ZM Bf109 G-14/U4 - My Return to the Hobby Build: You Didn't Come This Far to Stop

[Cycling Guy]

Hi Everyone,

 

It's been quite some time since I browed the forums or built an aircraft - almost all of which became abandoned projects. Like most people who are re-joining the hobby, I was astounded to see how much things have changed for the better. What a time to be alive. The work of others on here has inspired me to post my work, because just by observing, I've learned so much. 

 

This go around I wanted to change the way I approached the hobby, call it reframing my perspective, so that I finish my projects and enjoy the process. I thought the best way to do this is to set some goals for myself, what I wanted to build, and what I wanted to get out of this build:

 

I wanted to build:

• 1/32 small-ish WWII aircraft
• Mostly OOB, but wouldn't shy away from a PE IP, resin wheels, turned barrels, etc.
• Well engineered kit that goes together well that I ALREADY HAD in my stash (Tamiya Corsair, Zero, Spitfire or ZM Skyraider, BF109)

I wanted to challenge myself to:

• Complete as clean of a build as possible
• OOB finish with decals 
  • I can't seem to find paint masks for German BF109s
• Use cloth seat belts (this goes back to my childhood love of modeling)

I wanted to actually finish this build

• Develop a fluid build plan
• If I make a mistake, don't stress - this is supposed to be fun
  • Lord knows your stash is bigger than your girlfriend realizes

 

After all of that, I settled on the Zoukei Mura Bf109 G-14/U4. I also added the Eduard Cockpit PE, Airscale German Seatbelts, ZM Resin Wheels, and ZM Turned Metal Barrels. I also got the metal landing gear, but found that the plastic was better for what I wanted to do - finish the build as best I could.

 

 

I am writing this post as I've essentially completed the build - below are some (bad quality) in progress images I took; I will follow up with proper ones one I actually set up a light box. During my build I followed the advice of some folks who've completed the same kit and its been very helpful - again, thank you all for being a source of inspiration. I made some mistakes around the nose as the engine did not seem to fit the firewall properly. That dimensional shift caused some issues when fitting the nose panels, but thats life. I'll get it right on the next go around.

 

Thanks for tuning in and rolling with me. It feels good to be doing this again after 10 years.

 

Cockpit - In Process

 

 

Current Progress

 

 

Next up is to prime mask the wheel wells and gear to paint the pockets the wing surface controls sit in, fill the gap between the cockpit tub and fuselage, and mask the radiators once attached.

 

Edited September 9 by Cycling Guy
I forgot how to embed images

[LSP_Kevin]

Welcome back to the fray!

 

Just a note about posting images. The forum software only works with direct image links, meaning no HTML or bbCode. So rather than this:

 

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/198819925@N02/53072224893/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0733"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53072224893_f3b2d8c929_h.jpg" width="1600" height="1200" alt="IMG_0733"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

You just want this:

 

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53072224893_f3b2d8c929_h.jpg

 

Which will give you this, when you paste it into the post edit window:

 

 

Looks good!

 

You can edit the links in your original post, of if you can't figure it out, let me know, and I can tidy it up for you.

 

Kev

[Cycling Guy]

13 minutes ago, LSP_Kevin said:

Welcome back to the fray!

 

Just a note about posting images. The forum software only works with direct image links, meaning no HTML or bbCode. So rather than this:

 

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/198819925@N02/53072224893/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0733"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53072224893_f3b2d8c929_h.jpg" width="1600" height="1200" alt="IMG_0733"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

You just want this:

 

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53072224893_f3b2d8c929_h.jpg

 

Which will give you this, when you paste it into the post edit window:

 

 

Looks good!

 

You can edit the links in your original post, of if you can't figure it out, let me know, and I can tidy it up for you.

 

Kev

 

Thats exactly what I was just doing...woof. I need my training wheels again.

Edited August 8 by Cycling Guy

[LSP_Kevin]

9 minutes ago, Cycling Guy said:

 

Thats exactly what I was just doing...woof. I need my training wheels again.

 

Excellent! Build looks great so far.

 

Kev

[Troy Molitor]

Looks great so far.  Thanks for sharing.  

[Thunnus]

Man, I know how you feel! I re-started model building about 10 years ago and was really excited to find that model building was alive and well.  Different than what I remember but imminently more accessible due to the internet.  Excellent work on the G cockpit... looks like your skills have not rusted away!  Solid photography as well!

[Gazzas]

Welcome back!  Kit is looking good.

[mozart]

Good to see you and your model here CG, all’s looking very good indeed for a returning kit. Onwards and upwards!! 

[monthebiff]

Nice workband good to see another ZM G-14 being built.

 

Regards. Andy 

[Antonio Argudo]

welcome back to modelling mate, an especially with a 109, I should advice  about the footrest being plywood so no metallic chipping,  will you use kit decals or will you do a different scheme?looking forward this build, cheers

Edited August 9 by Antonio Argudo

[Cycling Guy]

17 hours ago, Thunnus said:

Man, I know how you feel! I re-started model building about 10 years ago and was really excited to find that model building was alive and well.  Different than what I remember but imminently more accessible due to the internet.  Excellent work on the G cockpit... looks like your skills have not rusted away!  Solid photography as well!

It’s insane to see. And with the advent of 3D printing I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface. 
 

Also, your work is immaculate. I’ve got your tempest build book marked for when I build mine. Your current build is also incredible. I’m humbled and inspired. I'm also an engineer - its insane to see what people in my field are capable of!

Edited August 9 by Cycling Guy

[Cycling Guy]

1 hour ago, Antonio Argudo said:

welcome back to modelling mate, an especially with a 109, I should advice  about the footrest being plywood so no metallic chipping,  will you use kit decals or will you do a different scheme?looking forward this build, cheers

Good to know for next time! This definitely isn’t my last Gustav!

[Cycling Guy]

7 hours ago, Gazzas said:

Welcome back!  Kit is looking good.

Your build was the deciding factor. Really appreciate how well you documented your work. 

[Oldbaldguy]

Ref the plywood in the floor:  just flow a thin light tan colored wash over the offending part and it will be spot-on.  Oh, and we’re going to need for you to swear on a stack of something that you’ve been away from the bench for a decade because I just ain’t seeing it in your work.  Same goes for some of you other “I just came back to modeling after living in a yeti colony in the Himalayas for the last fifty years” guys.  All you guys are killing it.

[Uncarina]

What he said!

 

Cheers,  Tom