Arado 196A-2 Wk. Nr 0053, 2./BfGr. 196, Scharnhorst 1940

[Michael louey]

This kit was built for our club Model Expo display. I've always thought the Arado 196 was a nifty plane and remember reading numerous Air Ace comics where it was a protagonist including "King's Messenger" where 2 have a duel with a Vickers Wellesley . 😄

I started off building my 196A-3 kit when I realised Sword had made a major error in their decal sheet. The markings for the aircraft based on Tirpitz did not have handed markings for the Seahorse emblem for the scheme. I wasn't keen on the 2nd scheme in the kit as I've seen it used on a lot of builds and I was quite keen to build a plane based on one of the Kreigsmarine ships.

I found that Sword had just reissued their kit as a dogfight double with a Sea Gladiator (but as an A-2) which had correct markings for a plane based on Scharnhorst. This suited me fine as I've always considered Scharnhorst as one the prettiest capital ships built and she had a very extensive battle history. Sadly she met a sad end against HMS Duke of York trying to battle a british escort fleet basically single handedly. Very few of her crew survived the freezing sea at North Cape.

The kit builds quite well for a short run kit. I had a bit of trouble getting the floats and struts right as I'd added weights to the floats and this caused issues getting the whole assembly aligned. I ended up using the 2nd set of floats I had without weights to complete the kit. (I plan to use the remaining kit with a conversion kit to do the single float version). I think the propeller looks a bit clunky and have bought an aftermarket Quickboost part which I may cut the props off to replace the kit ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[georgeusa]

I think you did a fine job on the build and finish of this kit.  I agree the propeller is off and doesn't look quite right.  This is not your fault, but is a kit failing.  I think once you get your Quickboost replacement propeller this kit will really shine.  Thanks for sharing.

[Courageous]

Always nice to see float plane, well done.

 

Stuart

[Mig88]

Lovely! Very nicely finished !

 

Miguel

[Michael louey]

As mentioned, I planned to replace the propeller blades on the Arado as they never looked right to me. 

The main trouble was getting the blades aligned and angled correctly - there is a tool with the quickboost set but since it's for an A-3 with spinner, it won't work with the A-2 hub I have. Skipped the propeller stencils this time. Photos are a bit simplified - no clearing of clutter, added lighting or base setup and hand held camera with autofocus rather than aperture priority on a tripod.

 

 

 

Edited January 6 by Michael louey
grammar

[Tim R-T-C]

A very smart build and nice finish on the paint scheme.

[mick]

great work

[Fred piket]

Nice arado!