Messerschmitt Bf109S "Schule Emil"
Background
There is not much information available on the history of the Messerschmitt Bf-109S trainer type. The most I could find about this version was in the book by Richard A. Franks “The Messerschmitt Bf109 Early Series (V1 to E-9 including T-series)” by Valiant Wings Publishing. It states that it was a tandem trainer with the student sitting in the front seat and the instructor behind. The S version was the same as the Bf-109E-3 one but was equipped with a Revi gun-sight, and although it retained the nose armament, it did not have the wing cannons. It also had an early style canopy without armored glass in the front. The most interesting fact in the book was that it was a project only and was never built.
The Kit
The AZ model kit of the Messerschmitt Bf-109S depicts three painting schemes: two from 1941 and one from 1942. I selected the first of the three markings for my build representing the first prototype from April 1941.
The box contains three gray plastic sprues and a clear sprue with a double canopy and the aiming sight. There are 61 parts in the box, including the two clear plastic ones. 16 parts are grayed out in the instructions, and they should not be used. There is a 4-page black and white instruction sheet, a set of decals and a sheet of technical stencils included. The plastic parts have quite good quality and details on them, which the AZ-model calls ‘super detailed plastic parts by HQT’ on the box. There are 19 steps in the construction of the kit. The instruction sheet provides a very brief history of the Messerschmitt Bf-109 with no mention of the S variant. The color reference lists the German RLM colors with equivalent Humbrol paint numbers. There is an option to install a fuel drop tank, but I decided not to use it in my build. There is a set of two sets of wheels too, with instructions allowing for either one to be used. Because the S version had a different fuselage configuration, the AZ model provides a separate set of fuselage halves and an additional seat for the instructor.
Construction
The construction starts with the cockpit, and it is very nicely represented by details on both sides of the inside of the fuselage halves. The seats and the instrument panels are also nicely molded. It took me a moment to figure out that part number 56 is a separate part and not a part of the instrument panel as depicted in step 7 of the instructions. The instruction sheet describes what colors should be used for the cockpit details on the fuselage halves, but the drawings do not match the actual items on the plastic parts. I recommend using reference books for the Bf-109s’ cockpit. The seat-belts are represented as decals and they look quite realistic. The air intake under the engine was tricky to install horizontally. The fuselage halves have only one locating pin at the front, and it helps a little when gluing the halves together. I drilled the exhaust pipes out using a small drill bit. I also drilled out the machine gun barrels per instructions. These are very fragile and small parts, so care must be taken doing it.
The propeller assembly goes together well, and you get a choice of one type of spinner out of three types provided. If you follow the instructions, you will end up having to glue the propeller assembly to the fuselage. To avoid this, as I like having the propeller blades spinning, I used a poly cap to hold the propeller assembly in place while allowing it to move inside the fuselage at the same time.
The two top wing halves are installed with a single bottom wing section. There was no gap between the wings and the fuselage connection points. The bottom wing section, however, was too low against the bottom of the fuselage and I had to use some putty to address the difference. This was the same issue I had while building the AZ model’s Bf-109T kit a few weeks ago. I suggest adding a thin Styrene piece between the top wing halves and the bottom wing section toward the back of the wings to raise their height slightly.
There is no locating pin to install the air intake on the left side of the engine cowling and I used a drawing in a reference book to position it properly. The landing gear and wheel installation was very easy because of the presence of dedicated inserts molded inside the wings’ bottom that would accept the wheel struts. The wheels are very nicely renditioned too.
The windshield canopy did fit well but the rear side of it was slightly wider than the fuselage width. I used a clear plastic glue to attach the canopy to the cockpit section.
The antenna mast does not have an insert to attach it, nor does the canopy have a hole for it. Therefore, the antennae attachment point was very weak and to avoid breaking it during painting, I attached it after the model was fully painted. The canopy is quite transparent, which, thanks to its larger size, helps see inside the cockpit better. I drilled a small hole for the antenna wire in the mast and in the tip of the rudder, which was tricky because of its small size.
Painting
I primed the assembled model with Ammo black primer. I used Mr. Color, Tamiya, and Ammo ATOM paint instead of Humbrol to paint the camouflage. The first paint scheme for the first prototype may seem simple enough, but it was challenging because ten different colors were used to paint this scheme: yellow, black, rust, RLM 02 gray, natural metal, RLM 76 light blue, RLM 74 gray-green, RLM 75 grey-violet, linen, and gunmetal. The decals are quite thin and fragile, and it took some skill to carefully attach the stencils. The decals have a significant amount of carrier film around them, so I trimmed every single decal around the edges before their application. The red stencil stripes on the top of the wings were very thin and long, and were very challenging to apply. I learned that the decals performed better when dipped in cold water rather than warm as I usually do. The decals would slide off the paper backing almost immediately after they were submerged in the water, so do not keep them submerged longer than 3–5 seconds.
Summary
The AZ model kit builds into a fantastic representation of this unique aircraft. This was my first trainer version of the Bf-109 added to my collection of Messerschmitt 109s and the final result is very pleasing to look at. I was thrilled with the opportunity to build this model of a trainer and I plan to build another AZ model of this type offered in a tropical camouflage scheme. I like the simplicity of the assembly steps offered by AZ model kits. The best part of AZ models’ offerings is a variety of versions and eye-catching painting schemes. I would recommend this kit to intermediate or experienced modelers. The final result is worth the effort, and I am looking forward to seeing and building more models from AZ model.
My sincere thanks go to AZ model for generously providing this kit to review and IPMS/USA for allowing me to review it.

Reviewer Bio
Tomasz Menert
I grew up in Poland and immigrated to the US 35 years ago when I was in my twenties. Ironically, I majored in English here, but I have fond memories related to my interest in aviation. What spiked my interest in reviewing items were the books on some familiar subjects. For example, I received a glider pilot license in Poland and one of the books Pablo Bouleo mentioned in the 'stash' is from MMP (PZL-104 Wilga 35A, Single No. 46). In my glider training, the plane towing us was the PZL-104 Wilga! So, anything around Polish subjects like PZL Combat Fighters, etc., would land you a quick and thorough review just because I had an exposure to some of the topics. Not to mention an uncle who flew a total of over 4000 hours in Mig-21s. Therefore, I want to thank you both for giving me the opportunity to join this review. group.
Comments
Great Job Tom
nice attention to detail and work on this masterpiece. look forward to seeing more of your work in the future
Response to comment
Thank you, Robert. At first it seemed like an easy assembly but the small scale and numerous painting colors involved made it a bit challenging project. The Ammo Atom paints made a big difference to bring the assembled kit to its final shape. I love the AZmodel painting schemes offered in their kits.
Provider
Hi Robert-
The kit was provided by Kovozávody Prostějoy. Can you change that on the review?
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