1/72 Sabrekits Henschel Hs-126B

[Roman Schilhart]

Dear fellow Britmodellers,

here's my 1/72 Sabrekits Henschel Hs-126, built from the box.

Painted with Gunze/Mr.Hobby acrylics, photographs by Wolfgang Rabel.

 

 

My buying impulse for this kit was the marking option for an aircraft photographed in Austria (my homecountry), at the end of the war.

According to the paint instructions, this aircraft had black undersides and belonged to FFS(B)11, a blind-flying school; according to my research, FFS(B)11 never existed.

I came across an online photograph which does not support the 'black undersides': https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:German_utility_aircraft_in_Austria_1945.jpg

The simplified type of markings rather suggest this airplane served with one of the Nachtschlachtgruppen (night harrassment units) or a close-range recce squadron.

 

All the confusion aside, the Sabrekits model is difficult to assemble and has a few surface irregularities, making for a troublesome build.

There are no positive location tabs, just shallow depressions, where the struts are supposed to go.

The landing gear legs are butt-joined to the fuselage, the instrument panel is just a flat piece of plastic, and while some of the struts were too long, others were too short.

I was reminded of short-run-kits from 20 years ago.

I have not seen the new 1/72 Brengun kit of this type, but I heard rumours that fellow Britmodeller @Redboost is working on it.

It would be interesting to hear his opinion to compare both offerings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your interest in this topic.

Best greetings from Vienna!

Roman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by Roman Schilhart

[Gary Brantley]

What a great little jewel Roman!    That is a fine looking scale model my friend. 

[Giampiero Piva]

Dear Roman,

First of all, congratulations on the excellent Hs126 you have built.

Based on my research, the photo you are referring to is from the '9K EL', from Aufkl.St (H) Kroatien.

I had the chance to compare the Brengun with the Sabrekits, and the result is this table ( not entirely complete).

However you must know that the Sabrekits is based on the splendid drawings of the engineer M.Lebl (Revi 2009).

Hi, many greetings to Vienna from Verona.

Giampiero

[Roman Schilhart]

Giampiero, thanks for that in-depth comparison of both kits!

The Sabrekits offering seems to be better in dimensions.

I wish it would build more easily. Despite the low part count, it's been a challenge to assemble.

6 minutes ago, Giampiero Piva said:

Based on my research, the photo you are referring to is from the '9K EL', from Aufkl.St (H) Kroatien.

Thank you for confirmation. The aircraft on photograph does not carry a bomb rack, so recce unit makes total sense.

Best greetings from Vienna!

Roman

 

 

[Bertie McBoatface]

That's a nice, professional looking model. Well done.

[ArmouredSprue]

Superb building and photography 

thanks for sharing it 

[supersonic]

Smart & Fine paint job!

 

[Greg Law]

Considering the problems the kit gave you the finished plane is a testament to your modelling skills. You have produced an excellent model.

[72modeler]

Roman,

What the others have said goes double for me- in spite of  the trials you had during your build, I think the end result speaks for itself. I guess I should compare the Sabrekits Henschel to my Italeri kit and see how they match up. I just got the Sabrekits this morning. Glad I held off on getting the Brengun kit, so thanks,  @Giampiero Piva for your kit comparison!

Mike

[Sky Keg]

This is where you ( Roman ) separate yourself from most modelers / artists.  I, for one, would not even dare try to build this kit and if I did the results would be…………. A. Horrible  B. Thrown against the wall in an act of frustration.  To get this Hs-126 to this type of finish is a testament to your skill level, one that, along with many others who post on this website, I admire.  

 

I am not worthy!!!!! 

Mike

[Andy Dyck]

As always perfect! 
 

Thx for sharing 

 

Andy 

[Michael louey]

Very nice build - interesting to hear about the difficulties getting the kit together. I have this kit as well and chose it over the Brengun after hearing about the better accuracy. As long as its not "unbuildable" or really crude I'd choose the more accurate kit over the easier to build kit every time.

 

Cheers

 

Michael

[sandros]

On 7/30/2021 at 1:52 PM, Roman Schilhart said:

I have not seen the new 1/72 Brengun kit of this type, but I heard rumours that fellow Britmodeller @Redboost is working on it.

It would be interesting to hear his opinion to compare both offerings.

 

Hello Roman, this is a great build. I really like the overall appearance of the model and the correct color shades.

 

I am also building the Brengun offering, which has a lot of shortcomings but is buildable. Furthermore, I cannot compare both kits, and I am no expert on the subject, but I am pleased how the whole build is deploying. To be honest, I've been expecting more in terms of finish, but I will do my best. 

Ps

The same photo that inspired you for building this model, Has tempted me to build the ancient Ar 96 from Encore (probably ex Heller)

Edited May 31, 2022 by sandros

[Whirly]

I find surprising how a recognissance aircraft, usually not the top sales for modelling companies, was chosen for THREE new tools in the Seventies (Matchbox, Italeri and Airfix) and now again we have TWO new tools, albeit with short run technology.

It is an aestethically appealing subject and I often wondered which of the old kits was best from an accuracy and buildability point of view. I guess the new ones are much more accurate but from what I read I'm not sure they are an equally pleasing experience to build.