Hello guys
Lynn Ritger in The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Part 2 states that the differences between the F-1 and F-2 consisted of:
- MG/FF instead of MG 151/20
- Wing root fillets attached with a riveted strip such as the Emil
- Wingtip navigation lights covered by a small colored glass shield over the bulbs rather than a clear conformal Plexiglas cover (again, similar to the Emil)
- Port exhausts lack exhaust deflection shield
Unfortunately, some of these characteristics can be found on early production F-2 fighters, particularly those built by WNF in the 6651 through 6822 block. Therefore, the only ironclad way of identifying a F-1 is by the werknummer, a cockpit photograph showing the MG/FF enclosed by a zippered canvas cover or the riveted wing root fillet fitted to only the earliest aircraft.
Here are a pair of very poor quality photographs that I have been able to find of the fighter flown by Mölders in the time period that is being discussed. The first shows the rudder marked with 54 victories and the Stammkennzeichen partially painted over. Note that this rudder had roundels and victory date information painted on and the photograph was possibly taken in November 1940 as the JG 51 book by Stipdonk and Meyer includes a close up of this rudder with the identical number of victory markings that according to the caption was taken that month. The second photograph was purportedly taken on 12 March 1941 and shows the aircraft with 61 victories marked on the rudder according to the caption in the JG 51 book by Weal. Note that the JG 51 Falcon/Buzzard badge has not been painted on as according to Weal this appeared in mid-April 1941. My apologies for the very poor quality of the photographs.
Horrido!
Leo