1:48 Fujimi Messerschmitt Me 109K-4, VN+GV at Rechlin

Mainly28s · Mar 18, 2022

As mentioned in the inquiry thread, while continuing my builds of aircraft flown by (or potentially flown by) Hans-Werner Lerche, I found that I had a Bf109K-4 in my stash. As Lerche hardly ever specifies his Bf109s, I thought I'd have a go at this sub-type.
I managed to track down that a Bf109K-4, VN+GV, was stationed at Rechlin, but can't find a WNr so that I can establish the correct colour-scheme. The info about the Stkz is from the list that's provided at the LRG, confirmed by the book "German Flight Test Centres to 1945" by Beauvais et al.

As I'm on a roll, I want to get started with this one. I'm going to go ahead with the construction, and decide on colours when I get to that point, but I'll be using the Mushroom book for a suitable basic colour-scheme. If I can't identify the Wnr, I'll just choose a suitable-looking one, something I don't have in my collection yet, and maybe apply the Stkz VN+GV and a generic Wnr.

Crimea_River · Mar 20, 2022

Good stuff. Lots of camo possibilities there.

Wurger · Mar 21, 2022

fubar57 · Mar 21, 2022

Nice. I've been waiting for a Fujimi 109 build. I have one in the stash but I've heard there are issues around the nose area

Mainly28s · Mar 21, 2022

fubar57 said:
Nice. I've been waiting for a Fujimi 109 build. I have one in the stash but I've heard there are issues around the nose area

What kind of issues? Nothing there that bothers me, but then, I'm not that fussed by something being a mm or less out.

The only things that struck me so far are the lack of positive location for the deflector above the exhausts on either side, and the fact that you can miss opening the location holes for the bulges at the bottom of the ring next to the spinner. A better fit for the main gear might also have been nice, but it looks like a very late '109 to me, so I'm happy.

fubar57 · Mar 21, 2022

The kit can be built as a G-5 to a K-4, says a few sites. Though this site is building the G-6 version, it gets right to it

Build Report: Fujimi 1/48th Bf-109G-6 – AgapeModels.com

Mainly28s · Mar 23, 2022

Interesting site- I may get a few more, if I can find them.

Today's update:

Two boo-boos I must admit to- I missed the bumps under the chin, and seem to have added them too far forward. The other is that the tail wheel seems to have sunk in a bit more than intended.
I will try to sort the tail-wheel out, but I think I can live with the bumps, as fixing that is just a wee bit much for me right now.

Wurger · Mar 23, 2022

Looking good. :thumbright:

Crimea_River · Mar 23, 2022

Quick work again.

Mainly28s · Mar 23, 2022

Crimea_River said:
Quick work again.

The benefits of WFH and sitting on a call with helpdesk to resolve a network issue!

Mainly28s · Mar 25, 2022

I've managed to get the underside done, along with some of the strange mix of upper colours that appears "standard" for end-of-war '109s.
A mix of 76, 84 and natural metal undersides, and 75/82/81 on the uppers, with a few odd panels in other colours. All brush-painted, as is my usual.

I've decided I will leave the Stkz and Wnr (I can't find one anyway) off, and show the plane as relatively freshly delivered, so not much wear, just exhaust and oil in the appropriate places,

More pictures when I'm happier with the finish, but here's a taster:

Gnomey · Mar 26, 2022

Good work so far!

Mainly28s · Mar 28, 2022

Well, some more progress.
She's painted and decalled. Next up- the exhausts, and staining.

All brush-painted, showing a "standard" '109 K-4 finish, with assorted mismatched parts and colours, the odd RLM 84, RLM 76 and natural metal undersides, and miscellaneous upper-surface browns, greens and greys that these aircraft had.

Wurger · Mar 28, 2022

Crimea_River · Mar 28, 2022

Good stuff. All sources I've read say 109K undersides were typically painted 76 but of course exceptions are always possible.

Gnomey · Mar 28, 2022

Nicely done so far!

Mainly28s · Mar 29, 2022

Well, it's done- another quick one.

As I said at the start, it's all brush-painted, in a representative scheme, as I couldn't find the actual plane, which most likely didn't have the Stkz applied. I like the motley late-war look, with all the mismatched colours, but it does offend my natural sense of order.

Funny, it looks A LOT rougher in the pictures than in real life!