[Cruver Collecter]

Well finally got around to take a good long look at my Hobby Masters Bf 110G-2 and these are some of the observations that I made. When I first saw the model, it seemed like the rudders might be just a little too big. After some measuring, I found that they were just a little tall by 1/16^th of an inch (Would be about 4 ½ inches on the real thing). There is also the issue with the aileron mass balances being on backwards. Some forum members previously noted canopy was not correct. Canopy on the model is consistent with a Bf 110 F and earlier, so yep that would be an error. Also mentioned was the hump on the engine nacelles and this does appear to have been done correctly. Close up picture I have on landing gear and gear wells indicate that HM did a pretty good job on the landing gear. After going over the model with a fairly anal-retentive eye, I was nicely surprised that they did a pretty good job on the access panels and panel lines. Model does have a few errors and mottling could have been done better, but overall I am real pleased with this model. I look forward to their future releases (Be nice if they corrected the canopy issue and aileron balances though).

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

After some measuring, I found that they were just a little tall by 1/16^th of an inch (Would be about 4 ½ inches on the real thing).

Now that's what I call going over with an "anal retentive eye."

And folks think I am anal about exposed screwheads and jet engine intakes!

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Now that's what I call going over with an "anal retentive eye."

And folks think I am anal about exposed screwheads and jet engine intakes!

Rivet counter sounds boring, anal retentive, now thats worth a chuckle.

[leeG]

Regarding the rear canopy of the G-2. The original picture of the Bf 110-G2/R3 (see the Hobbymaster Nov 2007 monthly leaflet available on Hawkonevoodoo's Hobby Master Collector site) appears to be from squadron/signal publications Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer in action, color profile of G-2/R3 "2N+EM" on page 26. This profile has the wrong aft canopy but the correct MG81Z twin mount machine gun. Which is what Hobbymaster built. Elsewhere, this reference shows the correct line drawing for the G2 rear canopy on page 45. It also has a photograph of this same airplane on page 49, clearly showing the correct rear canopy. Considering the accuracy and fine detail of the model, I can't believe they missed this as other references and drawings must have been used, and it was pointed out on this and the Diecast Aviation forums.

I'm wondering if they don't have plans for other 110 versions. The differences between the 110 marks are mainly in the rudder, nose, propeller spinner and engine nacelle profile. The basic wing, fuselage and horizontal stabilizer are the same. Hobbymaster has a good base with this mold to produce pretty much any version of the 110 they like. The model's nose looks to be designed for easy change, and switching rudders and prop spinners is simple. The engine nacelles are more of a problem, but the canopy on the current G2 is really for the B, C, D, E and F versions.

Wouldn't it be nice to see a shark mouth Battle of Britian day fighter and a wasp nose fighter bomber to go along with their Defense of the Reich heavy fighter and radar-equipped night fighter? It would make me happy.

[Cruver Collecter]

I use the Squadron Publications In Actions series quite when researching an aircraft. Another good source I have found has been the Aero Details series. The one I have on the Bf 110 is fantastic. First part of the issue usually goes over the existing museum aircraft (or in some case several aircraft) provided close up pictures of the different sections of the aircraft. this usually followed up by scale drawings ( is some cases measurements) to show how aircraft varied in its different model variations. Also included are drawings and pictures of different armament configurations. The Bf 110 issue covers variation difference from the initial prototype through the final production model. I have issues for the Bf 109G, Spitfire Mk. I-V, Fw 190 A/F, Ju 88 and He 111. I have found these to be excellent reference material.

[leeG]

I'll have to look for the Aero Details series.

My main Bf-110 references are:

1. The Messerschmitt Bf 110 in Color Profile 1939-1945(Schiffer Military History) by John Vasco and Fernando Estanislau.
2. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 20 - German Night Fighters Aces of World War 2.
3. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 25 - Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer Aces of World War 2.
4. Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer in action, Squadron/Signal publications aircraft No. 30.
5. Messerschmitt Bf 110G, Squadron/Signal publications Walk Around No. 24.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by leeG

I'll have to look for the Aero Details series.

My main Bf-110 references are:

1. The Messerschmitt Bf 110 in Color Profile 1939-1945(Schiffer Military History) by John Vasco and Fernando Estanislau.
2. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 20 - German Night Fighters Aces of World War 2.
3. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 25 - Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer Aces of World War 2.
4. Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer in action, Squadron/Signal publications aircraft No. 30.
5. Messerschmitt Bf 110G, Squadron/Signal publications Walk Around No. 24.

I have 2 through 5 of the books you have listed, and really enjoyed reading the two Osprey publications. As far as the Aero Details go, I do remember seeing them carried online by folks at Historic Aviation. Be careful though, you can really get hooked on these publications.

[leeG]

Originally Posted by leeG

I'll have to look for the Aero Details series.

My main Bf-110 references are:

1. The Messerschmitt Bf 110 in Color Profile 1939-1945(Schiffer Military History) by John Vasco and Fernando Estanislau.
2. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 20 - German Night Fighters Aces of World War 2.
3. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 25 - Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer Aces of World War 2.
4. Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer in action, Squadron/Signal publications aircraft No. 30.
5. Messerschmitt Bf 110G, Squadron/Signal publications Walk Around No. 24.

I just received another "essential" Bf 110 reference:

Messerschmitt Bf110 C, D and E - An Illustrated Study, By John Vasco and Fernando Estanislau, ISBN 978-190322389-5.

It covers variants, weapons and equipment. Lots of black and white photos and a few color. It includes illustrations and drawings from tech and maintenance manuals, and color profiles showing individual mark configuration details. It includes structural and systems details, both cockpit's instrumentation and controls, camouflage and stencilling. Ever wonder how the plumbing of the hydraulic tank was run? The fuel system? Where to apply the grease for the flying controls? Highly recommended for the rivet counter.