Author Topic: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10  (Read 3680 times)

Offline Brad Cancian

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Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« on: November 02, 2021, 06:18:18 PM »
Hi everyone - felt like I needed to break my WW1 builds up a little, and do something relatively simple after having done a bit to bring an old Airfix DH4 up to snuff. Continuing on my current 'bent' for older kits, I decided to pull this one out of the stash:



This is the Monogram kit of the Bf-109G-10 variant, released by Monogram around 1991 and reboxed in the above boxing circa 1992/1993.



This kit traces its origins back to the Revell release of 1978 (indeed you can still find this release available today; Revell has been releasing this kit on and off again, most recently in 2016). The kit still holds up well today; it has generally accurate lines, recessed panels, is an easy build, and passes quite nicely for a 109G-10. It is also far less complex and far cheaper than the contemporary Eduard kit. ​

I picked this one up for somewhere around $5-10 at a swap and sell some years back. I picked this boxing because I have very vivid memories of buying this boxing as a kid, getting my hands on the dark green plastic, and building the kit in a hurry. Whilst I don't remember how I painted it, I do remember re-painting it a year or two later in a blotchy 'Africa' scheme, similar to that painted on 109Es (totally not accurate... but hey, I was maybe 13 years old, so accuracy wasn't a real focus back then). No idea what happened to it, but pretty sure it didn't survive the 'Cancian turkey shoot' in the backyard some time later... ahem.

Anywhoo... in any case, this one is another nostalgia build for me. First up, one notices some elements that need addressing:



The cockpit needed some attention. The kit canopy is surprisingly clear, so I decided to upgrade the kit cockpit, which is pretty light on. I had some old bits and bobs in the spares box from some 109 cockpit sets; one floor piece and sidewall from (I think) the Aires 109G-6 cockpit, and another from I think an old Hi-Tech resin set from again, I think, a G-6. Not going for accuracy, I decided that these would do; the sidewalls were quickly sanded back and the resin bits added. I'll find some bits to dress up the sidewalls and floor, seat belts, pedals, etc, from the spares box once I get there.




The kit has its control surfaces modelled in the neutral position. I decided to at least cut and reposition the rudder and elevators. I managed to find a spare resin rudder (no idea who produced it) which fit the kit and was a bit nicer than the kit rudder, so this will do also. I'm still to decide how i'll tackle the wing flying surfaces, flaps, etc, but I am inclined to leave them as is. Anyways, not much in terms of progress, but it's a start.




I have some nicer wheels and exhaust pipes that I stashed away somewhere also, if I can find them...

Cheers!

BC
« Last Edit: November 06, 2021, 06:45:36 PM by Brad Cancian »

Offline pepperman42

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2021, 10:59:55 PM »
The Beaman 109!! I built that  one in Italian markings. Fit is great with really tight wing roots. Cowl guns replacement was pretty easy and the only other change was drilling some holes in the wheel wells. Looking forward to your magic.

Steve

Offline Dirigible-Al

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2021, 04:21:32 AM »
My god this brings me back memories. I am pretty sure I have built this very kit back in the 90's. Sadly it would be now probably 6' deep in some landfill. I did 1\72 kits in the 70's too. Thanks Brad for the blast from the past. I am looking forward to seeing you treatment of this venerable kit.
Alan.
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Offline Brad Cancian

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2021, 06:34:40 PM »
Thanks gents! Indeed a nostalgic one for me too :) What is the reference to Bearman, Steve?

More progress over the last couple of days. The cockpit is now done. I had to trim elements of the instrument panel to get it to fit (as it was designed for, I think, the Hasegawa G-6), but much of it will be hidden under the windscreen. The shoulder harnesses will go on towards the end of the build.






The fuselage is also now together and cleaned up, remembering to re-scribe the panel lines that run down the centreline of the aircraft. The fit here was quite good. I added a set of quickboost exhaust pipes which will look lovely once painted up.



