The Hasegawa BF109E kit was originally released in 1988. The molds were revised in 1994 to correct minor errors in the nose profile. The kit has since been re-boxed numerous times, including the 109E-1; -4; & -7. It is still an excellent kit for its age and builds up well.
Notable Kit Features:
Good cockpit details
Separate leading edge slats
Separate flaps
Photo-etch radiator grills and pilot armour
Build Inspiration:
There is such a variety of paint finishes possible for this "E" series it is difficult to select just one. Since this kit is a straight-forward build and relatively inexpensive, model makers often have more than one of these 109s. I chose this kit in order to do Werner Mölders subdued finish on his Bf 109E-3 of Stab III.JG53 based at Loe in May 1940.
Heads-Up Report:
Seatbelts are molded into seat
Engine cover cooling holes allow a see through to the underside (block off with plastic card)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Kit was built out of the box
End Result:
This Luftwaffe series build was a paint test for Model Masters Acrylic line as I was just transitioning away from oil based paints to something "greener". The scheme for this aircraft consisted of a base RLM 70/71 over RLM 65 with a heavy overspray of RLM 02 on the upper surfaces.
The After-Build Report:
This kit has continued to be a staple for 1/48th Bf 109 model builders. Parts fit is very good and the price is still reasonable. I will definitely recommend this kit to any model makers. Having said that Tamiya released their kit in 1996 and offers some improvements in some areas and an outstanding fit. There are also great 109s produced by a number of other model producers. I have also build the inexpensive Hobbycraft 109s to good effect. Below is an interesting link on the various kit makers Bf 109E subjects - Comparing 1/48 Bf109E Kits (ipmsvagabonds.com)
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers