The Bf 109K4 represented the
final development of the original airplane, sometimes referred to as the Me 109.
The Bf 109K4 was an extremely fast and agile aircraft and was a formidable
threat to the best allied fighters and bombers. In Italian use the
Bf 109 is usually known for its extensive use with the highly effective ANR (Aeronautica
Nazionale Repubblicana) although a fair number had been in use with the RA (Regia
Aeronautica) during the Husky landings in July, 1943. The ANR received
approximately 200 Bf 109s of which 19 K4s were supplied.
Hobbycraft models have been more
recently known for their “more-bang-for-the-buck” type kits and in
particular this is true of their late series Bf 109G/K 1/48 scale kits. In
this article I build a late-war ANR Bf 109K4. The Hobbycraft Bf
109K4 comes replete with finely engraved recessed panel lines and a fairly well
detailed cockpit interior. The fit on the molding halves is good and the
kit is molded in soft gray plastic. The model depicts K-4 3a Sq./I Gruppo
Caccia, 3-17, W. Nr. 330209 present at Lonate Pozzolo on March 1945. The
plane sports the RLM 81/83/76 camouflage scheme with 75/82 rudder and a white
spiral on a black spinner. Some sources suggest 3-17 carried the so-called
“Regensburg” pattern RLM 83/75/76 while Aeromaster (Decal Sheet 48-007
Italian Air Force Bf-109G/K 48-007) suggests RLM 75/82/76 as a possible
alternative. Previous German markings were conspicuously over painted with
Grigio Azzuro Chiaro FS. 36307 as was typical practice of Italian foreign built
aircraft. Polly Scale Paints were used for all paints and I used the kit
decals which reacted very well to setting solution. Overall the kit
construction is straight forward with no difficulties. Highly Recommended.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Technical Data:
Aircraft: Messerschmitt Bf.109K4
Manufacturer: Messerschmitt A. G.
Type: Fighter
Year: 1944
Engine: Damiler Benz DB 605ASCM, 12-cylinder V, liquid-cooled 2,000hp
Wingspan: 32 ft 8 ˝ in (9.95m)
Length: 29ft (8.84m)
Height: 8ft 2 ˝ in (2.49m)
Weight: 7,475lb (3,386 kg) (Loaded)
Maximum Speed: 452mph (727km/h) at 19,685ft (6,000m)
Ceiling: 41,000ft (12,500m)
Range: 356miles (573km)
Armament: 2 15mm cannons, 1 30 mm cannon
Crew: 1
References:
- The Aviazione Nazionale
Repubblicana, Italian Air Forces 1943-1945, R. J. Caruana and M. Bonello,
Modelaid International Publications, 1989.
- World Aircraft, World War II
– Part I, Sampson Low Guides, E. Angelucci and P. Matricardi, 1978.
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 in
Action, Squadron/Signal Publications, J. R. Beamna, 1983.
- Messerschmitt Bf 109, La
Bancarella Areonautica, G. Alegi, 2002.
- Regia Aeronautica Vol. 2, F.
D’Amico and G. Valentini, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1986.
Vince
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