ICM's BF 109F

One of my ongoing projects mentioned earlier is now all done and dusted.
I've been hanging on to the photos so I can out them all on here together to show them in sequence.


Early on in the build, I decided to replace the kit cockpit with the rather splendid Aires resin version. I think it's made all the difference.
Adding the engine cowling to the model proved quite challenging.

Trimming, filling, sanding and a little sweat gave good results. The main assembly went well on the whole. Even the transparencies - a common problem on some kits - fitted surprisingly well.

Masking up for the 'sandgelb', I used Xtracolour 79A. The photos show the move from undercoat to pre-shading, from the lower RLM 65 to the upper sand RLM 79. This has all been weathered to show the effect of hectic operations in a harsh environment. Marseille's aircraft, which this model represents, would be no stranger to that.

The kit decals were not good. The distinguishing 14s were the only ones I could use, along with the rudder score board. The rest were from a handy Aeromaster set. All the decals were sealed with a moderate coat of clear varnish. Later, the panel lines were inked in and the balance of the decals, all stencilling, were applied.
After matting down, the rest of the parts were attached - the landing gear, propeller etc. I decided to have the canopy open to show off the 'front office'.


To finish, I just added the aerial wire and canopy retainer (all stretched sprue) and some insulators (Kristal Kleer).
All in all, it's been a very enjoyable project. Like most kits, it had its foibles. However, it should be more freely available than the Hasegawa version, which could do with a similar update.