The Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3

What can possibly be said about the 109 that hasn’t been already? There have been books – and series of books – dedicated to the 109. Alongside the Spitfire, it’s probably the best-known aircraft in the world, with a ridiculous service history that spanned from the Spanish Civil War to the post-war era, when Israel flew a Czech-made copy known as the Avia S-199. During World War II, the 109 saw service across Europe and North Africa, and was one of the few aircraft types in service from 1939 through to 1945.

The 109E-3 variant served early in the war, up into the Battle of Britain, when it was gradually replaced by the E-4 and E-7.

But I’m not planning a Battle of Britain 109. I have more unusual markings in mind, those of the Swiss Air Force:

Yes, Switzerland was neutral during World War II, in large part because of very vigilant defensive measures.

The Airfix Kit

There are tons of 1/48 109 kits, so why the Airfix? Well, I’ve never buit one, and I’ve heard some very good things about them. Airfix’s recent kits are going a long way to shift their reputation, and the 109 exemplifies that, with solid detail, supposedly superb fit, and little touches like separated control surfaces. In all it should make for an interesting build, and a lot of masking!