Eduard 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf 110F Nachtjaeger Weekend Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The twin-engined Messerschmitt design was a result of an RLM requirement for a strategic fighter. Three bids were submitted, Focke Wulf, Henschel, and Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (where Willy Messerschmitt worked at that time). Many folks get confused about the proper designations of these early Messerschmitt designs. During the development of the Bf 108 Taifun, Bf 109 series, and Bf 110 Zerstorer, Willy Messerschmitt was still a staff member at Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, hence the prefix Bf on the design numbers. It was due to his significant contributions to the RLM that Bayerische Flugzeugwerke was renamed Messerschmitt AG in 1938 and Willy Messerschmitt appointed chairman and managing director of his namesake company. Development of the Zerstorer design predated the birth of Messerschmitt AG.

Interestingly enough, the original submission for the strategic fighter was rejected by the RLM and funding was given to Henschel and Focke Wulf. It wasn't until the intervention of WWI ace Ernst Udet that the Messerschmitt design was reconsidered, the requirements reworked, and the two competitors' contracts terminated.

In initial flight testing, the Bf 110 was faster than the early Bf 109, though not as maneuverable. Engine development problems with the Daimler Benz model 600 engines would force the intial batches of Bf 110s to be powered by the less-capable Jumo 210 engines. When the DB601 engines became available, the Bf 110 would become the long-range fighter, night fighter, and fighter-bomber that made it lengendary.

Eduard has released the Bf 110F Nachtjaeger in a 'Weekend' edition which translates to fewer parts, no photo-etch, one decal option, and a lower retail price than an equivalent Profipak. The difference between this kit and a Profipak release is that the latter has several photo-etch detail frets and the larger decal sheet with several markings options.

This kit represents the Bf 110F night-fighter (nachtjäger) variant and is presented on nine parts trees molded in RLM02 colored styrene plus two trees of clear parts and one small fret of photo-etched parts. Also included in this kit is one set of paint masks, and a set of decals. This release uses parts combined from several previous releases so you'll have a number of spare parts left over including a complete fuselage and propellers.

The cockpit is the usual outstanding job from Eduard. Even without color-printed photo-etch, there are lots of details nicely rendered in both the front and rear cockpits. With a little attention to detail, some good painting and weathering, and a few good references, you will have a nice looking cockpit to view.

Behind the front cockpit bulkhead are mounted a variety of radio equipment which took up lots of space in those days. To the rear of the back seater are racks of spare ammo cans for the flex-mounted rearward firing machine guns.

The ailerons are separately molded which the rudders, elevators and flaps are molded in position.

You'll note all of the canopy parts provided in this kit. You have the option of posing the front and rear cockpits closed up, either (or both) open, and two different types of rear canopy for whether the aircraft is armed with the rearward firing gun or not. The instructions show you which parts to use for this variant.

Where the Bf 110G radar antenna needed to be build-up from individual dipole elements (sprue bits), Eduard has profided the antenna for this version as photo-etch.

Markings are provided for one aircraft:

• Bf 110F-4 Nachtjaeger, W.Nr. 5084, Escadrilia 51 Vanatoare (12./NJG 6), Otopeni AB, 1944

The sheet also includes a nice set of maintenance stencils for the airframe.

Eduard has another hit on its hands and I don't doubt that this will be a big seller. This weekend kit has an suggested retail price of $40, whereas the Profipack retails at $65. You have a choice when it comes to detail versus value, and both come from Eduard.

My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!