Kit #401 bf-109 rubber powered, free flight

[Chris A.]

As stated above a long wing span version of the actual Me 109F was developed into the Me 109H high altitude fighter. The few that were deployed in France for service testing were withdrawn quickly as the wings weren't stiff enough in a dive and suffered from severe flutter. To a model builder's benefit, it also had a larger span horizontal stabalizer with a brace. Overall the"F" version probably is the cleanest airframe of the 109 series and should model well with lots of paint choices.

Long span 109's make sense for modeling as the standard wingspan aircraft had a relatively small wing area. A Me 109E model can be easily converted into the Me 109T, the long span aircraft carrier version that never made it to sea. Instead they were deployed on a small island where their STOL capability made them useful. I've only seen it modeled once. FAC legal.

[davidchoate]

Do You have any photos of these versions?

[Chris A.]

I've never seen a photo of the Me109 H. However William Green's "Warplanes of the Third Reich" has a three view line drawing of the "H". There are two photos of the Me 109 T-1 and T-2 in the same book along with line drawings that clearly show the longer span wings on the Me 109 T's.

The extensions for the Me 109H appear to be parallel chord inserts at the fuselage mount to which the standard Me 109 F wing was mounted. The landing gear were kept on the tapered wing sections which spread the landing gear stance. The spread shows on the front line drawing.

The "T" version wing is interesting due to much wider leading edge slats and different flaps.

[davidchoate]

I saw a photo of a Japanese Me109.

[Bluesynk]

well just got my scale in the mail. all up weight (including ballast) 88 grams! I think i have enough to spare to add the paint and decals. finished photos soon