Airfix A55014 Starter Set Messerschmitt Bf109F-4, Skill Level 1, 1:72 Scale Review (2026)

What it is

The A55014 starter set from Airfix is a 1:72 scale plastic model kit of the Messerschmitt Bf109F-4, one of the more refined variants of Germany's primary World War II fighter, which entered service in 1941. The kit is built from 30 plastic components across a small number of sprues, keeping the part count low and the assembly straightforward compared with more detailed Bf109 kits Airfix also sells. Airfix rates it Skill Level 1, its entry tier for newcomers, and the set includes everything needed to both build and paint the model: plastic parts, instructions, a paint guide, acrylic paints, poly cement glue, a brush, and a decal sheet with one marking scheme.

Why the F-4 variant and why it is new

The Bf109F, often called the Friedrich by collectors and historians, is generally regarded as the most aerodynamically refined of the major Bf109 variants, introduced in the spring of 1941 and capable of outperforming the Spitfires the RAF was flying at the time. This particular tooling is a newer release, meaning Airfix engineered the parts specifically for this starter set rather than reusing an older mold, which tends to translate into cleaner part fit and finer surface detail than older tooling from decades past. For a beginner, that newer engineering matters because tighter part fit makes assembly less frustrating during a first build, when fit and alignment issues are hardest to work around.

What is included and what is not

Because this is a starter set rather than a bare model kit, it bundles the paint, glue and brush a first time builder would otherwise need to buy separately, which lowers the barrier to getting started and keeps the total cost predictable. The decal sheet includes a single marking option, so builders wanting more paint scheme choices will need decals from elsewhere, but for a first build that is a minor limitation compared with the value of not having to shop for basic supplies before starting. Airfix pitches this set at builders aged 8 and up, and the low part count and simple assembly steps support that age range for a supervised first build.

Watch for duplicate starter kits

Airfix has released more than one Bf109 starter set over the years, including versions of earlier variants such as the Bf109E-3, so a shopper searching for a beginner Messerschmitt kit can end up looking at several similar sounding listings. It is worth checking the exact item number and variant, F-4 here, against what may already be on a shelf or wishlist before buying, since the different variants use different tooling and represent different aircraft despite the family resemblance. This is less a flaw in the kit itself than a navigation issue in Airfix's starter set lineup that is easy to sort out with a quick check of the item number.

Bottom line

As a first plastic model kit, this Bf109F-4 starter set delivers a low part count, a newer and better fitting tooling, and everything needed to paint and finish the build in one box, making it a strong pick for a child or an adult new to the hobby. The single decal option is a minor constraint, and buyers should double check they are getting the F-4 variant rather than one of Airfix's other Bf109 starter releases. For an easy, guided introduction to plastic aircraft modeling, it delivers on what a starter set is meant to do.

Frequently asked questions