Master Details' Messerschmitt Bf -109 G Cockpit Interior, Maximum Detail Set, Flap Set and Landing Gear Set

The Hasegawa 1/32 Bf-109 series kits are excellent, however, in keeping with the manufacturer’s philosophy; many of the details including the cockpit details are a bit basic for the scale in order to keep the price of the kit within reason. While the kit parts look quite nice under a coat of paint, this large scale really maximizes the benefits of extra detail. Enter Master Details. This manufacturer has recently released an improved version of their previously reviewed cockpit set along with three other sets that allow the modeler to take the detail in their 109 models to unprecedented levels.

Cockpit
There are a number of really nice cockpit sets on the market for this kit but the new set from Master Details has some innovative features that really add value. The set is cast in a cream colored resin and contains excellent detail with a minimum of flash and pinholes. The surface of the parts has a bit of texture which should aid in subsequent stages of weathering with washes and dry brushing. The set is cleverly designed to require very little cleanup of casting blocks. Some care will be necessary in adapting the kit parts to accept the new resin details, however. Portions if the sidewalls and the entire rear deck must be removed. Careful cutting and frequent rest fitting will pay off but everything is well described and pictured in the comprehensive set of instructions. In the first edition of the set, all the detail parts were supplied in resin. In the revised addition, the fine detail parts are cast in high quality pewter.

What really sets this set apart, though are the numerous options that are included. The set provides two rear deck options that provide a seat pan and back with a molded parachute pack and straps and one without. It is always nice to have options and many other manufacturers would have released two versions of the set rather than provide both. One thing to note if using the version without the parachute detail is that the curved back panel extends only partway down the rear bulkhead. This is consistent with the un-restored airframe after which the set was patterned. Printed references and photographs of other aircraft show this panel extending all the way down to the seat pan. If the particular aircraft being modeled has this feature, it would be a simple matter to extend the panel with a bit of .0010 sheet plastic. Personally, the rear deck with the seatbelts looks so nice, I will use that thus avoiding the issue.

Other nice features include a flare pistol that to our knowledge is not included in any other set and a clear acetate sheet with printouts for the gun sight glass. The set also includes parts and instructions to backdate it to represent the cockpit in the Bf-109F. It is these touches that really set Master Details apart as again, most manufacturers would release a separate set rather than provide so many options. From the pictures of the painted set, it looks as though this set will look terrific when fully painted and weathered. I look forward to incorporating it into a future 109 build. > back to top

Maximum Detail Set
This is one set that certainly lives up to its name. The package addresses virtually all of the exterior detail simplifications that have been noted in the Hasegawa 109 kit. Included in the set are two types of drop tanks, tank mount, a replacement spinner and back plate, prop blades, exhaust stubs, shell ejector ports, wheels, supercharger intake and white metal machine gun barrels. In addition the set supplies replacements for the kit wheel wells which are sorely lacking in detail.

Again, value for the money is the watchword here. In addition to flawless casting of very intricate parts such as the hollowed exhaust stubs, you get in one set parts that most other manufacturers have issued in separate (and collectively far more expensive) sets. Despite the value, there is no sacrifice in quality as all of the parts are crisply rendered with a minimum of flash. A nice bonus is that the set also includes the original resin gun barrels in addition to the new pewter castings, so there are a lot of parts to spread around amongst a number of projects. I fear the only drawback is that the fitting of the new wheel wells will require some fairly major surgery to the kit wing parts, but a steady hand and the clear instructions should provide a big improvement to the kit. The parts include the canvas liner surrounding the interior of the wheel well and look great when painted. > back to top

Flap Set
The final item in the Master Details line up for the Hasegawa 109 is a replacement flap set. The parts are well cast and a bit more crisp and much closer to scale thickness than the kit parts. They are also reasonably priced and represent a nice option to those wanting to go all out on their kits. > back to top

Landing Gear
For those really looking to go to the extra mile on their kit, Master Details also offers a replacement landing gear set that will be a big improvement in detail over the Hasegawa units. The set includes wheels, struts and wire for the brake lines. Also included is a very clever jig to make the bends in the brake lines. Having built the kit, I must confess that I am looking forward to using the new wheels as assembling the kit wheels and restoring the tread detail was a chore I am eager not to repeat. The kit is also priced quite reasonably. > back to top

For more information or to order, visit at www.masterdetailsfromusa.com.

Thanks to Master Details for the review sample.