CMK 1:32 Bf 109E engine set (for Eduard kit)

[James H]

1:32 Bf 109E engine set (for Eduard kit)

CMK
Catalogue # 5033
Available from CMK for 37,80€

 

 

Eduard's 1:32 Bf 109E has been out for a while now, and we have reviewed several incarnations here on SP&R. Indeed, Eduard also released numerous detail sets for their kit, with the Brassin engine and gun mount coming to mind foremost. Back in 2010, CMK, also well known for their high grade resin detail sets, released their engine upgrade for this kit too. As SP&R/Large Scale Modeller now work with MPM/CMK, we have been given an opportunity to take a look at some items from the fairly recent back-catalogue, with this set being first up.

 

 

Unlike the Eduard set, where you mount the engine into the plastic lower cowl, this set includes a new lower cowl, specifically designed to fit an engine upgrade. Time to look further.

 

The CMK Bf 109E engine set is packaged into a sturdy little cardboard box, attractively decorated with an image of the assembled and installed set. You'll notice that this set does actually include the rear bulkhead, weapons tray and ammunition containers. No guns are included though. Inside the box, two bags of resin components are included, as is a small decal sheet containing numbers from which you can add the characteristic serial numbers which were often sprayed onto the crankcase.

 

 

This set comprises around FIFTY parts, cast in creamy, light grey resin. Many parts are individually cast, with a number of small components, such as exhaust manifolds and engine bearer attachment points being cast upon communal blocks. One block itself is duplicated due to kit requirements. All parts are split between 2 ziplock wallets, with the larger, main components in one bag, and the majority smaller components in another. For visual clarity, I have removed a few feathery resin flash bits from around the casting blocks. This helps me to pose the items better too, without them falling over, and gives you a better impression of the parts themselves.

 

 

The Bf 109's cowlings are broken down into the 3 main parts representing the lower cowl/tray, upper cowl, and also the rear cowl which covers the MG mount and weapons tray. These are cast suitable thin, and the interiors of these are fully detailed with the stiffening strips and other constructional elements of the real thing. There are various openings and other apertures on these cowls which will just need to be opened up as a thin resin web covers them. The parts are joined to their casting blocks via narrow wall of resin, and look very easy to remove. My only gripe is that the upper cowl is joined to that wall, which runs the full face width of the cowl, running across the crescent-shaped former. Some care will need to be taken here. External detail is excellent, and runs in line with the subtle effects that Eduard created for their kit exterior.

 

 

The lower cowl portion is cast with a separate radiator housing tray, which of course can then be posed in an open position, displaying the DB601's plumbing and radiator assembly.

 

Also within the large components packet we find the engine bay rear bulkhead/firewall, complete with plumbing and valve detail, plus the ammunition containers which sit on the bulkhead shelf. A little minor cleanup of the rear faces will be required, and I do mean minor! There is very little resin to remove here before the parts are ready for assembly. Over the top of these parts sits the weapons tray. This is also to be found in this bag. The tray itself is superbly detailed, including wiring, and will require a larger casting block to be removed from its underside. This part also has the leather cover for the rear instrument panel face, cast in situ, and looking rather nice.

 

 

Unsurprisingly, the last part to be found in this packet is the main engine part itself. CMK have cleverly connected the part to its casting block via the top face of the crankcase. When the block is removed, an upper detail part is then to be fitted, hiding that face fully. The resin block connection is quite thick here, and time will be needed to properly remove all traces of it. The rear of the engine block has a couple of thin resin walls which will need to be removed, but this will be an easy task. The rear of the engine, with magneto detail etc, is supplied as a separate part, and again covers the area where you removed the resin walls.

 

 

 

Detail on the engine really is excellent. Ignition leads are neatly cast, and exhaust manifold connection plates have their connecting bolt detail neatly sculpted. Lifting lugs and other minor detail is also sharply recreated, as is general bolt detail. The forward hub/boss detail is cast in situ here, and not supplied as an extra part, and the finish is every bit as good as you could expect. There are various plumbing points cast in situ too, and these should need no cleanup when it comes to fitting the remaining detail.

It's within the second bag that we now find the remainder of the parts. These include the radiator assembly, plumbing, glycol tank, oil tank, supercharger intake and external scoop, fuel injectors, individual manifold stubs with partially hollow ends, engine bearers, crankcase lid, and other minor detail. Some parts, such as the finer lengths of pipe, are quite delicate, and care needs to be taken when handling. Others similar parts are cast with fine resin webs helping to maintain the parts integrity. Minimal cleanup will be needed with all parts once removed.

 

 

 

Nowhere on any resin part can I see any seams, or certainly anything approaching an even minor one. Casting is absolutely first-class with all parts being defect-free and also free of any possible damage from being packed and in transit.

This set contains no photo etch parts, but you will need a little wire in order to supplement some of the finer detail included as resin.

 

 

 

 

Instructions are supplied as a single A4 sheet, folded. All illustration is clear and concise, and should present no problem during both assembly and installation. Although there are few paints listed on the rear of the instructions, no ready call-outs are given for individual components, so please check your reference. Google is littered with photos of the DB601 in museums, so you should have no difficulty. A parts plan is also supplied to help you identify the various components.

 

The decal sheet contains the individual serial numbers, allowing you to create your own either correct or fictitious code. The numbers are printed in yellow ink, and the decal sheet is made by Aviprint, and is thinly printed.

 

 

Conclusion
The Eduard Bf 109E is still a very buildable kit, and looks superb when completed, despite the infamous 'humped' rear fuselage. If you want to try your hand at this sometime, this set could well be worth looking at. Production is clean, and assembly is easy, yet the detail included is some of the very best I've seen. Also, this set is very realistically priced, which these days seems to be a key factor with many folks modelling purchases. Give this set a try. When I get around to building my next Emil, I'll be adding this little beauty myself!

 

Highly recommended

 

James H

 

Our sincere thanks to CMK for the review set we looked at here. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

[JeroenPeters]

Wow! I just love those cowling panels. I think resin is the best medium for those. Great way of getting the inner structure right.

I might have to get me one of these!

[Grant]

Superb! Lovely looking, thin, casting and gorgeous detail too.

[Fran]

Great review!! Lovely engine, a most welcome addition to the Eduard 109!