Tamiya 60750 - 1:72 Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3

Plastic model kit of the Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3 fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60750 depicts the Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3 – one of the main variants of the 'Emil', the mainstay fighter of the Luftwaffe in the first years of the Second World War. The aircraft fought in the Battle of Britain, where its good performance made it a serious opponent for the British fighters.

The kit is from Tamiya's own tooling, with a detailed cockpit interior and the characteristic angular airframe. The decals finish the aircraft in one of three schemes; one option represents the aircraft of the well-known German fighter ace Adolf Galland.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Detailed cockpit interior
• Clear canopy parts
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (including Adolf Galland's aircraft)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60750
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 120 mm, wingspan: approx. 137 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage; the framed canopy is easier to paint with self-adhesive masks fitted.

Bf109 Es wore the typical early Luftwaffe camouflage: dark shades of green and grey (RLM 71 and RLM 02) on top over a light blue underside (RLM 65), often with mottling on the fuselage sides. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3:

The Bf109 was designed in the 1930s as a modern all-metal fighter with a small wing and a powerful engine. The E version ('Emil'), with its Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine and wing-mounted cannon, became the Luftwaffe's mainstay fighter at the start of the war.

During the Battle of Britain the Bf109 E was the main opponent of the British Spitfires and Hurricanes. It had a good rate of climb and high-altitude performance, although its short range limited its time over Britain.

Original aircraft specifications (Bf109 E-3):

• Length: 8.64 m
• Wingspan: 9.87 m
• Height: approx. 2.60 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 2,600 kg
• Powerplant: Daimler-Benz DB 601A inverted-vee engine (V12, liquid-cooled), approx. 1,100 hp
• Max speed: approx. 560 km/h
• Armament: two 20 mm cannon (wing-mounted) and two 7.92 mm machine guns
• Crew: 1
• Combat debut: the Battle of Britain (1940), among others

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.