers, I had to paint those myself. I enjoyed working the airbrush on this model as well; I liked doing the sharp edges in areas and heavy over-spray in others.

I had a blast building this kit - it didn't take very long to detail, and it turned out beautifully. I hope to add more 109s to my collection soon.

Me 262A-1a

I built this Tamiya kit straight out of the box. I even used the decal seat belts (which I didn't really like). I think that Tamiya hit a home run with this kit. Despite the seat belts, the cockpit was very good, the wheel-wells, especially the main gear wells, were excellent and the fit was superb. I really liked the ingenuity of the nose weight part doubling as the nose wheel-well ceiling and gun compartment floor. The gun compartment could probably use a little bit of detailing, but I chose to leave it closed anyway.

Even though the instructions indicate differently, I chose to put the R4M rockets on the version from JV44. I figured that this subject probably carried the rockets at some point, seeing as how JV44 developed anti-bomber tactics using the R4M rockets.

I chose the JV44 option because I wanted an example the squadron of elite pilots who developed important jet-powered tactics in its infancy. I also liked the two-tone green over light blue better than the two-tone gray over light blue scheme. Although WWII Luftwaffe fighter schemes are somewhat difficult to paint, I enjoyed the practice using my airbrush techniques and feel that the overall paint job turned out well.

I highly recommend this kit for all amateur to advance modelers, especially fans of 262s. The A-1a kit is a bit pricey, but less expensive than the A-2a. Plus, the A-1a kit has most of the parts for the A-2a version, and with a little bit of parts modification and some after market decals, one can still make a A-2a.