Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3, 4./JG 77, Norway 1940

Time to start my next project, which actually started as an impulse buy at my local hobby shop. This Bf 109E-3 (White 5) was flown by Obfw. Jakob Arnoldy of 4. Staffel, Jagdgeschwader 77. Stationed in Mandal, Norway during 1940. 

The venerable Tamiya kit is the what i've chosen (or rather, impulse-bought). When it comes to early 109s in 1/72, the tamiya kit is still a very solid option, even with the much more modern Special Hobby offering. 

That being said, there are a couple of errors in the painting chart: the spinner is shown painted in overall RLM70, but reference pictures show that this was only for the back plate, while the spinner itself was painted RLM21 White, which was common for JG 77 aircraft of the period. The swastika should also be further forwards, and the lower canpy frame should be painted RLM65, not RLM70. But aside from that, it's all correct. 

Cockpit painted up with a mixture of Tamiya acrilics and Mr.Hobby Laquers. 

I've accidentally destroyed the seatbelt decal, so i've replaced it with tape, which looks passable enough. 

It has been an absolute pleasure assembling this kit. 

The fit of all the parts is excellent and there are no major gaps. 

Only this minor gap above the air filter required filling. 

Also filled are two ejector pin marks on the back of each wheel. 

Camouflage painting complete. 

It has been an absolute blast painting with MrHobby laquers, very easy to use and a rock-hard finish.