Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - inbox review

Messerschmitt Bf-108B

Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

 Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - inbox review

History

   The BWF Company (latter Messerschmitt A.G.) designed the Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun in 1934. The original design was for a light tourist double seater, developed for the German team taking part in the 1934 international air race Challenge. 
   The military version of the Taifun was the Bf-108B-2 and was acquired by the Luftwaffe in 1939. It was widely employed during the war years by all operational Luftwaffe units as a light liaison aircraft. 
  In 1941 the new version, the Messerschmitt Bf-108D, replaced the B version on the production line. An Argus As 10R engine powered the D version and included the new Argus automatically adjustable propeller and improved fuel assembly. The production was transferred to France in 1942, where 170 Bf-108D were completed before the liberation of France in 1944. French production continued after the war where another 115 aircraft under the name of "Nord 1000" were manufactured. In total 626 military Taifuns, versions B-2 and D-1, were produced except at least 180 civilian or export version Bf-108 B-0 and B-1.
  The Luftwaffe employed most of them, but many other air forces used this fine and popular aircraft. The Hungarian AF had 8 Taifuns, both the Italians and Rumanians had 3, the USSR bought two and Switzerland and Yugoslavia had 12 each. One aircraft was used in Chile, one or two in Japan and one was in Australia. The Bulgarian AF had 6 and at least one was in Spain. One Bf-108B-1, coded XC44, was operated by the US embassy in Berlin. Two Bf-108B-1s were flown by the German embassy in London but the RAF confiscated these two aircraft in 1939.After the war, one Bf- 108B-2 was flown in Czechoslovakia, two in Poland, one in Denmark and one in Sweden. Some 115 Bf-108Ds ( Nord 1000) were used by the French AF and Navy until the late 50's.
  Many of the surviving Taifuns were flown a long time after the war, and some of them are still in airworthy condition today
Source: the instructions


Inside the Box

 The Messerschmitt Bf-108B kit from Eduard comes in top opening box with dramatic boxart depicting Yugoslavian Bf-108 in the middle of dogfight between Yugoslavian ant Luftwaffe Bf-109s. This issue, with kit number 8054, came in 2009 and its a rebox of the 2002 initial release. The kit is Profi Pack  so it comes with some goodies - photo etched set and die-cut masks.

Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox reviewMesserschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  

  Inside the box there are three olive colored plastic sprues (on one of which I don't have pictures) , one transparent sprue, photo-etch fret, decal sheet, die-cut masks and the instructions. The Instructions are typical for Eduard, clear and easy to follow. Just pay attention to the options.


Marking options

  Out of the box there are five marking options available: 
a - Yugoslav Air Force, Kraljevo, 1940
b - Sonderkommando Blaich, Libya 1942
c - 4.(H)/13, Rumania, 1940
d -  Flugbereitschaft Luftflotte 4, 1941
e - I./JG27, Innsbruck 1941


Closer Inspection

  The quality of that plastic scale model kit is very close to today's standards of the company despite the initial release being from the beginning of the century. There is some minor flash evident but noting that cannot be dealt with for a few seconds. Yes, the panel lines are a bit over pronounced but still crisp and consistent.

 Bf-108B - Cockpit

   The cockpit of the scale model is mainly situated on sprue A and the photo Etched fret. Quite a lot of part go in that area. Along with the plastic there are the comprehensive PE details for the seat belts, knobs, trim wheel chains etc. The seats look really good and if you decide to go with marking option B you'll have to replace the full rear bench with half bench and two cylindrical containers. You can choose from three instrument panel types. One from the PE set, and two from the plastic sprues. One of them has the instrument faces molded in and the other has holes instead so you can add decals behind the detail... only thing is that there are no such decals in the Profi Pack kit.



Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox reviewMesserschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox reviewMesserschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review
Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

 Bf-108BEngine and propeller

   The engine is very well detailed as well. The engine block is made of two pieces, and the cylinders come as separate pieces as well as the push rods. There are also engine block cover, exhaust pipes , crank case and mounting structure. The weird thing is that the hatches on the cowling are not meant to be opened and the engine will only be visible from the front air inlet.

Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox reviewMesserschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox reviewMesserschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

Bf-108B - Wings and fuselage

   The wings are made of two upper halves and one lower part. The fuselage is split in two, lengthwise. The tip of the cowling is a separate part. There are two rudder types provided, one of them to be used with marking option B. The control surfaces have nice ribbing detail molded in. As I have written previously, the panel lines are not so delicate as on Eduard's more recent kits but are still excellent.   


Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox reviewMesserschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

  Bf-108B - Canopy.
   On the clear sprue there are a total of 2 parts. One is some landing light and the other - the canopy of the scale model. It seems to be very decent one, the frames are fine and look true to scale. Transparency also leaves the impression of very high quality product. Only thing that I dont like is the fact that the canopy is in one piece and it will be quite a surgery to open those big doors.

Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

 Bf-108B - Undercarriage

The real aircraft have quite simple gear system, two outward closing front legs and a fixed rear wheel.  The wheels look decent as well as the gear doors. There are PE brake lines and oleo scissors to help spice this area up.

Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review  Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

Bf-108B - Photo etched details

  The details on the photo etched fret are focused on the interior but there are a few bits and pieces that are meant to go on other areas. This PE is pre-colored and is produced in the usual high standard and will greatly boost the level of detail of your scale model.

Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun, Eduard 1/48, kit 8054 - plastic scale model kit inbox review

Bf-108B - Decals

   The decals look well made and everything seems to be in register. From what I can recall, building Eduard kits, the decals behave nicely and are trouble free.

Bf-108B - Conclusion.

   The Messerschmitt Bf-108B kit have very impressive quality, if its possible to judge this by only looking at the sprues. There are plenty of details so the scale model can be very impressive even built OOB. The photo etched parts might be a challenge to some of the less experienced modelers but other than that I highly recommend this kit.


Best regards and happy modeling
Metodi Metodiev
25.01.2016

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review

Mil MI-24A

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review

Zvezda models 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review

History

   The Mil Mi-24 (NATO reporting name: Hind) is a large helicopter gunship, attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for eight passengers. It is produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and has been operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force and its successors, along with more than 30 other nations.
 Mi-24A is the first version to enter the Soviet Union air forces. Its most distinctive difference with later models is the greenhouse canopy.

The comprehensive build article is available here: Mil Mi-24A 1/72 scale model build

Inside the box

   The Mi-24A kit comes in what appears to be a top opening box with very attractive painting style box-art. Once you open the lid you'll be surprised to see that the actual box is from sturdy cardboard and again top opening but hinged lid. Inside there are the plastic sprues - tightly packed together. Being 1/72nd scale this model kit is made of lots of pieces - 239 parts, to be precise.
     There are four solid gray sprues, one transparent and a decal sheet.  Overall the quality of the molding looks really high. There is no apparent flash  throughout the sprues but the parting lines on the smaller details are visible. Surface detail is very high quality. 

Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil Mi24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox reviewMil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda models 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox reviewMil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review

Closer inspection 




Mi-24 A: Cockpit

  The shell of fuselage's front section is comprised of three parts - left and right halves plus the greenhouse canopy. 
    The cockpit have the basic architecture well captured. Unfortunately instruments, knobs and other bits are provided only as decals. Here are also the pilot and gunner seat, collective and control columns and some controls for the gunner. The exterior details of the front section are very nice. There are two pitot tubes, the front wheel well and rails for the sliding door but the steps under each door are not available.
     There are also two really nice crew figures included in the kit.  


Mil MI24A Zvezda models 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox reviewMil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda models 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - inbox review


Mi-24 A: Rear portion of the fuselage

    Behind the cockpit, the fuselage comes in two parts and is split vertically. The passenger doors, engine covers, and service hatches for the transmission box are provided as separate details, therefore they can be posed opened or closed.There are slots to fit the wings making that component of the building process easy. The panel lines are fine, crisp and with good depth. If you like rivets.. well get your riveter out. The fuselage of the scale model has the distinctive twist of the real Mi-24 depicted. This, as far as I know, is not the case for any other kit in any scale.  Inside the passenger cabin there is some raised framework.  On the side walls there are some ejector marks but they are not going to be visible. The ceiling comes with nicely molded detail representing the quilted insulation, and a central support with two bench seats.

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox reviewMil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review

Mi-24 A: Engine, gearbox, rotor hub area

   Sitting on top of the cabin are the engines and the reduction gearbox. This compartment is reasonably detailed as well and all will be very visible since the engine cowling and transmission hatches are separate parts and can be posed in open position. The ribbing detail on the interior of those hatches is well done and with careful painting will look excellent. The engines are well reproduced, but will need some extra work, piping in particular.  The intake for the starter engine is well made with very fine details. The shafts that go from the engines to the transmission are also provided.
   The level of detail provided for the rotor hub is impressive as well, but you can add cables that go from the center of the hub to the blades. Speaking of the blades, they are very well made too and have molded in droop. Only thing that I am not particularly happy with is the very prominent ribbing.

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox reviewMil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review

Mi-24 A: Undercarriage

   The front gear leg fits snugly into the wheel well and is nicely detailed, but needs some clean up. The rear is a bit harder to build because the location aid is not so good and the instructions are a little bit vague. The wheels themselves look a bit simple but the real thing is not that complicated either.

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review

Mi-24 A: Armament 

Inside the box you'll find four the UB-32 S-5 rocket pods, four 9M17 “Phalanga” rockets and the forward cannon. Detail is rather good and with only little work you can achieve excellent results. 

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review

Mi-24 A: Clear parts

The transparencies are in very good shape. The frames are slightly raised over the windows leaving a right to scale impression. Both gunners and pilots doors are positionable in closed or opened position.

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review

Mi-24 A: Decals

   The decals are the weak link in the kit. They have severe yellowing  of the carrier film. In my eyes this makes them unusable. 

Mil MI-24 Hind A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review  Mil MI-24A Zvezda 1/72, kit # 7273 - plastic scale model inbox review


Mi-24 A: Conclusion

  Zvezda's kit 7273 of the Mil Mi-24 Hind A is a excellent example of modern tooling. So many details in 1/72 are not seen so often. There are few bumps but the only major issue in my opinion are the decals.  I strongly recommend this kit but also should point out that it is not very suitable for the beginners due to the high detail count.

If You want to see how this kit builds please follow this link: Building the Mil Mi-24 Hind A


Best regards and Happy modeling
Metodi Metodiev