I've made a start on the wings, where I find another Revell advertisement :)



The wings are moulded with the flaps and radiator cooling flaps moulded in the neutral position. A bit of time and patience with a razor saw sorted these out; I cut them and repositioned them to a more dynamic look (most photos of 109s on the ground show these flaps deployed / drooped). I won't be doing anything with the ailerons, or the slats (probably not correct for a 109 on the ground, but oh well).



A dry fit suggests the wings will fit quite nicely to the fuselage, once I get there.

Cheers!

BC
« Last Edit: November 06, 2021, 06:46:04 PM by Brad Cancian »

Offline Ernie

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2021, 08:05:45 PM »
Nice update Brad.  The cockpit looks so much better...excellent work! I look
forward to the next installment!

Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Offline Brad Cancian

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2021, 10:10:06 PM »
Thanks Ernie! :)

Cheers,

BC

Offline pepperman42

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2021, 01:00:08 AM »
Hey Brad, nice work!!  In 1976 John R Beaman Jr released The Last Of The Eagles A Scale Modeler's Guide to the Messerschmitt Bf109G and K. It focused on the details and differences between all the G and K variants and then described corrections to the old 1/32 Revell, 1/48 Otaki and 1/72 Johan and Hasegawa kits. It's still a pretty good document.  As a result of his research he got together with Revell (not sure who approached who) to design the kit you are currently working on. It's a good, basic and accurate G10

Steve

Offline gbrivio

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2021, 05:40:48 AM »
Very good update of a classic kit, looking forward to next steps.
Ciao
Giuseppe

Offline Brad Cancian

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #8 on: November 07, 2021, 10:29:55 AM »
Thanks gents!

In 1976 John R Beaman Jr released The Last Of The Eagles A Scale Modeler's Guide to the Messerschmitt Bf109G and K. It focused on the details and differences between all the G and K variants and then described corrections to the old 1/32 Revell, 1/48 Otaki and 1/72 Johan and Hasegawa kits. It's still a pretty good document.  As a result of his research he got together with Revell (not sure who approached who) to design the kit you are currently working on. It's a good, basic and accurate G10

Thanks Steve, that's most interesting background. I wonder how often these days that model companies get together with these kinds of experts to produce kits...?

Cheers,

BC

Offline dr 1 ace

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2021, 05:01:40 AM »
As you say, still an accurate kit and easy to build, not to mention the price. When done hard to telll it is not a more expensive kit !

Ed
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Offline Brad Cancian

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2021, 05:38:53 PM »
Slow progress due to work and family taking up most of my time, but she at least looks like a plane now:



The fit was quite good, and only minimal clean up was needed for the wing attachment. No filler was needed, save a small dab under the rear fuselage attachment. Not bad for an old kit. I did shave a little off the upper wing halves to get the right dihedral. I also added some mesh to the otherwise empty radiators:



Next up, tackle the canopy...



I'll try my hand at some polishing compounds. Wish me luck...

Cheers!

Offline Brad Cancian

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #11 on: November 22, 2021, 06:11:39 PM »
Well, the canopy is certainly thick, but came up ok under a polish and dip in future. I might have to leave the canopy open as the thickness still distorts things a bit.




In any case, good enough for this build, me thinks.

Cheers,

BC

Offline bobs_buckles

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #12 on: November 22, 2021, 07:55:06 PM »
It certainly is good enough, Brad!
Keep on keeping on  ;)

Bob



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Offline KiwiZac

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #13 on: November 23, 2021, 06:43:06 AM »
Nice save on the canopy, it looks great. I agree having it open would look great, and help show off all your hard work in the cockpit.

Offline Brad Cancian

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Re: Another Nostalgia Build - 1/48 Monogram Bf-109G-10
« Reply #14 on: December 10, 2021, 05:29:53 PM »
Slow progress... now primed and pre-shaded...




Cheers,

BC