Armed Reconnaissance

I hope I was able to whet your appetite the other week, showing the inside of the Arado 196. If so, here are a few views of the completed model.

There are one or two kits of the Arado around in 1/48 scale, but built in 1/32 it really brings home to you the chunky, purposeful look of this very interesting model.

The build was straightforward, with attaching the wings the only hiccups. That was a problem soon overcome. Contrary to the instructions I found it a big help assembling the fuselage first and then installing the cockpit assembly.

I also found the transparencies a bit odd, flat-packed and in need of assembling. This had an advantage in that both the inside and the outside could be masked and painted.

Overall the build was very enjoyable. Well-fitting parts, nice standard of detail, highlighted by open panels and canopies.

It made a nice change from Spitfires and Bf109s. If you've built one, I'd love to see it.

Seeing Double

There were not many twin tailed aircraft designs from WWII, but here are two from the US Air Force. Yes, one has French markings, but that's nit-picking..

These are two long term projects I've now finally finished. The P-61 is a big dark aircraft, destined for a diorama. The Lightning has gone to its new home in France.