Top 3 Bf109 E Model Kits Compared: Airfix vs Eduard vs Tamiya!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

I've had several comments regarding the Hasegawa Bf109E and Wingsy Bf109E and asking why they weren't included in this comparison. That's a great question. The main reason I didn't include them is because I haven't personally built them, and I don't like to review something that I haven't experienced personally. With that said, here's a quick overview of the Wingsy and Hasegawa Bf109Es: The Wingsy Bf109E is currently considered to be the definitive Bf109E kit, it is designed for more experienced modelers with finer detail parts and a higher parts count than the Tamiya or Airfix kits, it costs twice as much as the kits featured in this video, and it is more difficult to find. If you prefer building the latest and greatest, the Wingsy kit is hard to beat. The Hasegawa Bf109E is a better fit for this comparison being readily available, reasonably priced, and a straight-forward build. They can be turned out well and are appropriate for a wide range of skill sets. Decals can be an issue on older boxings (as with any kit). The Tamiya Bf109E may be slightly easier (more foolproof) in construction. Merry Christmas!

[@natalebabbo-gunplaanddioramas]

Such a great idea to compare 3 kits! Thank you for the very honest and fair comparison!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@natalebabbo-gunplaanddioramas You're welcome! More comparisons are coming...

[@SCSuperheavy114]

Great kits of a great aircraft! I’ve built the Tamiya twice and I really enjoyed it. Would love to take a crack at the other two. Great comparisons Jon always short on point and honest! Happy Holidays and ride on! Thanks!~

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks! Merry Christmas!

[@chrispacer4231]

Catching up on my JONS MODEL KIT REVIEW HOW IRONIC !!!! I just received in the mail MONOGRAMs 1/48 Me 109 in the 1970 box ( sealed )… Then I find in JONS MODEL KIT REVIEW video Library The MONOGRAM Me 109 review, and now you post this video … I’m already looking into some aftermarket decals for it, going to build it straight out of the box, simple… This is great, I get that model kit and I start my Saturday morning watching this… The MONOGRAM KIT doesn’t measure up to these Kits you reviewed, but this made my day…. YES !!!! This video was Informative and Entertaining…. THANKS Model On ….. CHRIS 🇺🇸

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks, Chris! Enjoy the Monogram 109. Merry Christmas!

[@jabonorte]

Nice line-up. The Airfix is next in my queue so I'll get a resin seat. Thanks for the tip!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@jabonorte You're welcome. I hope you enjoy the build. Merry Christmas!

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

A good subject on these kits of the Bf-109E..Good to see the Tamiya was the most friendly,though I’ve got the Eduard.. Thanks again Jon for a great video.All the best from Blighty 🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@themajesticmagnificent386 Thank you! I have two more Eduard 109Es in the stash as well 🤷‍♂️. Cheers from chilly Pennsylvania!

[@josephstabile9154]

I very much like all the kits you reviewed. Being a detail hound, I lean toward Eduard, but only for that reason. Hasegawa has a very good 1/48 109E with poseable wing slats, something not always offered by others. W/R to the Tamiya kit, it was initially released as an E3 with a very incorrect nose to spinner outline. So glaringly off in profile that Tamiya did something unheard of for them. About a year later, they released a mold-corrected rerelease as an E4. IIRC, the original release was molded in Japan, the rerelease in Malaysia; you had to read the origin of manufacture on the box side to be sure of getting the corrected molding. Also, there is currently available a Wingsy 1/48 109E; it is considered by many to be the best 1/48 "E" model extant.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Yep, you're correct about the early Tamiya Bf109Es. And I agree, the Hasegawa and now Wingsy 109E kits are nice. I have a Wingsy A5M and it looks to be masterfully done, but it's a kit enthusiasts, being similar in detail to an Eduard kit. I assume their 109 would be for experienced modelers as well. I will review those kits later if I get the chance. Cheers!

[@VaclavSemrad-o9k]

I have been waiting for this 😁👍 My favourite type and another great review ✌🏻😃

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@VaclavSemrad-o9k Thank you!

[@flyboy451]

Very concise review! They all look great together- nicely built!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you!

