The Messerschmitt Bf 108 was an light aircraft initially
designed in 1934. The definitive four-seater version was the Bf 108B.
The Bf 108 had advanced features including an all-metal
airframe, automatic leading edge slats, adjustable propeller and retracting
undercarriage. The Luftwaffe adopted this aircraft in the communication and
liaison role. An improved version, the Bf 108D, was introduced in 1941 and began
rolling off French assembly lines from 1942 until the liberation of France.
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 was a popular aircraft in wartime due
to its comfortable leather seats and pleasant flying characteristics. These
features ensured that the Bf 108 retained its popularity in the post-war civil
aviation market.
Eduard have expanded their range of Second World War subjects
with their brand new Messerschmitt Bf 108B.
Eduard's Messerschmitt Bf 108B-2 comprises 87 parts in khaki
coloured styrene; two parts in clear injected styrene; one paper sheet of
instruments and decals for two aircraft. Masks for the glasshouse canopy are
also included.
The plastic parts are first rate in every respect. Surface
detail is crisply engraved, fabric texture is subtle, attachment points are
narrow and I could not find any evidence of visible imperfections. Trailing
edges of the flying surfaces are quite thin - a big improvement over the
otherwise excellent P-39 kits. Locating pins are scarce, but the fuselage and
wings have two each to assist in the alignment of these important components.
Clear parts are equally good, but it is surprising that there is
no option for an open canopy.
Detail is excellent. The cockpit is made up of 24 parts. These
parts include three choices for the instrument panel (painted instruments or
decals on a solid panel; or paper instruments behind open holes in an alternate
instrument panel) and the option of two auxiliary fuel drums in the rear cabin.
Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:
A full engine is also included. Almost thirty parts are supplied
to build this little gem, but unfortunately it will be almost totally hidden
behind the cowling.
Other options include two styles of rudder (external
mass-balance and integrated mass-balance), and an alternative boss and spinner
for the Argus automatic adjustable propeller. Although the instructions do not
mention these parts, they can be used to depict the later Bf 108D variant.
Flaps and slats are moulded shut, but it is only a matter of
time until a resin manufacturer addresses these areas.
Instructions are called out over seven steps using exploded view
drawings. A contrasting blue ink is used to highlight where glue should be
applied. I am a little suspicious of the colour suggestions in the cockpit where
a light grey is called for in addition to the RLM 02 Grey.
An errata sheet is included for Step 2, assembly of the engine.
In summary, the engine block is shown in reverse on the main instruction sheet.
A separate guide is provided for the application of masks and
for painting instructions.
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 is an interesting choice for a kit
subject.
On the one hand, it is an aircraft operated by the Luftwaffe, so
the kit has an automatic pool of potential buyers. On the other hand, small
liaison aircraft in 1/48 scale is an almost untested market.
Eduard's Messerschmitt Bf 108 deserves success based on the
merits of the plastic in the box. Every Eduard release seems to get better. The
quality of plastic, surface detail and reliability of fit is equal to anything
coming out of Japan. The level of detail is perhaps better than any of the
mainstream manufacturers. If it wasn't for the scarcity of locating pins, there
would be almost nothing to link this classy offering with the first limited-run
Eduard kits of a decade ago.
It is very pleasing that modellers of WWII aircraft are now
sharing the benefits that WWI aircraft modellers have known about for some
years.
Highly Recommended.
Review and Images Copyright © 2002 by Brett
Green
Page Created 26 February, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003
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