Cool Hand

Another thing to consider, The E model does not have a cannon breech between the legs of the pilot. Their figure probably is not molded with enough space to clear the breech cover in a 109F/G/K.

Yes. Two MG 131 12.7mm machine guns in the cowl and one MG 151/20 20mm cannon firing through the engine was the base armament. The U4 modification replaced the MG 151/20 with a MK 108 30mm cannon. 20mm cannon gondolas could also be mounted to any G-6 or G-14.

I'd need to see pictures to make a decision.

It was an attempt to consolidate all the variations in equipment over the G-6 production into a single standard. This was less than successful as these variations continued to be seen in the G-14 line. For example: some G-14's with short tails and standard(non Erla hood) canopies. The only thing that seems to be universal in the G-14 was the tank for MW 50 and the corresponding move in battery position.

this is most excellent.

A late G-6 was identical to a G-14. Really just a change in designation.

Jon, here is some info on Hartmann's plane, in case you have not come across it yet. http://falkeeins.blogspot.com/2016/05/hptm-erich-hartmann-bf-109-g-6.html

Very cool.

On to the main landing gear and speed brake bays. Academy engineered this kit with a center section between the main gear bays with the lower doors molded in place. You can see the center section along side the speed brake assembly. Dryfitting the speed brake and center section after some minor sanding to improve fit. Careful cutting was requited to separate the doors and leave them as usable parts. Unfortunately, Academy's decision to mold the lower doors to the center section resulted in front edge of the doors

Very nice build here.

Ok, so the fuselage is all buttoned up and the brass pipe can be inserted/removed with no issue and is lined up properly. Success. While I waited for the glue and Milliput to cure, I assembled the main wing assembly. The kit features separate leading edge slats, the outer portions have no locating pins/tabs so attaching them to the wing in less than ideal. My results were fine, but not perfect. Once the glue dried, I decided to close up the nose gear bay. Instead of using the doors from the kit. I decided to simply use a single piece of plasticard and scribe th

Ooh, I'd love a new P-36 family. Love that plane in Finnish markings.

I have not had much time at the bench over the last two months, but I did add a plastic strip to help correct that step. Problem solved. Plastic strip in place Pretty smooth now. I also determined how I'm going to mount this bird. I will anchor a section of aluminum pipe in a doughnut of Miliput in the aft fuselage. A hole in the rear engine plastic will center the tube and allow a brass pipe to pass through. The brass tube will be the support for the model and be curved and anchored to a wooden base. I plan to close the fuselage closed up wit

I'm psyched for the fillet-less early D-5 kit. I hope the gear doors fill well closed for an in-flight build.

Don't forget the Slovaks

Fantastic job.

There is not much in 1/72 for Tomcats, so these would be most welcome for many modelers, I think.

Excellent review Paul.

that's not likely because of how the cockpit and intake anchor into the fuselage. Everything seems to lock in pretty solid.

I was thinking the same thing about adding a lip to the high side. The bottom seam lines up better with just some light pressure.

Got some work done this weekend. Pilot painted up and put in the bangseat. Pilot figure is from the spares box. No idea what kit it originated from. I had to amputate his legs to get him to fit in the cockpit. Intake trunk, cockpit, and bays for the gear and speedbrake fitted to the right fuselage half. Test fitting the fuselage halves together after. Pretty good fit, although the upper fuselage behind the cockpit has a nasty step. Problem is that the high side is already glued down to the cockpit bulkhead. I'

Despite VF-84 "Vagabonds" taking on the name and traditions of the "Jolly Rogers" in 1960, their F-8C Crusaders were never painted with the iconic scull and crossbones emblem associated with the squadron. It was not until VF-84 transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II in 1964 that VF-84 operated in proper squadron markings. But, as cool as Phantoms are, they are not nearly as cool looking as the Crusader. So I present to you, "What if the Jolly Rogers had Crusaders in 1965?" So the story is this: Production delays at McDonnell resulted in a shortage of F-4B's to the Navy. In

No, the 1964-65 scheme had a black flag emblem on the tail. While I have decals for the all black tail scheme, those will be used for a proper F-4J build.

I will be building an Academy 1/72 F-8E Crusader in VF-84 Jolly Rogers marking from 1965. Decals will come from the Vagabond Decals "Yankee Air Pirates" sheet.

Otto, do you have reference pics of the Czech 190's? I've never seen or heard of them before.