|
|
MATCHBOX (FROG)
1:72 ARADO AR 234B-2/C-2/C-3
'INBOX Review'
Reviewer: John Lacey (rec.models.scale)
72nd Scale Matchbox Ar-234B-2/C-2/C-3
Firstly, I believe this to be a re-issue of a Frog kit. It is however one of Matchbox’s later kits, evidenced by the Revell of Germany decal sheet and instructions.
Boxing of the Frog Kit
- note that one version of this kit (with same boxart) also came with the V1
Buzz Bomb
The sprues themselves are of the raised detail variety and there is a hell of a lot of plastic in here! Points of note are a single seat and instrument panel for an otherwise plain choice of B or C model cockpits (more later) and simplified detail in many of the parts. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the clear parts in the kit as they weren’t supplied, the company’s Do-17 clear parts being provided instead! In addition, a pilot figure is also supplied, looking very Frog-ish.
The kit really shines here with alternative cockpits and canopies as mentioned above and alternate engines (single Jumos for the B and twin BMWs for the C). The modeller is given a choice of raised or lowered undercarriage, an Fi-103 (V-1) ‘Buzz Bomb’ and mounting cradle for the C-2, two underwing Walther RATO units, two drop tanks, two AB500 cluster bombs and a single SC1000 ‘Hermann’ bomb. These options are covered in the instruction sheet and will provide a fairly generous source of spares regardless of the version built.
These are printed by RoG and are in their style with multi-lingual construction keys, Revell’s bizarre colour callouts (using non RLM colours), nineteen construction steps and three paint scheme notations. The instructions have detail painting notes in many of the steps and the alternative parts are well described.
Three machines are provided for, although no swastikas are provided and are printed by RoG and thus very matt. The B-2 looks to be a KG76 machine in fairly standard late war bomber colours of Schwarzgrun/Dunkelgrun splinter and mottle over Lichtgrau lowers, the C-2 is over Lichtgrau with a darker grey mottle on the upper surfaces and sides, it’s V-1 load being mottled in these two colours along with a green and finally, the C-3 is a hard splinter of Schwarzgun and Dunkelgrun over Hellblau lowers. Curiously, this is the box-art ship, although it’s shown carrying the V-1. Given that all, however, the only operational variants were the B series, so these C machines are pretty much Luft 46 material…. (YEEEE HAAA!!!!)
An interesting kit with lots of options and spare parts although some will prefer Dragon’s superb 234s, these however being limited to one version per boxing and at least double the price. Recommended to those who want something to enjoy and fill the spare parts coffers.
SMAKR
Home | What's
New | Submissions
| Information
Requests | News
| Links | Reference
Corner | Site
Info
1/72 Reviews | 1/48
Reviews | INBOX Reviews
