Messerschmitt
Bf 109 H Conversion

for the new Revell kit

Alley Cat, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Revell's 1/32 scale Bf 109 G-6 is available online from Squadron.com

Background

The Bf 109 H was intended to be a high-altitude fighter, developed from the F-series.

The wingspan was increased through the addition of new, constant-chord inner wing panels to 11.92 m (39.11 ft), and the widened stabilizer again received a supporting strut leading from the fuselage, like the B through E models. Maximum speed was 750 km/h (470 mph) at 10,100 m (33,140 ft).

A small number of Bf 109 H-1s were built, flying several sorties over Britain and France. Bf 109 H-2 and H-5 developments were also planned, but the entire H-series was scrapped because of wing flutter problems.

• H-0 (Pre-production aircraft, rebuilt from F-4/Z, powered by a DB 601E engine with GM-1 boost)

• H-1 (Production version, based on G-5 airframes, powered by a DB 605A engine with GM-1 boost)

One particular Bf 109H-1, Werknummer 110073, was recorded as having been converted to a photo-recon aircraft by a Luftwaffe long-range reconnaissance group, Fernaufklärungsgruppe 123, in May 1944, and flown on dates immediately following the Invasion of Normandy with one mission meant to scan the entire French coastline from Cherbourg to Ouistreham, from an altitude of some 15 km (49,200 ft), which proved to be just beyond the achievable ceiling of the selected aircraft.*

* Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

I am not aware of any kits or even conversions for the rare but very interesting Messerschmitt Bf 109 H being offered in 1/32 scale until now.

Alley Cat's 1/32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 H comprises 16 parts in grey coloured resin. A self-adhesive masking sheet is also provided for the codes and national markings.

Casting quality is perfect on my sample, and cleanup should be quick and easy.

Despite the small number of parts, this is a significant conversion. Some cutting of the kit fuselage and wings is required, but the instructions do an excellent job of showing where these need to be made.

The largest conversion part is the new centre section for the extended wings. This single casting is the core of the conversion that will act as a saddle for the modified fuselage. After surgery that includes cutting and blanking off the radiators (resin blanking plates are supplied), the kit wings will be attached to the new centre section. I strongly recommend that this area is reinforced by drilling and pinning.

New wing radiators, radiator faces and flaps are also included.

Alley Cat's corrected gun cowl deck is provided in the conversion too.

The conversion is rounded out with a new tall tail and separate rudder. This is a completely different design to the Gf 109 G/K tall tail, and will deliver a strikingly different profile to your Bf 109 H model.

Instructions are provided over three sheets with detailed text and photographs showing what goes where.

Factory codes for a Bf 109 H-1 and national markings are included on the self-adhesive masking sheet.

This is a clever conversion to deliver a dramatically different outcome to your Revell 1/32 scale Bf 109 G-6 kit.

If you are going to the trouble of making this conversion, you should also consider improving Revell's propeller, spinner, cowl bulges and more with Alley Cat's Bf 109 G-6 Upgrade Set too.

Due to the cutting involved, Alley Cat's 1/32 Bf 109 H converison will be best suited to modellers who are comfortable working with resin, but the work involved should not be too demanding if you take your time. Remember - measure twice - cut once!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to A2Zee Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2014 by Brett Green
Page Created 5 August, 2014
Last updated 5 August, 2014

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