Tamiya 61050 - 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf109 E3 WWII  [61050]

Developed by the brilliant designer Willi Messerschmitt, it had the smallest possible airframe built around probably the most powerful engine available. In addition boasted most then innovative features such as an all metal stressed epidermis construction, retractable primary landing gear, automatic Handley-Page leading edge slats, etc. The Bf109 saw very first combat through the Spanish Civil War and completely demonstrated its exceptional maneuverability, inherited from the precedent Bf108 Taifun (Typhoon) multi-purpose sports plane. The Bf109 underwent numerous improvement throughout its profession, and mass manufacturing for the E variation started later in 1939.

Within 12 months, about 2,000 "E" aircraft were rolled away. Its excellent performance greatly added inside active service of German pilots during the Western Front and during the "Battle of Britain". The E-3 version used an improved Daimler-Benz DB601Aa motor with the capacity of 1,100 h.p. output. This motor had provision for mounting a 20mm MG FF cannon in the crankcase and firing through propeller hub. The Messerschmitt Bf109E had been one of the best fighters for the very early WW2 duration, on a par with all the Uk Spitfire.