[@СергейКоролев-м2е]

Thanks Jon, very comprehensive review. I built two of them - Tamiya and Eduard. From my prospective Tamiya has no rivals constructionwise. It really looks good, it might be assembled in a couple of days and you will really enjoy the building process. Eduard is as usual uselessly complicated, it took me a lot of time and patience to finish it. No idea about Airfix, never tried it. Their only kit I am interested in is a Bristol Blenheim and maybe (I am not yet sure if I go for it) - Boulton Paul Defiant. Thank you again, Jon, Merry Christmas.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@СергейКоролев-м2е I agree, Serge. I have built the Defiant. It turned out well but could use more surface detail and better-detailed landing gear. I haven't seen the Blenheim kit in person. Merry Christmas!

[@СергейКоролев-м2е]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 Sometimes you have no choice. Blenheim doesn't attract much attention from ther part of manufacturers, so Airfix is the only game in town. The same I can say about Defiant since one made by Trumpeter is just garbage. Shape is totally wrong.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@СергейКоролев-м2е Good point!

[@sugarhillsrr]

Hard to beat Tamiya !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@sugarhillsrr Tamiya makes some nice kits. Merry Christmas!

[@glennvogt1194]

You just can't say no to a Tamiya kit.

[@s4shop]

I say that all the time. For what you get as far as detail, quality of fit at that price point is "hard to beat a Tamiya."

[@Lee-eeL86]

Yep, 2 sprues and easy to paint with nice detail. The Hasegawa kit is similar but includes photo-etch parts and much harder plastic.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@Lee-eeL86 Right on!

[@xRepoUKx]

Merry Christmas ⛄ Great video, very nice indeed 👍. A similar one for 1/72 scale would be great too, but you don't seem to build 1/72 kits. I mostly build armour myself but it's nice to do something different occasionally.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you! Unless I'm building a kit with a younger modeler, I rarely get into the 1/72 realm. I do like to build some 1/48 armor though and plan to feature more on this channel in the future. Cheers!

[@c123bthunderpig]

Hey Jon, all look great to me, 109's are difficult to build for airframe detailing but mostly for camouflage based on all the theaters of operation and changing seasonal patterns. That landing gear are always tricky. That desert scheme is one of my favorites but sure hard to replicate. Ironically a difficult German kit to build is the Fieseler Storch . You almost have to get a 1/32 scale kit to recognize it. . Hope Santa Clause brings ya some new kits, . No, Ho Ho, Bob.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks, Bob! You're right about the Bf-109 camouflage schemes. There's a lot of variation in them depending on the time period and the theater of operation. All are difficult. I would like to try the 1/48 Tamiya Storch. I imagine it's still a challenging build. Merry Christmas!

[@jcwoodman5285]

Yes! I'm going to try a Tamiya for early type E. I do though LOVE the Eduard later F-G/K kits! Much easier😊 I do also want to build the Tamiya G also...

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@jcwoodman5285 Right on! The newer Eduard F-K kits are brilliant. I've also heard good things about the Tamiya G...

[@georgegeyer3431]

That Edward 109 really looks good 👍.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks!

[@donaldflynn9193]

I've built all 3 and find the Tamiya Emil is still the best value on the market. The only issues are the tailplane support struts, those are a tad short since when Tamiya measured the Emil they used as a guide they missed the leather "boots" that wrapped the upper part of the struts.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks for the heads-up Donald! Happy New Year!

[@ericlarson6897]

Good video. Eduard for me! I had no problems building my E-7 and have many more in the stash.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@ericlarson6897 Thanks, Eric. I have several more Eduard 109Es in the stash as well. Maybe my next one will showcase the engine bay. Merry Christmas!

[@nickbrough8335]

I currently have the Eduard one as work in progress. For whatever reason i found it hard work to build and in hindsight i wouldnt but or build again. Assuming i eventually finish it if course

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@nickbrough8335 I do understand. There are lots of logistics involved with the Eduard 109Es that you don't have to deal with on the other 109s. I wish you the best with it. Merry Christmas!

