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In-Box Review
148
Focke-Wulf Fw 56 Stösser
  • Box-S

by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

Plastic Parts
This is typical of modern short-run kits from the Czech Republic. The parts are quite cleanly moulded, with delicate engraving, but there is a little flash and surface roughness.The well-illustrated instructions point out a few areas where the parts need to be modified. Most parts will benefit from careful cleaning up, and mating-surfaces sanding flat before assembly.The parasol-wing is moulded as a one-piece lower section, with separate upper surfaces. While this is the opposite to the norm, everything fits fine with no gaps.

Detail Parts
A number of etched metal parts are provided, including the seat-harness and instrument panel - the latter has a backing-film for the instrument faces.

Decals
HiPM offer 4 colour schemes. Along with a rather dull Luftwaffe machine, decals are provided for Bulgarian, Spanish Republican and Hungarian aircraft, which will make striking additions to any collection. The decals are nicely printed, although the colourful rudder markings look a little translucent, so an undercoat of white may be a good precaution.

Conclusion
Overall this is a nice kit that deserves to do well. It's important to remember this isn't "Tamigawa" quality - or Eduard for that matter - but if you're prepared to put in a little effort, you should be rewarded with a very attractive model.
SUMMARY
A quick look at the Focke-Wulf Fw 56 Stösser - released in 1/48 scale by HiPM. Built in 1933, the Stösser was the first Focke-Wulf aircraft in which Kurt Tank was involved from the start. Projected as a Heimatschützer (home defence light-fighter), the Stösser went on to serve as an advanced fighter. The aircraft flew with several airforces and approximately 1000 were built before production ceased in 1940.
  PLASTIC PARTS:60%
  ETCHED DETAILS:70%
  DECAL OPTIONS:80%
Percentage Rating
70%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48011
  Suggested Retail: £15.99
  PUBLISHED: Aug 31, 2003
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.35%

About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.


   
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