Takom 1/35 scale V-1 Flying Bomb with Interior plastic model kit review

An infamous terror weapon used by Nazi Germany, the V-1 was also a technological leap forward as the only autonomous pulse-jet-powered aircraft of its time. While it didn’t alter the outcome of World War II (only hitting the intended target about 25% of the time), the “buzz bomb” left an enduring mark on the psyche of its targets.

Takom has released two new 1/35 scale V-1 flying bomb kits, one with a 3-foot-long launch rail (No. 2152) and this version with interior details. The kit comes with parts to build the V-1 and clear parts for the upper wing halves and one side of the fuselage. The included transportation cart provides an engaging display for the completed model.

Overall, the gray molded parts show recessed panel lines and scale rivet detail. Takom provides the clear parts shrink-wrapped and bagged to ensure the crystal-clear plastic remains undamaged in the box. Atypical of kits with clear panels to show interior detail, the clear parts are smooth with no raised or recessed detail. If you wanted to mask these parts to represent a cutout as seen on the box art, a lot of detail would be missing.

Assembly starts with installing interior details to the opaque fuselage half. You’ll have to fill some large ejector-pin marks before placing the detailed subassemblies. Keyed bulkheads ensure correct alignment. Test-fit Subassembly E before gluing to be sure you have it positioned correctly.

Should you choose to show the internal wing detail, you’ll need to fill pin marks in the lower wing halves (parts F2 and F4). In Step 2, make sure you do not attach Part G4 if using the clear fuselage part. I missed this in the diagram and had to remove it. I used the photo-etched metal (PE) spinner (Part TP2) on the nose, but the other PE parts did not seem to make sense when using the clear fuselage half.

Speaking of the clear fuselage half, it has large sprue attachment points. I suggest cutting these with a razor saw to avoid cracking or scratching the plastic. The part left gaps that I hesitated to try fixing with stronger glue and clamping for fear of ruining its clarity. The kit’s interior detail makes the model unique, but parts seem simplified compared to line drawings I found online. There is a good deal of empty space inside, making it less interesting than I anticipated.

The cart built up quickly with no fit issues.

Takom provides four marking options, two of which have a more complex mottled RLM71 over RLM 65 finish and call for the decals provided in the kit. I chose a simpler scheme without decals (I may rework the model and paint the clear fuselage in the future).

Overall, the Takom 1/35 scale V-1 Flying Bomb with Interior is a quick and fairly easy build. It only took me about 12 hours to complete. The interior is interesting, but you also have the option to build it without the interior and clear parts. With some ejector-pin marks and fit challenges, any modeler with a few kits under their belt could tackle this kit.