Some initial thoughts
It’s great to see another 1:32 scale Focke-Wulf Ta 152H model available and at a very reasonable price; this model is of course very similar to the earlier H-1 release but with new decals.
However, it’s worth noting the approach that ZM take with their product range – highly detailed, accurate and authentic models; no, scale replicas of the real thing. This means that what you get is a whole lot more than any other comparable 1:32 kit of the type from another manufacturer – remember their stunning Horten Ho 229? The opportunity to leave panels off or open like the engine cowls, gun bays, and so on. If you like the build process, adding detail and showing detailed interiors, then this model is likely to appeal to you big time. On the other hand, some of that lovely interior detail is going to get hidden by panels when you close up the wings and fuselage.
What I really like about this model is that a lot of the interior detailing will be or can be displayed on your finished model. For example, you can have the full engine and bay on display or not, but you’ll need to decide which when you get to the appropriate stage in the instruction book – you can’t have both.
Some observations
- An excellent all-colour instruction book is supplied. It’s critical and very beneficial to take time reading and digesting and researching from the instruction book before you go anywhere near your glue pot! The more you look and understand the breakdown the more straightforward the build becomes – take it from me, I’ve built 2 ZM kits and it’s worth it to get a good result – a bit daunting on opening the box, but much, much better when you have fully read and taken in where all the info is to help you
- Quality of tooling – very high, with fine recessed detail across the board
- Small amounts of excess flash on parts / mould seams that need to be removed but nothing too taxing
- The level of detail is exceptional with fully detailed cockpit, rear fuselage, gun bays and nose/engine detailing
- See the attached photos as they will really give you an idea of what’s involved and more importantly the possibilities that are extensive with such a detailed and seemingly well-engineered model
Clear parts are just that – crystal clear with separate front windscreen and sliding rear canopy
Instructions are detailed and paint references are included for pretty much all the painting at each stage of the build – Model Air, Model Color and RLM paint references are provided throughout. Colour names are given and that, along with the RLM references should help you to source your choice of paint from whatever range you prefer
Paint masks are included.
Engine
The whole build is carefully arranged so that you can decide how you want your Ta 152H-0 to look and to take advantage of whatever options are provided at each stage of your build.
Here’s my summary
This is an extremely impressive package – really very high levels of detail. The big plus I think is largely high levels of detail that can be seen on your completed Focke-Wulf Ta 152H-0. You can choose to have the engine on display or not, so too the gun bays and they should look good under paint and weathering. Looking at the kit parts the model looks accurate and we cannot wait to get stuck into the project. Decal quality and choice is great with the multiple options included.
Geoff C.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Level of detail | ***** |
| Decals | ***** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Overall | **** |