**** DONE: Bf109F-1, W.Nr. 5628, Werner Molders, Stab JG51, Me/FW Group Build.

[Airframes]

Thanks very much indeed chaps, it's much appreciated.
Karl, yes, the kill markings. I've got enough to do the job, but not the right size to fit! There were five rows, in 10, 12, 18, 20 and 5 bars. The decals I have would be too big in a row of 18 or 20, so I'll have to make some.
Question though - does anybody know if these were on both sides of the rudder on Molders' aircraft, or just the port side? (I suspect the latter)

 

[Wayne Little]

Almost all photo's of F's flown by Molders are taken on the port side....there are only a few on the starboard side which show the rudder, one which I think is possibly yours Terry does not show the victory bars on the starboard side.

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Wayne, that's what I thought. Makes life a little easier then !
EDIT:- Just checking - did you mean not at all on the port side even, or just not on the starboard side?
Most shots I've seen, of other 'aces' as well, from this period, only have the bars on the port side. Although it's difficult to be certain, as often only part of Molders' two aircraft are normally shown, or partly obscured by ground crew etc., I believe both aircraft had the kill marks on at least the port side of the rudder.

 

[stona]

I think that's a typo in Wayne's post. I doubt the markings would be on the starboard side as well. I have a file with dozens of pictures of rudders/kill markings and ALL are taken from the port side which would reinforce the notion,along with the absence of such markings on the rare starboard views,that common practice was for them to be applied only to the port side.
Cheers
Steve

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Steve, that's my thinking too, and I'm guessing it's a typo on Wayne's part. I have seen some with the markings on both sides of the rudder, one of Galland's being an example, but as you say, it seems to have been 'common practice' to decorate only the port side.
So that's what I'll go with - just got to make the decals the correct size now!

 

[woody]

Getting closer looking awesome.

 

[Wayne Little]

my apologies Terry, edited my error.....Port side Yes, Starboard No.

Really depends on the experten as to whether victory markings are carried on both sides some did some didn't...but as Steve says many shots are from the Port side so it is unknown if the other side has been done or not.

One pilot whom has had a number of shots taken, showing off the victory markings on the Starboard side of his different aircraft is Hans Phillip of JG54.

 

[Airframes]

Thanks for the confirmation Wayne. Port side only it is then. So, off to the drawing programme on the computer, and hopefully produce some rows of bars the correct size(ish)!
Meanwhile, back to masking for the wing walk lines, and applying the last few decals - if they don't break up!
Pics soon.

 

[A4K]

Great stuff Terry!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Evan.
A bit more progress, albeit somewhat slow. The wing walk-way lines have been painted, and the frame numbers added, along with the remaining stencils. As I suspected, some of the kit's tiny frame number decals broke up, but I was able to find a couple on an old Hasegawa '109E sheet. There's a slight discrepancy in size, but I won't say anything if you don't!
The decals have been made for the rudder abschuss zeichen and the 'No Step' stencils for the rad covers and wing, and these will be applied once the clear gloss coat on the decal sheet has dried overnight.
More pics soon, and thanks again for your continued interest and encouraging comments.

 

[vikingBerserker]

NICE!

 

[Crimea_River]

Looking very good Terry!

 

[T Bolt]

Looking good Terry!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks chaps. Might get some more done tonight, or if not, over the weekend.

 

[A4K]

With all - GREAT work Terry!

Thanks a million too mate - the CD you sent arrived today! I really appreciate it!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Evan! It arrived today!!?? Something must have gone wrong with Royal Mail - it actually worked!!

 

[A4K]

...I think Magyar Posta must be on speed too!

Really much appreciated mate, and Ivett loved how you wrote 'please do not bend' in Hungarian!
(Your Hungarian is better than mine! )

 

[Airframes]

The wonders of 'Google Translate'!!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Nicely bit of work there Terry, the decals look a treat.

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Vic - just about to try them out. I think they may be lacking a bit in density, but I'll soon find out !