Kotare 1/32 Bf-109K-4: Pics of the Completed Model

Hey Everyone!  I hope you’re getting some bench time in.

Well, here she is in all her glory.  The Kotare 1/32 Bf-109K4 is finished!  Just an absolutely fabulous kit.  It really was a joy to build and paint.  It was a quick build for me; just a little over 60 days.  The quick build time was definitely due to the superb engineering throughout the build.  I have to give huge props to the Kotare design team.  They really did a fantastic job on this kit.

I thoroughly enjoyed the painting process on this model.  From the late war 109K camo, to the painted markings and stencils.  Layer upon layer of various shades of paint really added to the overall finish.  Several sessions with various Prisma Color pencils added chips and wear to the model.  Aside from a Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color wash, all of the weathering was accomplished using the airbrush.  I may have spent 10 days from start of the build, to ready for paint, but I spent almost a month and a half painting.  I hope the work shows in the final build.

I’ve already hit specifics of the kit in previous posts, so I’ll just focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the kit.

Strengths.

1. Engineering Fit and Finish.  The fit throughout was just fantastic.  No major issues that significantly impacted the build.  Cockpit assembly, wing to fuselage, landing gear, etc.. all had great fit; especially the main landing gear/wheel and strut assembly.  This is without a doubt the best fitting landing gear assembly I have ever experienced in any kit, EVER!  Yes folks, it’s that good!  I didn’t even need glue.  Just unreal.  As for the rest of the kit, of course there are a few areas that may need a little more attention than others (more on that later), but overall Engineering is a highlight and makes this kit so worth while.
2. Realism and Detail.  The attention to detail regarding the not so perfect fitting forward fuselage sections that is done on purpose, really looks cool on the finished model.  On the real aircraft, panels rarely lined up perfectly, so Kotare did a great job replicating this in scale.
3. Cockpit Detail.  Once assembled, it looks like a full resin cockpit.  Just unreal how good it is.  And the seat belts… just gorgeous and engineered so well.
4. Clear Parts.  Oh man, just beautiful!  Absolutely crystal clear!  Attaching them is also a high point.  Just makes for worry free attachment.
5. Restrained Rivet Detail.  Thank you Kotare for not riveting the hell out of the kit.  There are rivets, but they are in perfect places and just the right amount.

Weaknesses.

1.  Horizontal Stab Assembly.  I had a slight issue getting the Horizontal stab to be aligned so that it would sit parallel to the surface. I just took it slow and adjusted the fit as the glue dried.  Just pay attention to the alignment and you’ll be good to go.
2. Starboard Main Flap Installation.  I had an issue with the alignment of the right (starboard) side main flap.  There are two tabs that are used to help align the flap when you attach it.  Be careful because the starboard flap at first glance will fit fine, but it will sit at a different angle than the left side.  The left side fit great and at the correct angle, so start with that flap first.  Test fit the right side and compare it to the left.  You’ll notice small gaps in the forward corners of the top part of the starboard flap where it attached to the top of the wing.  Make sure and test fit prior to gluing and painting.  I trimmed down the two tabs on the forward part of the starboard flap, and added two small pieces of styrene on each side of the top/outer area of the leading section of the flap to get it to line up and fit without a gap.   Just make sure and test fit over and over to ensure the flaps are aligned and even with each other.

Final Thoughts and Overall Impression.

Well, what else can I say.  One of the best kits I’ve ever built.  Definitely the best 109 I’ve ever built.  If you are a fan of 109’s, or not, I can highly recommend this kit.  It’s accurate, easy to build, loaded with detail, and just a fantastic kit.  I can’t wait to start another.  Seriously folks, it’s that good.  “Kit of the Year” IMO.

Thanks again to Kotare and Mark Robson for providing a test shot and trusting me to finish the kit.  Also, a huge thank you to all the Geeks that have been keeping me going and providing encouragement to keep the press on and get to the finish line.

That’s a wrap!  Thanks again everyone.  Have a great day and get out there and build something.  See ya!!

-Nemo