Messerschmitt Bf 109B Republican by Phil Hale (Classic Airframes 1/48)

Classic Airframes' kit 4123
Early Bf 109

by Phil Hale

Messerschmitt Bf 109

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 A is available online from Squadron

Introduction

I’m baaack and yes, it is another 109.

I thought I’d do something a little different this time and maybe create a little controversy. During the Spanish Civil War, a Bf-109s was forced down intact and captured by the Republican Forces. They tested it and then sent it to Russia for testing via France.

With help from Brett Green and Steven Eisenman, I found some photos but none showing the tail, thus the possible controversy. Thanks, guys.

Painting and Markings

Some will say that the Republicans painted the rudder red because they painted out the rest of the Nationalist’s markings with red. Red wing tips/red fuselage band was a Republican identity feature as was the red/yellow/purple rudder.

Once source informed me that this aircraft was never flown in combat so there would be little need for ID markings. I thought the red/yellow/purple rudder added a splash of color, so I took a little artistic license and viola a red/yellow/purple rudder. (I know, I know artistic license to some modelers is like screaming “fire” in a crowded movie theatre. It may not be deadly accurate but it lends a more pleasing model). It was like I had no control of my fingers, they wanted some color on this airplane. I’m sure by now there are 109 purists on the way to their nearest emergency room with a massive coronary but this is my 109 and you all can do yours any way you want. By the way, “you all” in the south is plural for “y’all”.

Conclusion

Well, I would like to hear from anyone that has a photo of the 109 showing the tail in Republican markings. I’m like everyone else, I’d just like to know what it really looked like.

Thanks again to Jules at CA and Brett and Steve for the invaluable help. Got to go. I can hear another 109 calling my name...