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Cutting Edge Modelworks

1/32 Resin Bf-109B-1 Airframe Conversion set

product # CEC32135 for Hasegawa Bf-109E kit from Meteor Productions

Review by Steve Bamford on Nov 22 2007

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This new resin Bf-109A Airframe Conversion set from Cutting Edge Modelworks is a very welcome item for modellers interested in building the less common pre-"Emil" models of the Bf-109.  This is a very complete set and if you want to take your early 109 a step further you can also use the Cutting Edge Modelworks 1/32 Bf-109 A/B/C/D super detailed cockpit set (CEC32132) as well as decals from Cutting Edge Modelworks for these early Bf-109's. 

Taking on a conversion of this high level of sophistication requires an experienced modeler and a high degree of patience.  You will be required to cut the kit fuselage to make room for the resin conversion parts.  Test fitting of the resin parts and sanding and filing will be required to make this set fit.  The parts include a new engine cowling to reflect the Jumo 210 engine used by this early version of the Bf-109 instead of the later DB 601 motor found in the Bf-109E's.  The additional heat generated by the DB 601 engine, required a major redesign, so additional radiators were installed in the wings, and an oil cooler was installed beneath the engine.  The Jumo 210 motor had it's radiator mount below the engine and used a chin radiator.  The Bf-109A also used the 2 bladed prop as opposed to the 3 bladed props of the later Bf-109 models.
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This set includes a large selection of parts including;

  • a new lower wing

  • beautifully crafted fabric covered flaps

  • highly detailed main wheel well bays which can be used instead of the bland gear bays on the resin wing insert

  • 2 bladed prop

  • front and rear windscreen

  • upper and lower engine cowling pieces (11 pieces including the radiator and exhausts)

  • radiator

  • drilled out exhausts 

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I liked the way the front top openings are done at the front of the top engine cowling.  These are hollowed out and slightly raised.  If you want to open them up you can do this simply by sanding them flat and they will open up automatically.  If you want to keep one or more of them closed then you apply a  bit of filler from behind and sand the outside flush and the vent will stay closed.

The main gear bays on the resin wing insert are very bland, but you also get a set of highly detailed resin gear bays that you can use instead of the ones already molded into the resin wing.  This will requiring cutting the bland gear bay out of the resin wing and fitting the highly detailed resin gear bays into the resin wing.......much dry fitting is advisable for this part of the conversion.  Please do not inhale resin dust.......wear a respirator or do your cutting and filing under water.  

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The 4 pages of instructions include a step by step process using photos and text to help you cut up your 1/32 Hasegawa Bf-109E and transform it into a Bf-109B-1 using this resin conversion set 

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Resin casting is of a very high quality and all the detail is very well done with no air bubbles.  This new resin conversion set from Cutting Edge Modelworks will permit you to add a 1/32 Bf-109B-1 to your display case.  You also have the option of building all the Bf-109s with the help of the other Bf-109 conversion sets from Cutting Edge Modelworks  for the Bf-109A (CEC32134) and the Bf-109C/D (CEC32136).

Steve

I would like to thank Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford

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