Sooner or later, every aircraft modeler builds the iconic WWII Luftwaffe Bf-109. You can find them in every scale from 1/144 to 1/24, and in every version from prototype to A, to K-14, and sub-variants from post-WWII. It is probably one of the top five most popular aircraft modeling subjects ever kitted.

To that point, there were 31 examples of the Bf-109 entered in 1/48 Single Engine Prop, at this summer’s 2019 ‘Nooga Nats! Obviously, they garnered their own subcategory split. I felt a bit sorry for, but also somewhat envious of Rich Van Zandt’s judging team as they laboriously examined all 31 examples. They were all outstanding … some were just slightly better than others. They checked that distinct splayed gear stance for consistent alignment. They checked wing and stabilizer alignments. They checked canopies and interiors. They checked finishes. They counted rivets … just kidding. In the end, they chose the best three. 10% of the total number entered of the type!

John Vojtech and the people at UMM-USA (Unique Master Models) have come up with yet another tool that is well worth having in your collection. The Profiler Scribing and Contour Guide is a very versatile tool to help you with scribing and replicating inside and outside contours of your models.

Modelers may need to find the exterior or interior contours of parts to either scratch-build additional parts or shape/sand kit pieces to fit better. The guide is made from a thin piece of pliable metal and covered with a non-slip material. The metal can be bent in several contour position without breaking it and once bent has no memory. The guide also is sold with a blue straw like holder with plugs at either end, so it is easy to find when you want to use it.

The guide can be bent and placed on a model lined up with areas to be scribed and taped down so it does not move, then a scriber can be used along the guide.

Another beautifully crafted tool from our friends at UMM-USA is this new punch and die set, accompanying the numerous other tools used to punch standard shapes out of thin brass or aluminum, or plastic sheet stock up to 0.080 (2mm) thick. In the set you’ll find an aluminum die block with hole sizes ranging from 0.6 mm (0.024”) up to 3.0mm (0.12”) diameter, accompanied by the hardened tool steel punches of corresponding size.

If, like me, you’ve tried slicing round stock to make buttons, access covers, hatches and the like, and never managed to get parallel surfaces, you’ll welcome this fine tool. It’s great for adding subtle detail, for creating instrument glass, access panels, fastener heads, and the like.

Our thanks go out again to UMM-USA and John Vojtech for his generous support to the review team here.