Avis 1/72
Bf 109C-3

Background

The Messerschmitt Bf 109C Caeser was a limited run production series that resolved the armament and wing problems experienced with its predecessor. Developed from the Bruno, the Caeser was powered by the Jumo 210G and armed with two wing-mounted and two nose-mounted MG 17 7.92mm machine guns.

The Bf 109C-3 was supposed to incorporate two 20mm cannons in the wings in place of the MG17s of the Bf 109C-1, but it isn't known how many of the 58 Caesars were produced in its very limited production run before the Dora replaced it on the production line.

The Kit

Avis is a kit brand from the Ukraine that produces a nice series of subjects. One of these series covers the early Bf 109s in 1/72 scale including this one, the Bf 109C-3.

This kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on three parts trees, plus a single clear tree for the canopy. The details are scribed into the surface and are not overdone.

The kit features a simple cockpit as the canopy and windscreen are molded as a single part. If you want to pose the hood open, you'll have to do careful surgery to the clear part or replace it with an aftermarket vac windscreen and hood.

The nose features the large chin radiator with a separately molded radiator flap. The ailerons and elevators are molded in-place in the neutral position, though the rudder is separately molded and positionable.

Markings

Markings are provided for one example:

• Bf 109C-3, White 11, Luftwaffe, 1938

Conclusion

This is a nice kit that should build up into a good model of the Bf 109C. While there are a few early Bf 109s that have been released in the past in 1/72, these don't appear to be readily available now.

Check out the low retail price from HobbyTerra.com! If you've purchased Unimodel kits in the past, you know that some of the US importers place a hefty mark-up on the price. HobbyTerra.com has excellent service to North America and abroad and they offer these same kits at far more reasonable prices.

Recommended!

My sincere thanks to HobbyTerra.com for this review sample!