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Dmitry Stropalov
89 articles

Arado Ar 68 E (Roden 1/48)

January 20, 2021 · in Aviation · · 21 · 3K

And this is my first biplane model kit so far. The main purpose of this build was rigging.

Despite that fact, that this kit was released in 2019, it's a standard kit, but now also overpriced in addition to other issues. Decals are no good, should be replaced (I was cutting masks for everything), clear part is horrible (thick and blurry), flashes everywhere, sink marks, rough surface. But the overall fit is quite good.

I was using the decal of Eduard's Bf 109E for the control panel tools, seat belts for Bf 109C, windscreen is made of foil. Brass MG17 barrels would be a good addition to this kit as well.

I didn't do any type of marbling/black basing/pre-shading with this build, instead I've put a flat layer of RLM02 paint, and all the rest was done with oils.

Thanks for watching!

Reader reactions:
14  Awesome

11 additional images. Click to enlarge.


21 responses

  1. Very nice looking machine despite some issues

  2. I remember seeing this kit appear and thinking it was probably a new mould, so it is not. Still, looking at your beautiful Arado I would keep thinking it was. Great work, very nice paintwork and restrained weathering. Thumbs up Dmitry!

    • It's a new mold @holzhamer. The only other 1/48 injection kit out there is the old Classic Airframes, and this kit is miles better than that.

      Having built this kit, when I read Dmitry's review, I was wondering if we'd built the same kits, since I experienced none of that. Perhaps I am more used to limited-run kits and Roden kits, who knows?

      • @tcinla I've read your review and actually I was a little bit surprised afterwards with my kit. I've tried to cut the excess film on the decal and it just cracked. The rest is visible on the photos

        6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

  3. Compliments on your first bi-plane, Dmitry.
    Based on the images I can only say that your rigging is looking great.
    In fact, the entire build is great.

  4. I'd say mission accomplished with the rigging Dmitry, and the rest of the model too!
    Very nice. Congrats on your first bi-plane.

  5. You really made that kit shine! Very nice.

  6. Looks great, Dmitry.

  7. That shading is just right. I like it a lot.

  8. Nice work on this Dmitry. Your highlighting/weathering looks good. I've never in any build used black basing or pre shading. I've always felt I could get the desired effect by post shading and oil washes.

  9. You coulda told me you've been building biplanes since you were 5 years old, and looking at this, I'd believe you. Beautiful work and a great result.

  10. Two thumbs up from me too, Dmitry!
    Great result, rigging and weathering included!

  11. Thank you all for your kind words! Really appreciate that.

  12. Very neat work, Dmitry, biplanes seem to be gaining popularity on this web site, and looking at your superb example I can see why. Definitely liked.

  13. 🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
    Regardless of the issues mentioned, the fine results can be seen Dmitry.
    Your skills can be seen here. Thank you for sharing these images.

  14. Dmitry, @starfar
    This is an amazing little biplane model. Each time I take a look at it, I see something new. You did a magnificent job with building and painting this plane. I like everything about it. I have the older Classic Airframes kit and was looking at it several months ago, along with the Heinkel He-51 they also made. I have several of each in the stash. Right now I am building a Revell of Germany / ICM 1/32 scale Bucker Bu-131D and it has rekindled my interests... So after seeing your magnificent work on display here, along with the desire to start up a Luftwaffe group build in the future, chances are I will tackle these soon.

    Thank you for sharing this with us. I definitely pressed the "liked" button. Take care my friend, and stay safe.

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