Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6 1/48 scale model kit build summary and review

Post build summary of Tamiya 1/48 scale model Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6 (ref 61117).
This is the 2017 tooling and it's meant to be so detailed that aftermarket photoetch and resin parts aren't needed. This is reflected in the price which is more than a standard 1/48 109, but works out cheaper if you are the type of modeller who likes to spend money on extras.
Therefore I decided that this build would be OOB (Out Of the Box) - though I did scratch build some harnesses out of lead wire as the kit only provides decal harnesses!
The build starts with the cockpit, and this progressed slower than I'm used to as it is actually quite detailed - and I'm more used to building the larger parts up quickly and adding detail with photoetch.
However, once the fuselage halves came together and the wings were on the build really did start gaining momentum. The fit of the parts was really good, holding itself in place whilst the glue (I used Tamiya Extra Thin) bonded it together. Hardly any filling was needed (if at all), and joins were effectively hid amongst the finely moulded and crisp recessed panel lines and details.
It was painted with AK Interactive White Primer and Microfiller, and painted using Vallejo Model Air acrylic paints (from the Luftwaffe set).
The kit came with masking for the canopy (though with was not pre-cut), but because I would be displaying it with the canopy opened I also masked and painted the insides of the canopy. This was simple enough as the the panes of glass are mainly rectangular in the 109 canopy.
Coming to the main "party piece" of Tamiya's new Bf109 is the ability to switch between opening the engine cowlings to display the engine, or having in the closed position. Do not be fooled though, this isn't a quick process and requires some dis-assembly and fitting replacement parts. This is aided by magnets and metallic shims, though with each change I feel the risk of a breakage increases.
There are two sets of cowlings. The first set are in the closed position. The second set for when they are opened. The lower cowling "hinges" open to reveal the bottom of the engine, and the upper part is replaced with the two side cowlings open in a gull-wing arrangement. In the process of changing the cowling additional detail is added for the engine that would not fit under the closed cowling on the model.
This optional flexibility adds nicely to the kit. It also means that the modeller does not need to decide during the build process .Therefore, if he doesn't make a very good job of detailing the engine (or simply doesn't want to!) he can make that decision at the end of the build.
The main panel detail and weathering was achieved using the clay/water based Flory Washes, and additional finer detail was highlighted using Tamiya Panel Line accent. Extra weathering was done using oil paints.
Though the build was streamed live on twitch (www.twitch.tv/robsmodels) the highlights are also on this TH-cam channel.
In summary the Bf109 G-6 was fun to build, and the extra cost incurred did outweigh the the cost of additional aftermarket parts. I'm pleased with the final result - if maybe a little over-weathered it does help to highlight the wonderfully fine detail on the underside.