TAMIYA 1:72 BF-109E-3
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: Geoff Goldfen  (rec.models.scale)

Kit:  Tamiya 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf-109E-3 - Warbird Collection Series No.50

This kit looks great in the box, with a couple of sprues of crisp, clean, light grey injection parts that gleam with magnificent engineering quality and the canopy set is just as clear and crisp.  In fact, it looks like Tamiya have got the shape of the canopy spot on, which is something many other manufacturers (including Italeri, Revell, Hasegawa amongst others) fail to achieve.

Instruction sheet is very clear and easy to follow with the obligatory short notes on the aircraft type, three view marking diagrams and explanation of symbols used in the instruction sheet.  Colour call outs are generally in RLM quotations, which is great for accuracy.  Although, on the subject of this I query the call out for RLM 66 in the cockpit.  From my reference material, RLM 02 is a more accurate colour for the Emils.  I'd strongly advise quickly checking your reference on this point.

The interior is a bit sparse with only the essential details provided, such as stick, seat, panel etc.  The sidewalls do have a small amount of plumbing detail on it.  The decal sheet includes decals for the main instrument panel and seat belts.  

From the instructions and decal sheet you can produce three different versions from the kit including white and yellow versions.  The detail of the parts are superb and the tooling as already stated is awesome.

Just fondling the kit and its engineering feat is enough to get me drooling and I think this one will slap together without any hassles whatsoever.  On this site you see ratings such as "highly recommended", well there needs to be a new category better than this because from what I can see in the box this looks like it will build into a fantastic hassle-free replica and be one of the best on the market.  Go out and buy one.

 

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