Rise of the wolf: The Bf-109R-2 'Rudi'

[r0t0rdr1ver]

Following the success of Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein, and the sudden death of Stalin which halted the Soviet advance in the East, the German forces found themselves defending their own borders. Whilst the new jets/rockets were promising, the tried and tested Bf-109 and Fw-190 versions still formed the bulk of the Luftwaffe's fighting force. In the case of the Fw-190 it was the Ta-152 series that now ruled. Alongside it was the new Bf-109R (“Rudiâ€) series – the Bf-109R-2 being the first variant to enter wide-spread service.

 

The Rudis were perhaps the greatest change since the Bf-109F/G series were introduced. Based upon the Bf-109K, the R-2 was fitted with a DB-605L engine with a two-stage supercharger and MW-50 water-methanol injection giving just over 2000HP. This drove a new 6 bladed contra-rotating prop which not only gave greater thrust (speeds in excess of 725 km/hr (450 mph) were regularly attained), but also helped reduce the take-off/landing difficulties long associated with the Bf-109 series. Standard armament consisted of a single MK-108 30 mm Motorkanone firing through the propeller hub and twin MG-151/15 15 mm cowling guns. The greatest visible difference however was the new cut down rear decking/all round bubble canopy. Copying the ideas already seen in the similar late war Spitfire series, this was introduced at the request of pilots who argued that even the so-called “Galland Hood†of the late G/K series wasn't sufficient. This new canopy was similar in basic design to that developed for the new Me-262, but designed to match the contours of the smaller Bf-109. It also featured cockpit pressurization.

 

By the time the war ended in February 1946, over 1200 of the new Rudi series had been produced.

Edited May 28, 2015 by r0t0rdr1ver

[r0t0rdr1ver]

Hoping to resurrect this for the What-if GB currently running, and also as a tribute to Russ Camp, who generously provided many of the parts to complete this project. Additional mods will include a tall tail, and perhaps a variation on armament. Not sure about markings yet!

 

Back story and profile drawing courtesy of Greg Twiner (GTX) over at what-if modellers. Thanks again Greg!

 

Edited May 27, 2015 by r0t0rdr1ver

[r0t0rdr1ver]

I initially started this build with the ProMod 109G-4/Trop kit, grafting on the rear deck etc. from a 1/32 Hasegawa Me-262 donor kit. Eventually a nice surprise showed up in the mail courtesy of our late friend Russ (ruzlkampf) in the form of a complete 1/32 Hasegawa 109K, so that I could do the build according to the back story. So, in due course, I will be grafting on the nose and other pieces of his kit to essentially have a K-4 as a base to modify into the 'Rudi'.

 

Some aftermarket items I have and may use parts from are Radu's belts and rudder pedals, Master Details 109 detail set, and an Eagle Editions rad fairing. Here's the usual obligatory opener...

 

Edited May 28, 2015 by r0t0rdr1ver

[LSP_Kevin]

This is an amazing build! I'm not normally into 'what ifs', but this one is fascinating, as it's so off the beaten track that it's almost sci-fi. I'll be watching this one avidly.

 

Kev

[fam43]

Hi,

 

You're on the way bulilding a better looking Bf 109. Nice project will trace it.

[Allok]

This looks like Sooo much fun and you're making it look easy.

Does it have trike U/C like the 309?

[JamesHatch]

I've never been a fan of variant 'what ifs' but this looks amazing. Great work so far. This really fires the imagination.

[rotary]

thought this might catch your imagination james. i also am not very much interested in 'what if's' but it is an unusual and 'futuristic' looking thing is'nt it. sorry haven't been in loft for couple of weeks---injured back keeping me more or less sedentary at present---will get back to you though, haven't forgot mate.

dave.

[ruzlkampf]

Ooooh yeah. LIKE IT!!! I do believe I've got some of those wheel bulges you're looking for; PM me with an addy, and I'll hook ya up dude! Are you going to go with a tall tail too? Be happy to slide one on over the border to help with this project if you need it too? Can't wait to see where this build will go....veeery interesting.

[maverick728470]

Considering the What If to this 109 and trying to figure out what type of guns and etc.I would say to u.that it would be a toss up for what u may want to add or whatever would look nice on her.And from all the info from a certain site.The builder as u'erself has the option to do just about anyhting u want.

That tail as to the hole u have could need some bondo or plastic wood filler as to finishing that portion .Everything esle is a done deal and u have a great start doing this and would really like to see her in paint.And that to maybe a whole new idea as to what it would look like.And on top of that.U would have a one of a kind 109 in u'er stable.And guys would wonder where u got that 109.

Keep up the great work u'er doing and i'm sure u'll get her done.Larry

[big matt]

Oh, Man! That thing is gonna be awesome. Now my head is spinning with potential paint schemes. I really like the back story as well. The Stalin part was genius.

 

More updates soon I hope.

 

Matt

[Spads57]

Now that's cool a Messerfocke.What a fantastic What-if project.

Regards,

Gregory Jouette

[r0t0rdr1ver]

Thanks Gents! As always, I would love to hear your feedback, criticism, and ideas!!

Edited May 27, 2015 by r0t0rdr1ver

[Don Watters]

would love to hear your feedback, criticism, and ideas!!

 

Looks great!! I quite like the 'what if' concept, as much from a design standpoint as anything.

 

With the fuselage spine cut down, maybe the rudder needs to be taller for yaw control (ala what happened with the transition from the P51 B to D model and the loss of some of this stability). I note you have a fillet installed, albeit a low profile one, so I'd say you've already thought along those lines!

 

You refer to the Ta 152, and say this 'what if' is the Messerschmitt equivalent. If this is the 'Ta152 H' series equivalent, maybe bigger wingspan? If so, that would require wider landing gear, which gets away from the original idea.

 

Armament? Looks like the 'over engine' bulges and MG131 installation is unchanged (looking at the original design) from the late G and K 109s, so would the MG151s fit? Maybe wing mounted cannons inboard? Again, this would require a design shift to a wide stance landing gear setup.

 

It's a great idea, a very clever design and I look forward to see how you finish your model.

[Astro32]

What a great idea! I think it'll look awesome. What-ifs are a fun way to work the imagination. One consideration on the build I'd suggest is to have the rear fuselage, at the point where the rear canopy is, to be at least the same height as the engine cowl where it meets the windscreen. In real life with the rear fuselage as low as it is so far on your build, there would potentially be a lot of turbulence hitting the tail surfaces. I'm not making any criticism in any way; just offering the benefit of my experience! I've been considering doing something similar to a '190D, so when I'm done with what's on the bench I might pull the trigger on that! But to be able to do that I'll need to get more work done on the house; that's another story.....