Introduced in 1975, the Fujimi Bf 110 C kit was a nice model for its time, featuring finely recessed panel lines. The kit can be built up into a decent replica however there are some shortcomings.
Notable Kit Features:
Finely scribed panel lines
Simple build with few parts
Inexpensive
Build Inspiration:
Early readings about the Battle of Britain led me to this Bf110 model build. I had a reference photo of Hans-Joachim Jabs and his Bf 110C which inspired me to stray from the kit decals, however the photo did not show the complete aircraft markings. I figured I should be able to pick up other photos indicating the proper markings prior to the decal stage so pressed onwards. (Note: this was prior to the Internet...) That didn't end up happening and instead established a bit of a new rule: Figure out the markings prior to building the kit :)
Heads-Up Report:
Very basic cockpit/radio/gunner sections (lacking pretty much any realistic detail)
No wheel well detail
Incorrectly shaped spinners (too small, wrong collar shape with oversize openings)
Poor gun detail
Rear fuselage is too narrow (otherwise overall shape appears OK)
Drop tanks are incorrect shape
Inaccurate tail wheel
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Built out of the box with the exception of altering the markings (but not enough to make them accurate :)
End Result:
I decided to freehand airbrush the upper scheme of this aircraft using the standard RLM 70 / 71 but masked off the lower RLM 76 to keep the edge clean. The result was acceptable due to the low contrast of colours, however I would mask off the upper paint camouflage on any future schemes based on this experience.
The After-Build Report:
This one is a tough call. The kit is fairly easy to build (due to being over simplified) and typically very inexpensive, so it may still be a viable option for a beginner or budget build. Generally it looks like a Bf 110 however if is off in places (the cockpit and wheel wells can be detailed however the spinners and rear fuselage section may be a show stopper for some).
Eduard’s new 1/48 scale Messerschmitt Bf 110 series totally eclipses Fujimi's Bf 110 in every respect except price and simplicity... Keep in mind the new Eduard kit won't be an easy build and it will take quite some time fitting and getting things in place however the end result, if you can persevere, will be impressive.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers