Tamiya

In this model kit review, I am looking at Tamiya's 1/48 Bf 109E-4/7 Tropical (kit no. A61063). I built this kit at the same time I built Airfix's Bf 109E and Eduard's Bf 109E. I will compare those kits with this kit in this review. We'll be looking at the finished kit, weathering techniques used, the instructions, the surface detailing, the interior detail, the transparencies, the decals, and finally, I'll be giving my conclusions. This classic kit has lots of competition, but is it still worth building? Let's find out together!

[@MrPettj]

Built mine yesterday. Extremely easy build. The Africa paint scheme can be challenging but I think it looks great. The eduard 109s are decent thecold tamiya kit is still the king

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@MrPettj Right on!

[@kevinjohnson8220]

I have one in my stash and I also sent one to a close friend of mine as a starter model airplane kit. She's stoked to build it

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on! The Tamiya Bf 109E is the easiest build of the bunch and a great first 1/48 aircraft build. Cheers

[@tonysteppan8495]

Another fine job. I was surprised at how nice the brush technique you used came out. Years ago, I built a 72nd 2 seat 262.and was trying to make a night fighter version. I was new to air brushes at that time started with the cheapest badger. That you could change the tips to control spray. Well to my surprise it came out better than ever. I never thought about using a cut down brush! Thanks for showing and old dog a new trick! Your right about those paint patterns with 109's. I try to build with something I found that's kind of odd with photos I've found. rather than use the box art. Not to say it's all useful material at some point. It's good to see you can stick with what's in the box. I also like that when you do pick a better detail part, Your upfront about it. They do make for a Great end result. THANKS Jon

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks Tony! I'm not sure it was 100% clear in the video, but I was applying pastel powder with the brush for the mottling. I also appreciate your constructive feedback!

[@paulfrantizek102]

I built a couple of the Hasegawa 109s from the stash recently, it holds up well. The mottling turned out very well. I did a similar scheme recently using chipping fluid to scrub off the overspray and thin out the color a bit.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks Paul! I haven't built the Hasegawa 109E yet, but it seems decent. The mottling is always a challenge, regardless of method. Cheers!

[@kevinjohnson8220]

I thought that mottling with pastels is an elegant solution

[@gsr4535]

Very nice Jon. It's a classic kit for sure.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you. I agree.

[@furrysharker]

This is on my build list, so thanks for the review! Can you give more detail on how you applied the mottled bit of the camouflage scheme?

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

It's probably worth a separate video. I haven't seen anyone else using the same technique. Do you have any specific questions I can answer?

[@furrysharker]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 Thanks, it was primarily materials used and application techniques

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@Patrick Thornbury I used craft store artist pastels (like colored chalk). I shaved some off with a razor blade into powder. I applied the pastels with a paintbrush that I had cut the bristles back almost to the metal end. I did one section at a time and then clear-coated that section before moving on. The clear coat protected the pastels and kept them from smearing as I worked on the next section.

[@furrysharker]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 Thanks for the info! Definitely would love to see a separate video in the future.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@furrysharker Right on!

[@tonyde6423]

One of the nicest desert tamiya 109 builds mate ✌

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks Tony!

[@ravensfootball52]

Looks great. What color grey did you use for the fuselage?

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks! I used RLM65 light blue.

[@ravensfootball52]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 awesome thank you. Gonna use your video as a guide lol

[@bougeac]

Really nice build! Would love to see an instructional on how you did the mottling. Subscribed!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you! I've had several requests for a video on my mottling technique, so I plan on making one at some point.

[@Asdf423-rs1xk]

I hate how small it is. Are there any kits just like this one but bigger?

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

You can look for reviews on 1/32 scale Bf109Es or the really big 1/24 Bf109Es if 1/48 scale is too small. Cheers!

[@Asdf423-rs1xk]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 Thank you! I’ll definitely look into it 👍