Kit: No. 00551
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Hasegawa, imported by Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, www.dragonmodelsusa.com
Price: $41.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 150 parts, decals
Pros: Crisp panel lines, easy assembly, configuration options
Cons: Decals translucent, external ordnance shape, cockpit detail simplified

Designed in the 1930s under the cover story of being an airliner, the Heinkel He 111 was the workhorse of the Luftwaffe during the blitzkrieg years. It took part in the battles for France, Britain, and the Soviet Union. By mid-war, though, it was underprotected when attacked by newer, heavily-armed fighters.

Hasegawa has just released this landmark twin-engine aircraft in 1/72 scale. The kit is crisply molded with recessed panel lines and raised rivets. The large canopy builds from five pieces, and the weapons bay can be posed open or closed, and external ordnance is included. Decal options are provided for three different Russian Front aircraft, and from the look of the unused parts, there may be late and early versions of the aircraft in the works.

Building the cockpit and interior was straightforward without any fit problems. The cockpit lacks some minor details, but most of these would be hard to see though the aircraft’s windows.

I painted the wing and tail subassemblies before gluing them in place.The fuselage’s interior walls have integral wing spars, and this aided wing alignment greatly. After installing the wings, I found a slight gap underneath the model where the wings meet the fuselage. I used Kristal Klear to fill the gap. The externally mounted bomb has an oval cross section; careful sanding and filling will eliminate this condition.

I painted my model in the standard early-war scheme using Gunze Sangyo paints (RLM 70, 71, and 65). I used a variety of Testor Model Master paints for the rest of the model.

After painting, I applied the decals and noticed that several were translucent and silvered around the edges, even over a high-gloss finish. My reference for this project was Heinkel He 111H by Manfred Griehl. Comparions to the book showed the model is spot-on accurate in size and shape.

Hasegawa’s He 111 was an enjoyable build, and the model took me only 20 hours to complete. Now I have something for my Bf 109 to fly top cover for!