Seagull Bf109E ARF Extreme Makeover, Part 1

[@stevejones9044]

Great work. Going to try the blue foam things for detail.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Thanks.

[@MeBallerman]

Holy mackerel. That's some craftmanship right there. Must've taken a year or more. My dad build the 1:24 Airfix model of the 109E, and he also made a lot of improvements compared to the factory model - but not, not on your level.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Thank you! It was about two years overall, but the actual work time was about 6 months. (there was about a 14 month break in the build)

[@Pierre19prt]

Really outstanding ! Now it looks finally very scale detailed, bravo !

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Thank you!

[@almostspace123]

Thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Thanks for the comment!

[@captainaxle438]

Impressive that's a real commitment to scale modeling. I had built a small 109 from a kit years ago, still have it, and I have this same arf unbuilt yet but have noticed the wings are too short. But also that the fuse in front of canopy has incline and canopy is tilted up at front, not level from profile view. Have decided I could resheet that spot and correct it when arf is to be built. I will just have to live with the short wings but they are noticeable No Doubt

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Yeah, the incline would be an easy fix. Another adjacent problem which would have required a big rework is that the base of the windscreen at the front is flat where it should have a slight curve. I let that one go. Regarding the wingspan, I do think that it makes the model a little harder to fly (land) than it should be, but a lot of folks think that it flies great as it is. I've got to be the only crazy fool that would increase the wingspan. Good luck with your 109!

[@captainaxle438]

@@BalsaAeroProjects I thank you for your reply and I compliment you on your commitment to scale modeling. Through you history lives on

[@castlefranck3979]

awesome work well done

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Thanks!

[@Blackstarr223]

Ive got a Hanger9 64" BF109F ive been meaning to do a cosmetic remake at some point. Received second hand, multiple engines swapped through it, making the ABS cowl chopped to ugliness, as well as its original Nylon dome spinner no longer able to seat and stay tight to its metal back plate. Flew like an absolute dream and landed deceivingly too well with all flaps deployed, including inboard radiator exhausts. Only wish I could see some gas powered mounts on your channel, but very inspiring to see the remodels you've been posting!

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Yeah, sorry about the lack of gas engines. I have one but never used it. I couldn't find a way to transport the fuel without stinking up the car.

[@theflash0815]

​@@BalsaAeroProjectsuse gas from the factory Aspen! Its a special Alkylate gas is made of vapor produced when refining oil and really dont smell like normal gas! Search for "aspenfuel"😉

[@rprezas]

the BF-109 is my Favorite airplane of all time, and I love what your doing! I hope I can have one half as good as your making yours look one day! cant wait to see it all finished!

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Thank you. It is finished. Will need some time to compose the videos.

[@rc-fannl7364]

Quite a project, almost like a full rebuilt, basically. Looking good so far

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Pretty much. To tell the truth, it would be easier to start from scratch.

[@davidharris733]

I'm no aeromodeller, but that was amazing to watch. I do know the 109e series pretty well though and I'm afraid the front windshield is too angular for an e-4 to my eye. There really should be a radius in the side members just above the windshield cross member. Just saying since you've pretty much nailed the rest and it would be a comparatively easy fix based on your previous work.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

There are a few problems with the windscreen/canopy, one of which I already addressed in a previous comment. I know the area to which you are referring. It is a compound curve which would have been difficult to model in wood. A completely new vacuum-formed canopy would have been needed to get that shape. Considering the other problems with the overall canopy, I chose not to go that route. It's great that you noticed it!

[@davidharris733]

@@BalsaAeroProjects If the Seagull model is 64" span and you've added 5" to make it scale wouldn't a canopy for the 68" Brian Taylor work (Sarik Hobbies), or maybe the one for the Cambrian large scale 109e (Cambrianplanes)? TBH the original Seagull canopy didn't look too bad. I mess around now with the smaller plastic stuff but I did dabble in RC for a while. Too expensive, in both £££ and time for me. Looking forward to part 2 anyway.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

I'll make a short video comparison between the Seagull and the BT and post it shortly. It should explain why the BT canopy can't be used.

[@davidharris733]

@@BalsaAeroProjects It maybe useful to do that. However, I doubt many other rc'ers would go to the same efforts you have on this!

[@craigpennington1251]

I was expecting a full size BF-109 flying aircraft in metal construction. Interesting to see the results on that one.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Haha! Sorry to disappoint. Maybe I should have used the word "ARF" in the title.

[@rayblackler3054]

Excellent work, but might as well build from a plan from beginning

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Yes, yours is the second comment to say the same. I enjoyed the challenge of turning this rather poor arf into something that more closely resembled a Bf109E. That being said, I would not do it again. The effort spent on redoing this arf would be better spent on building from plans.

[@allanknights136]

When is part 2 coming?

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Working on it now, but I'm slow with the video editing software. There will most likely be several more parts. I have 50 hours of video to go through.

[@MrSteeleye]

The real Bf109E had a semi-symmetrical chord tail fin to counter engine torque.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Yes, that's the reason for re-shaping the fin as much as the amount of wood would allow.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

Maniac!

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Haha!!

[@eaglecommand]

Unless you are wanting to do this a hobby project, seems to me you would have been better off building one from scratch from a set of plans but to each thier own.

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

I hear ya. After completing this project I told myself no more ARF mods. As a matter of fact, I told myself no more ARFs! Thus, the reason for the DR-107 plans build. Even though I just want a model to test the flap mechanism, I'm undertaking a full plans build instead of mod'ing an ARF. I undertook the Seagull 109 project for three reasons. First, for the challenge. Second, since the 109 is one of my favorites and this model would be in my stable, I just had to make it look better. And third, I wanted a platform for the paint scheme which I find to be quite unique and interesting. I had already done a plans build 109 with the Brian Taylor 109E. This ARF got me a little closer to the painting aspect which I really enjoy.

[@shah7914]

Do you ask barbie for kent to be your pilot.hahaha

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

Handsome fella, isn't he?! They asked to use my likeness when they made the doll. Hahaha!

[@theflash0815]

Why do not built a perfect 109E from Brian Taylor Plans???? You spent much money to buy a Funscale ARF 109 and then you spent again money and time to remodel it. Make for me no sense, but its your choice....

[@BalsaAeroProjects]

For the enjoyment, challenge and satisfaction of having done it. I've already done BT plan.

[@almostspace123]

Because this is awesome!