1/48 Pro Modeler

 Messerschmitt Bf 110G-4

by Bill Lachance

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This is my build of Pro Modeler's Messerschmitt Bf 110G-4 Nightfighter. I used the Verlinden update set and Aeromaster decals.

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Using the Verlinden set required a lot of work. I removed the slats, flaps, elevators, and rudders from the kit at the scribed lines. When I went to add the resin slats and elevators, I noticed that the Verlinden items were smaller than the areas I had removed. I used sheet styrene to fill the gaps. The engine was a tight fit. I had to add the bearers after the engine was placed in the nacelle. I left the "Schrage Musik" cannons loose so they would fit through the openings in the rear canopy. The nose gun package fit very well, and I added some hydraulic and electrical lines from solder and copper wire.

The kit canopy was not a good fit. As I didn't want to install and mask the guns, I left it off until after painting. This resulted in the gap at the rear, which may not have been as bad if I hadn't used the resin guns. The windscreen was attached before painting, and much filler was required to fair it into the fuselage.

I painted the my nachtjager using Model Master enamels. The airframe is RLM 76 overall, with a "wave mirror pattern" of RLM 74 and 75 sprayed freehand. The guns and flame dampers are Model Master non-buffing Gunmetal, and the exhausts were brush painted with MM non-buffing Burnt Iron.

One of the last items to be added was the landing light in the port wing's leading edge. This was lost as I was about to install it. I am sure that NORAD is tracking it's orbit around the planet at this time. I have since obtained a replacement from a fellow modeler.

This was a fun, but challenging build. It certainly stands out on the shelf.

Bill 

Visit my website to see other models of mine, I also build models on commission.  http://www.pix.prettyneatinc.com/

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Photos and text © by Bill Lachance