The Jumo 213E engine looks to be exceptionately well detailed with assembly clear from the instruction book. Not entirely sure why the prop and other accessories like that are moulded in black plastic but it is and the shape looks good too for the blades and spinner.
Clear parts…
Well moulded and crystal clear. The windscreen is necessarily split in this large scale and will give you the option to display all that cockpit detail. Speaking of clear parts the main instrument panel is clear plastic but I’m not entirely sure what advantage this gives in the kit. This is because two decal options are provided – one with a complete decal that covers the whole instrument panel – not so good; mainly because the dial detail is not well defined. The better option is to add the dials that are provided as separate items on the decal sheet. The only think is that the latter are normal decals with glue on the back so they are designed to be added to the front of the dial? Odd. You may be able to simply add them to the rear of each dial using something like Johnson’s Klear or a decal softening solution and then gain the advantage of clear ‘glass’ dial faces. We’ll let Dave C do his stuff and we can choose how to go after that.
That instruction book!
It doesn’t get much better than this – well maybe Wingnut Wings… but the one provided is superb. The whole look as if it is a period instruction manual is a lovely touch and really helps get you in the mood for the build (I’m twitching Dave… will I get to the Post Office or…, it’s ok, it’s yours as promised!). Each stage is clearly set out with some great images of the completed sub-assemblies to help you see what it all should look like.
Painting guide and decals…
A colour painting guide/chart is included at the start that gives colour references for Vallejo paints but, more importantly, the relevant RLM colours so that you can match your own choice of paints to use. This is included at the back of the Instruction Book and is very clear with some nice full colour images of the completed model with paint and decal placement keyed onto it.
The decal sheet is large and has multiple options for Ta-152H-1 aircraft. As you’ll probably be aware the Ta-152H-1 saw service right at the end of WWII and there were many different options of paint and lacquer applied to Luftwaffe aircraft. The base colours are generally around RLM 81/82/83 but there were many variations so you can pretty much create just about any Ta-152 that flew from what’s provided in the box. A nice touch is all the small Wk.No. numerals that will facilitate different aircraft options depending on your choice.
The decals don’t have any manufacturer’s name on them other than Zoukeimura AG and so not sue if they are indigenous. They look to be good quality though and when Dave uses them we will know more.
Resin figure…
I believe that you can obtain other ground crew figures from the manufacturer, but the inclusion of a high quality pilot in this package is a nice touch. Now (as you may know?) I am not generally a big fan of figures in model unless of course they are part of a base/setting/diorama but the item included in the box is amongst the best I have seen and begs for careful painting and finished with washes to show that detail off to its best.
Ok, so what’s the verdict?
I’ve got to say that overall this package is impressive. Who’d have thought we’d get a top-end 1:32nd scale Ta-152H-1? (I’m saying that a lot these days – aren’t we the lucky ones!). The quality is generally very high and detail is outstanding. The options and detail is exactly what you would expect having paid the price and I have to say that I am not disappointed and I don’t think you’ll be either.
Highly recommended
Geoff C
PS – check out Build Now very soon for Dave’s full build!