Hasegawa 1/48 Bf-109K-4 by Scott Van Aken

The final Bf-109 variant to be built was the K model. It took all of the improvements of the G series and combined them into a single airframe. Gone were the bulged cannon feed covers; replaced by a smoother cowling. Also incorporated into this variant was a fully retractable tail wheel and the inclusion of outer gear doors, a modification that was planned for the G series but never incorporated. The K also had the taller tail wheel and the taller fin and rudder that had been applied to later versions. Also standard was the Erla Haube canopy that was standard on the G-10 and later G-14 versions. Similar to most G-10 and some G-14s, the K-4 had the wider wheels that required wide fairings on the upper wing.

All K models were new built airframes and production commenced in late summer of 1944. Actually the planned start-up of the K model was mid 1943, but events (such as a lack of engines and work on the Me-209 and 309) were such that this never occurred. The DB 605D engine was more powerful and as such, consumed more fuel than the earlier versions so range was actually less than the earlier G models. This wasn't really a problem by this time in the war as the Reich was slowly shrinking. Thanks to the relocation of some systems, such as the MW 50 injection system, the balance of the plane was improved to similar to the F models, an aircraft that most 109 pilots have said was the best flying of the lot. A number of aircraft had the outer gear doors removed and the tail wheel fixed in the lowered position.

K models started to enter unit service in numbers during the fall of 1944. No other variants were built other than the K-4, though a number of variants were proposed. Despite a lot of conjecture, no photos of other versions/prototypes have ever surfaced. All 109Ks were built by Messerschmitt, unlike the other versions that were built by a number of companies. To my knowledge, no K models have survived.

First up, the True Details wheels were glued in after enlarging the holes to fit on the axles. Then the inner and outer gear doors were fixed into place as was the tail wheel. I assembled the prop but without the spinner. Then I applied the decals. I used the 9./JG 77 'White 17' markings of Aeromaster 48-223 'Operation Bodenplatte pt 2'. They went on without any problems. After the spiral decal was put on the spinner, it was glued to the backing plate and onto the nose of the plane. The guns were then installed in the cowl. Exhausts, which were painted Burnt Iron, and the glare shields were then glued in place. I left off the aileron balances, Morane antenna and pitot tube until the last. I did attach the radio mast and DF loop antenna, which were hand painted once put on. Then the kit was given a semi-matte coat.

Returning to the bench, I highlighted all the panel lines with dark grey pastels. These were scrubbed into the panel lines and then the entire kit was wiped down with a tissue to remove the excess. The end result is quite pleasing and looks much better on the lighter portions of the aircraft than the dark, where they can barely be seen. Another overcoat with matte to seal in the pastels. Then the other small bits were attached and had the paint touched up. While attaching the canopy in the open position, I noticed that the instrument panel had come adrift! Getting it glued back in was a real chore and I managed to break the resin control stick in the process. I was getting frustrated now so took a few minutes to compose myself. I figured that rather than do more damage trying to attach a radio wire, I'd leave it off. Removing the masks and gently gluing the canopy in place, I took the model to be photographed. Half way through the canopy fell off! I reglued it, finished the photo session and quickly put the model into the display case before I broke something else.

KIT #	JT 63 (9063)
PRICE:	$25.95 MSRP
DECALS:	Two aircraft
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
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