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Bf 109C-1 Kit

Avis 1/72 Bf 109C-1 Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

Date of Review June 2009 Manufacturer Avis
Subject Bf 109C-1 Scale 1/72
Kit Number 72012 Primary Media Styrene
Pros Simple build Cons
Skill Level Basic MSRP (USD) $14.60

First Look

Bf 109C-1 Kit
Bf 109C-1 Kit
Bf 109C-1 Kit
Bf 109C-1 Kit

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-1 also incorporated a strengthened wing to support the additional load from the wing-mounted machine guns.

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-1. What is interesting in this release is the inclusion of the fixed-pitch propeller from the Bf 109B-1, so you can backdate this release to the early Bruno if you cover over the gun ports on the wings.

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 are provided for two examples:

  • Bf 109C-1, N+4, IV(N) JG 3, Luftwaffe, Norway, 1940
  • Bf 109C-1, 6-47, Legion Condor, Spain, 1938

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.

Recommended!

My sincere thanks to HobbyTerra for this review sample!