History

The Royal Aircraft Factory RE-8 was one of those airplanes that never attracted the attention it deserved, mainly because it wasn’t a fighter that attracted a lot of press. It was, however, a very basic, fundamental design, one intended for observation and reconnaissance duties over the front. I had always been under the impression that the RE-8 was a rather unimpressive plane, but after reading Paul Hare’s account of its development, I have come to the conclusion that it was really a fundamentally sound airplane for the tasks assigned to it. During the time period it was in operation, it acquitted itself honorably, with its pilots and crews often getting the best of higher performing German fighters. Certainly, taking photos of the trenches wasn’t as glamorous as shooting down enemy planes, but it was a very necessary job, and it doubtless saved thousands of British infantrymen’s lives due to its activities.

The Messerschmitt Bf-110, often called the Me-110, was a twin engine heavy fighter (zerstorer – German for destroyer) in service of the Luftwaffe during WW II, armed with four 7.92mm machine guns in the upper nose and two 20mm cannons in the lower nose. It was also equipped with a 7.92 mg15 defensive rear-mounted gun and could carry up to 4410 lb in bombs. The D-3 version was a long-range zerstorer with a lengthened tail for a rescue dingy, and either two 80 gal or two 240 gal drop tanks.

Upon initial inspection, the kit is very impressive in size and scale. At the same time, I have never built a 1/32 scale aircraft and found it a little overwhelming. The kit has great box art and standard Dragon instructions along with a decal sheet, 430+ parts on 17 plastic sprues, and a PE fret. The canopy sprue has 11 pieces for two different variations. At first glance at the decals, they are really crisp.

If you haven’t built the Zvezda Bf-109F you have missed out on a real treat. It contains an exceptional amount of detail, including an exposed engine, with extraordinary fit. Sure there are some things that could be better.

One thing that you will notice is that the ailerons only has texture on one side. Not a real big deal but something that they probably should have caught. The other thing is the shape of the engine air intake which is slightly off. Quickboost has fixed both problems with this set.

The three resin pieces are molded in light grey resin and are perfectly formed. The intake is very thin and will look great. Adding the parts is really easy. Just remove them from the pour block and add them.

This is not the first set that Quickboost has offered for the Zvezda kit, but it is the most important. They also offer the fuel injector and exhausts.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

I have loved these magazines since they first arrived. Great photography mixed with great builds. This issue is no exception and has feature articles on:

• Trumpeter 1/48 Wellington
• Revell 1/32 Red Arrows Hawk
• Hasegawa 1/32 Bf109 G-10 Conversion
• Trumpeter 1/24 Hawker Hurricane Mk. 1
• Photo Report on AMAC 35 model Show
• New Product Reviews
• Llama Models 1/48 FMA Pucara

As an example, the Wellington build is an example of what can be done with photoetch parts as Zbenek Sebesta use Eduard photoetch on the exterior, bomb bays, interior, cockpit, flaps and engines. He uses resin on the Quickboost exhausts, guns and flaps. Griffon parts are used on the wheels and flaps. Various parts were also used from Pavla, Tally-Ho and Rob Taurus. Details pictures show the assembly of these parts and he uses them seamlessly to enhance the detail all around. The final shots are breathtaking.

The Hasegawa FW-190 series of models is a very nice series without all the bells and whistles of the Eduard kits and not nearly as expensive as the Trimaster versions. The latest release covers another of Hermann Graf’s aircraft, WkNr. 2594, flown as the Kommandeur of Jagd-Ergazungsgruppe-Ost in France 1943. This particular aircraft is unique in its markings and in its supercharger intakes. I think this is the most colorful machine that Graf flew. The yellow nose with red chevrons with white outlines and RLM 76 cowl ring makes it stand out. If that isn’t enough the same motif is used on the tail and contains red lightning bolts on both sides making this a very unique and colorful aircraft.