HGW Models Messerschmitt BF109E-7 Trop 1:32

The fuselage halves fit perfectly, although I would suggest not gluing the wing spars, the forward fuselage to the cockpit floor or the wing roots at this stage.

The side frames in the cockpit walls need a little help to attach to the fuselage sides, however they align perfectly on each side into their slots.

Problems arise…

This is the point where we can see a well documented problem on this kit.

The fit of the L shaped cowling forward of the windscreen and the windscreen itself is poor. I have read many fixes to this, ranging from major surgery to omitting the internal details completely, but it is worth taking the time to look at what the problem really is.

Quite clearly the cowling and windscreen parts are too narrow, or the fuselage is too wide in this area?

Here is my take of the situation…

Everything stems from two small tabs located on the fuselage halves (arrows in orange) that appear to have two purposes. Firstly, to locate under the instrument panel and secondly to then make a standoff for the sides to create a gap (arrows in yellow) for the cowling tabs (arrows in red below) to slot into.

By carefully removing those tabs the fuselage sides can be drawn together, which narrows the whole area. You will need a clamp for this action and plenty time for glue to set.

The cowling tabs need to be removed as the gap is now gone.

One problem solved…

Read on…