HGW Models Messerschmitt BF109E-7 Trop 1:32

Final completion…

Time to fit that glorious engine. What I did find is that the alignment is a little tricky, especially on the lower engine mounts, I suggest removing the two small tabs shown.

The engine frame mounts are all that is supporting the main block to the fuselage, so propping this up and letting the glue set fully is highly recommended.

Also ensuring the frames are aligned perpendicular to the airframe centreline.
The propellor and upper cowls are painted, although I do not intend to fit the main top cowl.

The seat is pre-painted in a Dark Green and some aluminium weathering applied, before tackling the HGW Fabric Seat Belts.

The seat belt set comes with photo-etch buckles and a small reference photograph.

Instructions to assemble the seat belts are clear and concise, just a little finicky.

HGW’s recommendations on how to finish the fabric speak for themselves.

I have to admit, in comparison to belts made from Tamiya tape or photo-etch, these look absolutely fantastic in this large scale.

Lastly comes the windscreen and canopy components, where HGW supply a set of masks from Miryoku of Japan.

Accuracy of the masks both inside and outside is excellent.

Before fitting the canopy parts I added some desert weathering and some exhaust staining, plus a little behind the gun ports on the wing upper surfaces.

I am calling this one DONE!

Conclusions and Gallery and PDF…