[@nickbrough8335]

@ on reflection, the other comment I’d make based on currently building an Eduard P-51b/C is that their instructions are often unclear and confuse the builder. Not an unusual “crime” but one that does separate the best manufacturers from the rest

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@nickbrough8335 You definitely need to study the instructions with the Eduard kits. Cheers!

[@mpierrela]

Inspirational!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@mpierrela Thanks!

[@giovannimusacchi2949]

Hi Jon. Excellent idea to perform a comparison among kits ! Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. 😊

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@giovannimusacchi2949 Thanks, Giovanni! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@MHMajid-yi8iu]

I love that Afrikan Corp camo scheme but I build cheap Matchbox Me-109 in 80s and painted with that camo using few ordinary paint from hardware section.....😂

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@MHMajid-yi8iu Right on! My 80s builds rarely got painted at all 🤣. Merry Christmas!

[@s.p.ltd.3886]

I wonder where the later (corrected) Hasegawa Bf 109E kits would compare? How about the Monogram kit (just kidding) although as a kid I loved that kit!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

I would love to review the Hasegawa 109E when I get the chance. I've reviewed the Monogram 109E on this channel, but I didn't think it was an option that most modelers would consider. It is a fun nostalgia build. Merry Christmas!

[@brettpeacock9116]

The Eduard Bf-109E-1 does not have external wing cannons. It was defined as a 'Light Fighter' and had 4x 7.9mm mgs, 2 in the cowling and 2 in the wings. The E-2 Wing guns were mounted entirely internally and simply had an opening in the leading edges for the MG Blast tubes, the muzzles being set back about 15 cm from the leading edge. There should be no visible gun barrels in the wing. The Light Fighter designation was dropped about mid 1940 and they standardized on the "HeavyFighter" configuration of 2x Mgs and 2x 20mm MG-FF cannon in the wings for the E-4 & E-7. (The E-3 was the original Heavy Fighter.) BTW, they did not phase out the E-1 with some still being in service as late as Christmas of 1941 in the Soviet Union.

[@josephstabile9154]

Many were returned to the factory, and brought up to E4/E7 standards.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

You are correct about the wing guns, Brett! I built mine as an E-3 since the markings I used are for an E-3. I should have mentioned that. Cheers!

[@benhietbrink5799]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624great builds. The only issue is that the E3, E4 and E7 had a bulge under the wing to house the larger gun. Eduard did a great job of this by molding different lower wings for their E1. Hasegawa did an E1 where you had to remove the bulge and fill it with a resin plug.

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

Eduard Profipack by a country mile, although Tamiya's 61117 that I recently built is superb. People who bemoan Eduard kits IMO lack the modelling skills to get the best from them. Way more detailed than Tamiya or Airfix kits and more challenging to build, yes, but who wants easy. Not me. Love Eduard kits.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on! I like many of Eduard's offerings (their Spitfires are some of my favorites). In my opinion, the 109E hails from an era when Eduard went a little overboard on detail at the cost of well-engineered construction. I put it in the same category as the Eduard first generation Fw 190As, the Fw 190D, and the Bf 110. Eduard then course corrected with their Spitfires, later 109s, and later 190As. I would like to see Eduard revamp the 109E in the same way. Happy New Year!

[@jasongibson8114]

Great paint jobs slick!!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@jasongibson8114 Thanks!

[@anatoliyshelokov8868]

Bf109E from ICM is really best.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@anatoliyshelokov8868 I have not seen that kit in person. Merry Christmas!

[@thethirdman225]

I built the Airfix but if I were to do it again, I’d do the Eduard.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@thethirdman225 Right on!

[@thethirdman225]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 I think the clear parts on the Airfix kit were the worst bit. I agree that the surface detail is excessive, especially compared to the Eduard. Airfix kit also often suffer from short shot parts and my kit had at least one part that was short. Overall, it wasn’t a bad kit but I find the plastic too soft. I think the newer kits with the new plastic, like the B-24, are probably a lot better.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@thethirdman225 Right on! I look forward to seeing the B-24 kit in person. Merry Christmas!

[@thethirdman225]

@ Same to you.

