Arado 196 in 1/32
This is the Revell kit that was issued about three years ago. After a couple of ‘clean’ photos, I added a (modified) Verlinden figure, inspired by the photo at the end of this series. If you haven’t built or otherwise seen this kit, it has remarkable detail for a relatively small amount of money (£25, or about $30).
As with all Revell kits, there is the Mad Engineering Moment. In this case, despite all the wonderful attention to floats, engine, and cockpit, Revell offers the complex canopies as flat-packs, that have to be balanced along the cockpit lines as side pieces, the top sections then eased into place afterwards, not unlike a house or cards. I used two or three drops of rubber cement along the joints, waited a minute until the unit hung together, and then settled them in place as one piece – fiddlesome, but it works.
It has its own, broad base, which makes it convenient for taking to shows, and which also sits securely on a revolving turntable for viewing, if preferred.
For the rudder control lines (often overlooked), I used aircraft rigging thread. These aircraft had a dirty green two-tone splinter scheme topside, and the familiar RLM pale blue underneath. Decals here are one of the kit choices. They are accurately printed and settle without a whimper.
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Richard Mcstay said on November 24, 2013
Nice work there Rob, very detailed. The Engine and cockpit look stunning, as does the rest of it! Nice weathering as well.
Seamus Boughe said on November 24, 2013
Ye Gads! Thats a whole lotta kit. Extremely well done!
Seamus Boughe said on November 24, 2013
Now all you need is a 1/32 Bismark
Rob Pollock said on November 24, 2013
As it happens, HPH do a 1/32 resin ship’s catapult for the Arado. Also, a full resin kit of the aircraft itself. Both highly detailed (and expensive). At one point I was going to buy the catapult, but at the end of the Revell build I decided for me the injection version was complex, clean, and cool for cash.
Bernard Wylie said on November 24, 2013
I bought the catapult, it comes with a chocolate!
Rob Pollock said on November 25, 2013
Man, that is one expensive chocolate.
Craig Abrahamson said on November 24, 2013
Yep…agree – good job all around, Rob.
Simon Whitney said on November 24, 2013
That is a very nice Arado sir , Great to see the detail, instaed of being hid away.
Mike Maynard said on November 24, 2013
This is probably the best build of this aircraft I can recall seeing. Great engine detail always a plus in my book!
Alan Rush said on November 24, 2013
That looks very nice, Rob. I have seen the model at the store and you’re right, it is a very good price for what you get. You really spent time and effort on the details and the cockpit and engine really make the model stand out. You need to go full tilt on recreating the photo and make the pull-up ramp on the water’s edge!
Rob Pollock said on November 25, 2013
Still possible. It’s only popped into place on the base with a little white glue.
George Williams said on November 24, 2013
It’s a lovely looking model of a seaplane, Rob, I can see that a lot of work has gone into this.
Frank Cronin said on November 24, 2013
Rob,
You never cease to amaze me. This is absolutely gorgeous.
Erich Goldbach said on November 25, 2013
Rob, Beautifully done- really like the detail and subtle weathering!
neil foster said on November 25, 2013
Nice job, I wouldn’t mind one of these myself, looks like that dog in the last pic is trying to drag it ashore by it’s collar.
N.
neil foster said on November 25, 2013
I’m pretty sure the Japanese had these as well, anyone got any info on that ? somehow I think these kinda look more Japanese than german.
N.
Rob Pollock said on November 25, 2013
The Aichi E13A – Allied Code Name: “Jake” – has a similar profile, both literally and operationally.