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Aires ¶¶¶¶1/2 by Steve Messer
The release of Hasegawa's 1/32nd scale
Messerschmitt Bf109 G6 in 2001 was a blessing for many in the large-scale
modelling community, and has since spawned many other variants of
the '109 through clever design of the kit's moulds. But for all it's
detail, it's what the Auto fraternity would call a "curbside",
having no detail whatsoever. For those wishing to further enhance
their '109, Czech aftermarket supplier Aires have filled the breach
with their multi-media kit No.2017, Messerschmitt Bf 109 Engine Set.
Also included are resin representations
of the upper MG platform and underside oil cooler radiator. The gun
platform is fine, but the radiator matrix detail is poor, and would
have been better represented in photo-etch... Speaking of which, the
addition of a small fret with engine and cowl latch details is a nice
touch. Finally, the small instruction sheet provided is clear without
being confusing, but lacks any painting information whatsoever. © Steve Messer 2006 |
This
set includes just about everything from the fire-wall forward; with
57 butter-coloured resin parts, a small photo-etched fret, length
of copper wire, and a basic instruction sheet. However, parts not
included are; the spinner and prop assembly, lower chin radiator housing
and port-side air intake, these will need to be sourced from the Hasegawa
kit or another aftermarket supplier if so desired. And needless to
say, some radical surgery to the front end of the Hasegawa kit will
be required. The resin parts are well moulded, bubble free, and suitably
robust or delicate where required.
Now
for the cowlings... seven parts in all; two main cowlings,a thin piano
hinge to separate them, rear MG cover, upper and lower oil tank covers,
and lastly the lower engine oil radiator cover. All have lovely internal
ribbed detail, and are almost wafer thin in places to suggest thinness
of scale. The exteriors seem to be closely patterned after the Hasegawa
kit's details, right down to the offset nature of the front cowling
scoops... There seems to be some debate as to whether this is accurate,
but if the main cowlings are posed open, you'd hardly notice either
way. On the other hand, the latches on the MG cover are clearly visible
on the new casting, whereas these latches would normally be covered
by the "beule" bumps if you were to make up the Hasegawa
kit as per the instructions, so there has at least been some thought
put in to make this area more accurate. The separate casting of these
cowling parts allows the modeller complete choice as to how many are
attached to the airframe, or left off to display in a diorama setting,
as the case may be.
