Takom 1/16 scale Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 Bachstelze plastic model kit review
A unique subject gets large-scale treatment, but small drawings complicate assembly
Kit:1015
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Scale:1/16
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Price:$58.00
Manufacturer:Takom (Sample courtesy of mfr.)
Pros:
Nice figure; well-molded ribbing on flight surfaces
Cons:
Confusing instructions; fragile small parts; heavy rotor
Comments:
Injection-molded plastic (gray); 193 parts (47 photo-etched metal); monofilament; decals
Takom went big with its plastic model kit of the German Navy’s World War II Focke-Achgelis rotary kite. The Fa 330 could be towed behind a U-boat and extended the crew’s line of sight considerably. The frail-looking craft was studied by the Allies after the war, and the kit includes markings for French and British Fa 330s as well as German crafts. The kit features a nicely-molded pilot, photo-etched metal (PE) details, an optional raft, and monofilament for rigging.
The airframe — in this case, literally, a frame that gets airborne — builds from a series of two-part tubes. Cable attachments went on at various locations to support the instrument panel. I painted the panel flat black and added the decal instruments. I positioned the stick but didn’t glue it in place so it would be easier to attach to the pilot’s hand. The seat back and seat cushion were painted at this time.
After adding the skids and storage bin, I installed the tail planes, which were heavy but have solid attachment points.
I painted the airframe a mix of 85% Tamiya Light Blue (No. XF-23) and 15% Flat White (No. XF-2). All the straps were picked out with Tamiya Khaki (No. XF-49). Be careful handling the spindly model during painting because it is fragile.
Many small parts go into the rotor, and the small illustration in the instructions makes it hard to see where to place them. This is an issue throughout the kit, with small instructional illustrations complicating and confusing things. Wires rig the blades and the head, and the kit supplies monofilament fishing line for this detail. The finished rotor assembly is heavy and wobbly. The pilot sits high in his seat — part of the rotor would hit his head. I left Part B19 off to give him clearance, but in hindsight, I could have made the seat cushion slimmer.
The pilot is nicely molded, but building and installing the headset, with its combination of plastic and PE parts, was challenging. I painted the pilot’s jacket Tamiya Semigloss Black (No. X-18), his pants Field Blue (No. XF-50), and his shoes and gloves Flat Black (No. XF-1).
I spent about 30 hours building Takom’s Fa 330, and it looks good. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for something a little different.