A new Me Bf109 E4 in 1/72...

We've seen one or two of the recent 1/48 Me 109 releases from Airfix, and now they have turned to the smaller 1/72 scale as well.  This latest release, with new moulds, is an Me 109 E4, with markings for an example flown by Oberleutnant Franz von Werra of I/JG 3 in France during 1940.

The whole model is contained on two grey plastic sprues, plus a third small one in clear plastic for the canopy.  Panel line detail is delightful, and you have options to assemble the undercarriage up or down, flaps up or down and canopy open or closed.  There is basic detail included inside the cockpit, a neat little piliot figure if you want to fit one, and transfers provided for the instrument panel as well.  The basic engine is moulded integrally with the fuselage halves, so you can leave the engine cover off in a diorama if that is what you'd like to display.

The other sign of current Airfix releases is that the transfer sheet also includes the many often tiny stencils that also need to be fitted around the airframe.  Colour guide and transfer placement is provided for in a colour illustration on the back of the box.  More detailed paint details are included within the assembly instruction sequence.  All round a really nice new little kit and ideal of course for those interested in the Battle of Britain period.