Scale Aviation 169 May 2026

THE bimonthly Japanese modeling magazine for aircraft modelers!
Note: Very limited quantities available!

Packed with new releases, feature topics, build reports, and more.

Text in Japanese, with occasional English text.

Softcover, 104 pages, color and B&W images.
Reads from back to front :-)

[Feature] Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Variants F, G, and K – Scale Aviation Convention 2026
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the standard fighter aircraft of the German Luftwaffe during World War II and was notable for its massive production numbers. Numerous variants were developed, with the aircraft evolving significantly in both appearance and character; the mid- and late-war models, in particular, continue to inspire the creativity of modelers to this day. This issue focuses on the F, G, and K variants—arguably the definitive iterations of this aircraft type—and highlights the unique appeal of each version. Additionally, the results of the "SA Convention 2026," held under this same theme, are presented: a collection of impressive models showcasing a wide spectrum of interpretations and artistic expressions.

Table of Contents
FEATURED BUILDS

• 011　Building the Fujimi Bf109K-4 "Herz As" (1:48 scale) in a late-war configuration
  • Messerschmitt Bf109K-4 [Fujimi 1:48] / kaikai
• 016　The world's fastest build of Tamiya's new top-tier G-6 (late version) kit—straight out of the box
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 Late Production [Tamiya 1:48] / Shuhei Matsumoto
• 020　Pure enjoyment with the leader among 1:72 scale Bf109 kits (F/G/K): The "Eduard 72 Messer"
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-14 [Eduard 1:48] / Tadahiro Niino
• 024　Depicting a "future that never happened": Building the jet-powered Bf109
  • Messerschmitt Bf109TL.1 [Fine Molds 1:72] / Tori-Kaijin
  • Bf109 aircraft in non-Luftwaffe liveries, bearing their respective national insignia
• 044　Messerschmitt Bf109G-4 [Zoukei-Mura 1:32] / Kau
• 046　Messerschmitt Bf109G-2 [Revell Germany 1:32] / Natsu
• 047　Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 [Hasegawa 1:48] / Masanobu
• 048　Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 [Hasegawa 1:48] / Zamza
• 049　Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 [Tamiya 1:48] / Shin
• 050　Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 [Fine Forms 1/72] / Satoshi Watanabe
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-14AS [AZ Model 1/72] / Houyokudo
• 051　The "exceptional quality" of the Kotare Bf109K-4 is revealed in its unpainted duralumin finish
  • Messerschmitt Bf109K-4 [Kotare Models 1/32] / Karapata
• 056　Enthusiasm for the "different Messer": Aircraft of the Czechoslovak Air Force
  • Avia S-199 [Eduard 1/72] / Tadahiro Niino
  • Avia S-199 [Eduard 1/72] / Kurage
  • Avia S-99 [Eduard 1/72] / Kurage
• 082　Storytelling with figures to create a scene featuring the Bf109
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 [Border Model 1/35] / Koji Ito
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 [Border Model 1/35] / N-da Baron
• 090　The potential of the "Hasegawa 1/32 Bf109": Enjoying the Messer the classic way
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-10 [Hasegawa 1/32] / Yosuke Takahashi
  • Messerschmitt Bf109G-10 [Hasegawa 1/32] / Kohei Hara
  • Messerschmitt Bf109F-4 Trop [Hasegawa 1/32] / Kohei Hara
• 025　SA Convention Review 2026
• 035　Current Bf 109 kit showcase: An overview of new releases! / Commentary by Rocketeer Hashimoto

Regular Columns

• 096　"You shouldn't modify it!?"
  • The Return! Heinkel He 111 H-6 Border Model 1:35 / Shuhei Matsumoto
• 001　Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Army and Navy Aircraft: Part 7 / Shigeki Ninomiya
• 002　Headlines & News
• 004　"Nose Art Queen" Gallery / Yoko Kumada
• 062　Ukitobachi: The Bird Hunter / Ukitobachi-Con 2026
• 065　Suke-Bi Column Complex
  • General Miyanaga’s Aviation Games: Part 45 / Tadamasa Miyanaga
  • Airplane Toy Hell: Vol. 46 / Kiminori Natsume
  • Airplane Channel / John Hirobolta
  • Bi-monthly "Su": Part 33 / SP File Tomonokai
  • Love for Plastic Modeling: The "Yore-Yore" Dojo: Part 113 / Yukiko Zuma
  • Notes on Aviation Cinema: Part 37 / CAPITO
  • AD INEXPLORATA ~Into the Sky of the Day After Tomorrow~ Vol. 20: Unforgettable Aircraft Models / Kazutaka Miyatake
  • Memories of Wings: Part 86 / Kiyoshi Sugiyama
  • The Roundel Garden: Part 127 – Bristol Bulldog / Isaku Okabe
  • The Era of Giant Aircraft: Part 64 – Antonov An-22 Antey / Shingo Watanabe
  • Minami Tsushin (Bi-monthly): Third-Party Provider, Round 2 / Minami Sato
• 074　NEW KIT: Open and Take a Look!
• 078　Inbox
• 080　Next Issue Preview
• 104　New Modeling Almanac: Vol. 8 / Masahiro Oda