1/32 Zoukei-Mura Henschel HS 129 B-2

[Resurgam]

Hello Everyone!

 

This is my third build in just over 30 years, so won't be anywhere near the quality of the vast majority of builds on here, but I thought it might be interesting to post the build as a quick search of the forums doesn't return many examples of this specific kit.

 

The attraction was mainly around the instructions, as I enjoy the building rather than the painting/detailing etc, they hold my hand through a more complex build than I've done previously, so a good opportunity to learn. The kits in the Super Wings Series (of which this is number 17) seem to have a reputation for over engineering, and I can see why, but that's not a downside for me.

 

Anyway, that's enough waffling.

 

The first part of the build is the two engines, and each of these are made up of 35 parts. The cylinder halves even have pistons, which will never be seen, even if the engine is exhibited using the supplied stand:

 

 

 

This shows the sub-assemblies that make up the engine. For those like me unfamiliar with aircraft component, the instructions name everything as implemented in the specific aircraft.

 

 

And finally assembled/painted, and attached to the mounts:

 

 

 

 

 

Everything will be brush painted, the majority using Revell Aqua Color. There's a small amount of wash on the cylinders to bring out the detail, and on the exhausts. I suspect that the engines will be almost entirely covered by the cowlings, but I'm wondering whether I can leave hatches/cowlings open as much as possible to avoid losing the interior details.

 

 

As mentioned above, this is very much a learning experience so if there are any improvements I can make (either to the build or the post), please let me know!

 

 

 

 

[mick]

look forward to your build great start

[ad70]

Nice start to a great kit, you are right in that not so much of the engines can be seen on the finished build

 

 

 

Be careful to follow ZM's instructions as jumping around can cause a few fit issues down the line.

 

Regards. Andy 

[sammy da fish]

I what one now I have seen this.

[Resurgam]

18 hours ago, mick said:

look forward to your build great start

 

Thanks, I really enjoyed the engine build, lots of detail, and it seemed well designed to all fit together without too much trouble.

 

12 hours ago, ad70 said:

Nice start to a great kit, you are right in that not so much of the engines can be seen on the finished build

 

 

 

Be careful to follow ZM's instructions as jumping around can cause a few fit issues down the line.

 

Regards. Andy 

 

Good to see an example of a finished one, thanks. Did the belts come with your kit, or are they AM?

11 hours ago, sammy da fish said:

I what one now I have seen this.

 

It's a really nice kit, but a lot of the detail is lost once the model is complete. I'll post more pictures later, but as an example, the wings come as spars, which you can paint and add a lot of internal detail too, which is then covered by the skins. Great for me, as I like the detail, but I could see it being frustrating for some.

[Resurgam]

The next stage is the building up of the cockpit, with the floor and seat tub going together:

 

 

I missed capturing a few steps here, but this is the built up cockpit, minus the control stick, which pinged off the tweezers never to be seen again. As it's not the smallest of parts I have no idea how I can't find it!

 

You get the option of placing the decal over a coloured part for the instrument panel, or placing it behind a clear part and painting the front (which I took) so that the instruments have a lens.

 

 

 

 

 

[georgeusa]

Very nice start.  I have this kit and a few other ZM kits two of which have stalled for various reasons.  Sometimes the over-engineering is a bit of a pain and can result in questioning "Why this much trouble to put two wing halves together?"  But, I do like the kits,  You just have to be careful to keep everything in  alignment as you build as if one section gets somewhat off, it will amplify the rest of your build being off.  So far, however, it looks like you are doing great and taking your time.  I hope you haven't given up on this kit.