1/32 Kotare Messerschmitt Bf109 K-4

[monthebiff]

I've been waiting patiently for this one to arrive and when I arrived home from work I was very happy to find it had been delivered so time to clear the bench and get cracking

 

 

I have a couple of AIMS decal sheets with K-4's on but in the end decided to go for one of the kit options 

 

 

 

First things first and I have to say the instruction book is just beautifully done with nearly 50 pages printed on really good quality paper and a joy to read, However I was extremely disappointed that this is my third Kotare kit purchase and my third kit to include a damaged/ torn instruction book

 

 

Very disappointing as it's a high end kit and they seem to have an issue with the bagged sprues catching and ripping the pages. Come on Kotare how about bagging the book with the decals as this is really not good a d takes the shine of unboxing a new kit I have paid my hard earned for!

 

The first few steps cover the decals positiong and painting of the cockpit and are very clear and concise

 

 

 

 

And so on to cutting some plastic and I've got to say it is exceptionally well done with a similar cockpit build sequence as the ZM G-14 which is no suprise since it's from the hand of the same designer.

 

First up is the pilots seat pan with moulded belts and what an impressive piece of moulding it is, super thin with excellent detail

 

 

and fits the cockpit rear bulkhead like a glove

 

 

I won't be using the patt with the moulded belts as my painting skills are not up to the job so will use a set of HGW belts

 

 

The cockpit is a very simple build with excellent fit and minimal parts with some seriously finely moulded details

 

 

 

 

And I can confirm it looks even better with a coat of paint.

 

This has been very well worth the wait, very well tought out and so far a very enjoyable build.

 

Regards. Andy

 

[Mal_Belford]

Yaih....for the brave ones only, and you are brave.

 

Heard and read alot about Kotare kits, good and bad..

but not on this kit.

 

Looking forward to see more.

Edited July 26, 2025 by Mal_Belford

[Martinnfb]

Pure sex, please continue.

 

[BloorwestSiR]

13 minutes ago, Martinnfb said:

Pure sex, please continue.

 

 

Yes, yes. More please! Especially for those of us living vicariously through your build. 

 

Carl

[Mark P]

FYI...if you opt to weather up the cockpit, the seat pan on the Bf 109 K was made of wood, not metal.

 

Mark Proulx

[Martinnfb]

[Out2gtcha]

Nice!

 

Also......one of the most unique box art ideas I've seen. Very cool.

[monthebiff]

5 hours ago, Mark P said:

FYI...if you opt to weather up the cockpit, the seat pan on the Bf 109 K was made of wood, not metal.

 

Mark Proulx

 

4 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Thank you for reminding me Mark followed by a great shot from Martin. The kit parts are pretty good compared to that picture.

 

Regards. Andy

[monthebiff]

So some more done and a test fit of the cockpit main components

 

 

 

Fit is excellent and one thing I've noticed compared to their Spitfire kits is the tolerances are not as super tight and makes for a very nice build so far.

 

One quick thing to mention is there are some substantial molding stubs that need removing front the back of each cockpit sidewalls and floor which is not mentioned in the instructions

 

 

 

Managed to get some colour on and initial painting completed before gloss coat, decals and weathering 

 

 

 

 

I've used AK Real Colors RLM66 (Late) on this one which I've used a few times before on some late war 109 builds.

 

Regards. Andy 

[ChuckT]

Will be watching this one closely.
 

Thanks for sharing, 

Chuck.

[Uncarina]

Go Andy Go! This is looking soooo good.

 

Cheeers,  Tom

[Antonio Argudo]

very nice start, to keep in mind also plywood were the rest foot floor and the pilot's compartment door 

 

[monthebiff]

2 hours ago, Antonio Argudo said:

very nice start, to keep in mind also plywood were the rest foot floor and the pilot's compartment door 

 

Thank you Antonio, was aware of the floor being made of plywood but not the door as well.

 

Regards. Andy

[monthebiff]

I'm really liking the way Kotore have tacked the wheel wells on this kit and kept part count very low a d si ole to build with lovely crisp detail

 

 

thats just 2 parts with outer wall being the second part, you need to open up 2 holes in each which is for the undercarriage doors

 

 

The more I look at the sprues the more I see the way they have engineered in extra potential for many more varia t releases down the way just as on the Spifrire range from them.

 

The wheel wells then attach to the wing spar

 

 

which then just drop in to place on the lower wing 

 

 

Very simple but very effective, and then a view from below

 

 

Very much enjoying this build so far and I really do hope Kotare expand their range of 109's in the future as the K-4 is magnificent.

 

Regards. Andy

[FW190A-5]

My pre-ordered K-4 landed in New York yesterday. Looking forward to drooling over parts in a couple days. Sadly she will have to wait awhile as I am currently dancing with a 1/24 Stuka. 

 But will definitely follow along here with your build Andy. Thanks for sharing, John