[@antartis73]

Great video but the pronunciation of the company names is wrong

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@antartis73 Thanks. Which company are we talking about?

[@PanzerChicken69]

I agree 100% with your analysis and would extend your review to the brands in general. After building models for 45 years I find Airfix to be lacking in fine detail and being too clunky on small- and clear parts. Eduard over complicates sub builds with PE and details to the extend that the kit ends up basically unbuildable. And Tamiya never lets you down. Hope everybody has a wonderful Christmas and a lovely 2025.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@PanzerChicken69 Right on! Though the Eduard Spitfires and Bf109f-k models are fantastic, in my opinion. I'm also looking forward to their P-40 kits. Merry Christmas!

[@carrollbowman3382]

15 unbuilt 109,s , and yes im going to the meetings .

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@carrollbowman3382 Right on, hahaha! Merry Christmas!

[@peterecos634]

Best E is Wingsy's

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@peterecos634 I don't doubt that, and I would love to build the Wingsy 109E. I have the Wingsy A6M, and it's a gem. However, it's a kit for more experienced modelers, like the Eduard kit. Additionally, the Wingsy 109E is far more expensive and rare than the three kits featured in this video. A good comparison would be the Wingsy 109E and the Eduard ProfiPack 109E. Merry Christmas!

[@kitbag9033]

Maybe its just a visual illusion, but the Eduard one looks somewhat bloated.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

There are subtle shape differences between the kits. I've heard the Airfix kit is the most "right" shape-wise. Cheers!

[@richardjordan5036]

To me Tamiya is hard to beat even in there older kits. As basic they are great. Airfix on some of there kits require some elbow grease to make them look good. Eduard to me from what I have seen make some show stoppers but to much details that if you want to dice up plastic to show all the details,we'll is a waste to me....😊😊😊😊

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on! Everyone has their value system when it comes to model kits. I like building a wide variety of subjects from a wide variety of manufacturers. But there are certainly days where I just want to work on a kit that doesn't fight back and the Tamiya kits are a great choice. Merry Christmas!

[@richardjordan5036]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 merry Christmas to you my friend

[@robertstickler5232]

I Have Build The Tamiya Me 109.E 4 Great Kit I have allso Build The Haegawa E 4 allso a Great Kit i Have 2 Eduard E 4 In Reserve to build it We will.see how the Work I have allso build the Airfix E 4 but in my Opinion was not soo good Greetings❤😊

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@robertstickler5232 The Hasegawa 109E would be another fun one to review if I get the chance. Cheers!

[@jacksaloman9513]

Eduard decals are junk.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@jacksaloman9513 I used Eduard decals for two of these kits, and they worked beautifully. However, they were not the "new" Eduard decals. Cheers!

[@MatterusOD]

Hi Jon. Thanks for the vid. All three look very nice. I've only built Airfix's109 and I did enjoy it. I used the initial, heavily framed canopy which looks ok. It was also an early kit produced in the UK. Different styrene? Wingsy Bf109E for future comparison? I have a Spanish Civil war set of an E-1 and an E-3. (Not built but the parts do look great), They do a Swiss E-3a as well which looks cool in the bold red and white markings. Thank you for all your efforts. Have an excellent Chrissy and a great New Year. Cheers to all, Matt🦘🦘🦘 (🎅 got me a Aoshima Fireflash)

[@MatterusOD]

Wait a minute said the voices. The LATER heavily framed canopy I should say, which makes it an E-4. Galland's E-4N with the telescope (and cigar lighter?).

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@MatterusOD Nice! I would like to review the Hasegawa and Wingsy 109Es if I get the chance. Merry Christmas!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@MatterusOD There were several canopies in the Airfix boxing, depending on which version you want to build. Merry Christmas!

[@MatterusOD]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 I couldn't resist Galland's though. Such a larger than life sort of person. Read his autobiography "First and Last" when I was young along with many similar flying books. Dad was in Bomber Command 466 Squadron and I'm here despite Galland's efforts! 🎅🎅🎅Family Xmas at my house so much to do today (expecting 36C/97F Wednesday). Happy New Year to all.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@MatterusOD Right on!