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In attempts to play a bit of catch up on some kits that I have not posted here on ARC before I'll submit (yet another) Bf109 to "The Display Case".

The Bf109 ends up a favourite in so many of our aircraft builds as there are soooo many different schemes to choose from, it is difficult to limit yourself to do just one.

This is the Hasegawa 1/48 Bf109E 4/7 kit that I picked up second hand for under $20... so I pretty much had to buy it. :whistle:/> You know the kit well I'm sure... what can I say... straight forward build OOB with minimal weathering as that is what the crash site photos revealed. For a bit more challenge the crash site would make an excellent diorama.

Bf109E_Werra2_zpsa436ca47.jpg

I had to add this aircraft to my collection after reading an article on the pilot, Franz Von Werra, as it was an interesting story as well as a uniquely marked aircraft (at least in my collection).

On 5 September, von Werra participated in a bomber escort mission to the area south of London. The formation encountered RAF Spitfire fighters and in the subsequent aerial combat, von Werra’s Bf 109 E-4 received hits and although he attempted to fly home alone he was pursued by a Spitfire and forced down near Marden. Von Werra was subsequently captured and imprisoned in England.

Here's where it gets interesting...He twice attempted to escape while in England, but was recaptured both times. After his second failed escape attempt, von Werra was sent to a prison camp in Canada...

Bf109E_Werra4H_zpsdb51eab8.jpg

Not easily discouraged he managed to escape again on 21 January 1941 and made his way through the USA, Mexico, South America and Spain to reach Germany on 18 April.

Von Werra was the only German prisoner of war held by the British/Canadians to successfully escape and return to his homeland to continue flying.

Bf109E_Werra5_zpsda982a3a.jpg

The story of von Werra's escape was later made into a film, "The One That Got Away" if you can find a copy or you can read the article that spurred me on to this build at this link.

Bf109E_WerraTail_zps1fd1c2cb.jpg

Von Werra luck finally did run out - On 25 October 1941 Von Werra took off in Bf 109F-4 (W.Nr. 7285) on a practice flight. He unfortunately suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea north of Vlissingen and was killed.

As usual, the finished kit was photographed in my museum setting to give it a bit of background. My 131st completed build (that is still around).

Thanks to this site for the inspiration and good company - Keep on building,

David

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A really quite nice build of a Hasegawa kit that does have some fit issues. The museum setting fits well with the immaculate finish on the aircraft. I also really enjoyed the history of this aircraft and pilot. Thanks for taking the time to share that with us.

Joel

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Very sharp looking Messy....the early variants seem to have had sharper markings, and eye catching camou patterns.

Clif,

I would assume that during the early years of the war with Germany being the aggressor, their airfields weren't constantly being attacked, there were way more aircraft, and a home front where the aircraft were originally built and painted wasn't directly effected by the war. So they had a lot more time for maintenance, as well as creating more detailed camo paint schemes, and personal markings.

Joel

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David,

Just one question as to how you photographed your Bf 109E. Looks like your White Balance is off as what I'm assuming should be white is an Off White color. If that's the case, then all the colors that I'm seeing are off to some extent.

Joel

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