Marek BF109E 1:33 Build

**Charles Swart** · #1 08-19-2015, 11:58 PM

As a novice builder, I recently bought a few Marek models from ECardmodels and decided to give the BF109E a go (no butt joins!). I have noticed, as I have been reading on the forum, that the instructions is very sparse compared to my last build, the Inwald Spitfire Va. Searched the forum, but cannot find any mention of this model build. Anybody got some advice to share?

Started yesterday evening with the cockpit. The instrument panel is made up of 2 layers and I hit my first snag as I cut out the dials on the front face (my knife skills suck). I thought that I could round them out with a marker while colouring the edges. There was far too much ink bleed and it spoiled it. On the second try I once again roughly cut the holes, but used a toothpick with a little CA to round them out nicely, did not colour the edges. Unfortunately my photo's came out very badly, will rectify and post as I go along.

**tatasam** · #2 08-20-2015, 02:13 AM

Hi , Good luck Charles

Waiting for progress and better pictures .

Regards, Henryk

**enigma** · #3 08-20-2015, 05:29 PM

i finally broke down and bought a japanise hole drill, that one of the guys posted about. makes perfect holes for panels... and worth the price. makes the cockpit panels look so good. recommend you give that a try to make it easier on you.

good luck and waiting for more pics

**Charles Swart** · #4 08-23-2015, 10:45 PM

I have been busy restoring some antique furniture, so I have not been able to build in a few days. Yesterday evening I managed to get some time, but I keep forgetting to take photos as I go along. Must also try taking the photos in natural light as my camera is not very good with artificial light. Managed to complete the cockpit and started on the fuselage. A few minor fit problems, but it might be only me.

Enigma, can you post a picture of you Japanese hole drill. Asked around at local craft shops, but nobody here knows what I am talking about.

**modelperry** · #5 08-24-2015, 06:23 AM

A Japanese hole drill/punch is technically a book binders tool. I have seen similar in the US at craft stores that carry Martha Stewart brand craft tools, but they are not as good as the real thing. Bit sizes range from 1 mm to 5 mm in .5 mm increments. Sometimes you have to buy them separately. Mine came with 3 mm bit and I bought the remaining range separately. This is my most prized and used specialty tool (not counting x-acto knife and scissors).

greg

**Isaac** · #6 08-24-2015, 06:42 AM

I have been eyeing this punch tool.

Should be a cleaner method for little holes and circles.

Isaac

**Charles Swart** · #7 08-24-2015, 10:54 PM

Thanks Greg, Screw Punch is now firmly on my shopping list.

I have to get in the habit of building with my phone or camera close at hand as I once again found myself at the end of the evening with a lot of progress, and a few issues and not a single photo to share. Here is where I am at:

**Don Boose** · #8 08-25-2015, 06:01 AM

The model looks good to me.

I look forward to seeing more of this and future builds.

Don

**Charles Swart** · #9 08-31-2015, 09:50 AM

I have added all the rear control surfaces, a lot of the scoops, cowls and exhausts. Started on the wings, but had to reprint some parts as you had to install the wheelwell to the trame and not the skin first. In hindsight it is obvious.

Almost finished with my furniture restoration, then I can spend a lot more time on my models.

**MacSongLi** · #10 08-31-2015, 11:17 AM

Beautiful clean work. The 109 is looking great.

Gary