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Old 12-23-2003 | 04:51 PM
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IFR
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From: Wabash, IN,
Default RE: warbirdreplica.com

I built their ME109 this past summer. I specifically wanted a 40 size 109 and they were/are the only ones I found who make one that actually looks like a 109. For what it is worth here is my take on their kit(s).
1) Very expensive. Don't remember the exact cost but is was over $200 US by the time freight was factored in.
2) Instructions marginal. They actually included a line in the instructions that read "I'm not going to tell you any more about building, after all your supposed to be experienced." The plans were only a basic outline and required external research to figure out where radiator coolers, air scoops, etc. were to be located.
3) Kit quality OK. Not a difficult build if you can figure out how things go together with marginal instructions. Foam wings presheeted with a course yellow colored wood. Turtle deck and section in front of the cockpit were foam with the same type sheeting already applied. Bottom half of the fus was the only built up portion of the plane. Tale feathers are 1/4" balsa sheets. Canopy was ruffly formed and is the weakest appearance point of the plane. Has a really flimsy foam ring to make up the nose. You can not touch this ring even after fiberglassing as it will dent. Matching spinner was available at a very reasonable price. Decals were nothing to write home to mother about. I painted most of the decals myself using theirs for only the German crosses. They offer a .40/.46 pitts style muffler that almost disappears in the cowl with the engine mounted at 7:00. If you buy one of their planes be sure to order their muffler if you will be powering the plane with a 2 stroker.
4) Retracts are added by removing a large section of the wing bottoms and installing a 1/4" ply as a base. They offer mechanical and pneumatic retracts that include the ABS plastic wheel wells. I used Great Plane's 60 size mechanical retracts.
5) Flies very well. I glassed the plane and added panel lines and rivets so the plane came out on the heavy side.

Would I buy another one? Yes if they were the only ones who made the plane, as the case with the ME109.