From Wikipedia :
The Fieseler Fi 103R, code-named Reichenberg,
was a late-World War II German crewed version of the V-1 flying bomb
(more correctly known as the Fieseler Fi 103)
produced for attacks in which the pilot was likely to be killed
(as actually intended, for use of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service's Ohka
rocket-powered kamikaze suicide anti-ship missile)
or at best to parachute down at the attack site,
which were to be carried out by the "Leonidas Squadron",
V. Gruppe of the Luftwaffe's Kampfgeschwader 200.
The Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka (Oka, "cherry blossom")
was a purpose-built, rocket-powered human-guided kamikaze attack aircraft
employed by Japan against Allied ships towards the end of the Pacific War during World War II.
Although extremely fast, the very short range of the Ohka meant that it had
to be carried into action as a parasite aircraft by a much larger bomber,
which was itself vulnerable to carrier-borne fighters.
In action during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945,
Ohkas were able to sink or damage some escort vessels and transport ships
but no major warships were ever hit.
Improved versions which attempted to overcome the aircraft's shortcomings
were developed too late to be deployed. The Allied reporting name for the Ohka was "Baka".
Some words for the kit :
It is dificult to say what I have in my hands : one model or two , one or two airplanes or rockets ? In any case , my hands are full of something unique , a multimedia , quality kit from a master , the famous HPH !
This company have us been accustomed to “strange” themes , and this time he affirmed us solemnly .
Remembering some oldest releases of resin model kits , I can easily discern the qualitative difference. Besides, this particular company has always been ahead of the competition .
Casting is very clear of bubbles , scratches or molding imperfections and all the surfaces are full of fine details like scribed panel lines , rivets and hatches .
Inside the main parts (fuselage) are presend some structure details and, which is rare for a resin kit, slots to allow pins to snap the pieces together perfectly.
Wings are coming as two massive pieces (left-right) and have also two thick pins for right alligning .
HPH offers all the cockpit parts for both planes , crystal clear resin canopies and two transport beds as display stands .
As is to be expected, since it is a multimedia kit, there is plenty of photo etched parts , mainly for the cockpits and for the exterior of the planes as well for the beds and off course some metal parts (cylinder and turned) for the Ohka engines anfd for the Fi103 pitot .
A belts set from HGW carries the pilot's seat belts in fine laser cut fabric .
A small fret contains all the decals needed and finally a set of vinyl painting masks
are here for helping the painting proccess .
The instructions comes as usual in a CD and are very illustrative .
So , lets see analytically what's in the box :
So , back to bussines again !
After the slightly adventurous building of the Tigercat , I felt the need for something new, before I grabbed in my hands again that forgotten Me262 that I have promised will definitely finish.
Something relatively simple to build, enjoyable, easy to manage with a short of finishing time that will keep my hands busy and fit in the showcase that is slowly overflowing and asking for redistribution of exhibits , or ideally, new shelves.
While staring at my stock, my gaze fell on this particular kit , which has remained there since I wrote model reviews , including HPH .
Satisfies all the requirements I describe above + the fact that it is also within my favorite subject, at least in part, ie it is a WWII Luftwaffe theme .
As usual I will try to build something beyond what is offered (this kit is ideal for something like that) and I present to you some of the schemes that I have in mind and I find interesting mainly regarding the German plane . I will probably end up with one of them unless a friend finds something even more unusual.
To be continued soon ...
31 attached images. Click to enlarge.