The Messerschmitt Bf109 was a major German fighter of World War 2. The Bf109C was an early version that had been superceded by the beginning of the war, More than 34,000 Bf109s were made but only 58 were Bf109Cs

Design of the Bf109 began in 1934 to give Germany’s Luftwaffe a high speed, short range interceptor.

The prototype first flew on 29 May 1935 and the first version, the Bf109A, began entering service in February 1937.

The Bf109C was similar in most ways to earlier versions.

The major improvement was strengthened wings fitted with two machine guns to improve the fighter’s punch. Production commenced in early 1938 and 58 were built.

Some were sent to the Kondor Legion in Spain to test the improved armament. They soon replaced earlier Bf109s in the Luftwaffe but had been replaced by later Bf109Es by the beginning of the war.

This model represents a Messerschmitt Bf109C-1 of 2/JG 71 in the Summer of 1939.

Heller 1/72 kit with Microscale decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in May 2023.