Page 3 of 4

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 2:18 am
by forest1000
I've enjoyed the kit so far. The only thing I don't care for is the machine engine section that mounts to the top. The joint there is ugly and not a lot of area to work in the get it right. With the number of theatres the aircraft operated in, there's lots of subjects. I'll probably build one again and would be good for a diorama.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 3:18 am
by lancfan
This is the current state of play with the basic airframe painted in 3 colour splinter camouflage. The next step will be to varnish the model ready for decals.
Image

David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 9:43 am
by MerlinJones
A call-out of paints used would be useful, David...looking good.

Regards,
Bruce

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 11:10 am
by SJPONeill
Looking good, David...

I've started chipping away at mine again tonight after being sidetracked by unexpected issues with the Planet SRA/1 in the Flying Boat GB and some real life issues...

Work tonight was sanding mould lines off parts, sanding seams in the fuselage and drop tank and repairing some minor damage when I fumblefingered drooped it onto the wooden floor after dinner...

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 5:55 pm
by lancfan
The decals are now in place, but they fought me every inch of the way by breaking up when slid off the paper, the rudder stripes will need touching in but nothing was lost.
Image

David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 6:13 pm
by forest1000
Looks good David. Camouflage is very nice.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 14th, 2013, 6:49 pm
by lancfan
It semed to take ages- masking each section as it needed to be painted.

David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 16th, 2013, 8:08 pm
by lancfan
The 123 is looking more like an aeroplane now, it now just needs the engine, propeller, bombs and weathering to complete it.
Image

David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 16th, 2013, 10:19 pm
by jssel
Colors look splendid David. All is looking good.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 17th, 2013, 12:39 pm
by lancfan
The kit has now been completed, Whilst completing this I forgot to photograph a couple of things, checking against scale plans the drop tank should be slightly offset to port and not on the centre line as Airfix have (logically enough) placed it, the fix was to simply attach the mounting to one side, simple. the cowlings have a triangular bracing frame in front of the engine, this is missing from the kit but is easily represented by three pieces of stretched sprue.
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image


In conclusion:
Despite its age I found it really quite good, it is simple, fairly accurate, flash free and fits together really well. It is an ideal first biplane, the upper wing being self-locating with the full-size aircraft bereft of rigging. The decals on my example were too thin and did cause some problems but these were soon corrected with a little care and perseverance. The rivet detail is out of current fashion but is unobtrusive and can be ignored and can even be said to add to the charm of this little model, I improved the cockpit, added the cowling braces and repositioned the drop tank but even without these few minor embellishments it still looks the part and is still a worthy addition to the Airfix catalogue, it also could be reissued with Chinese Nationalist and post-WW2 Spanish AF markings to extend its saleability even more and would make an excellent Starter Kit or Gift Set. Earlier, Bruce asked if this kit had what he describes as 'gem' status- the answer I think is a definate yes, and a gem that Airfix could produce for many more years yet.

Time will tell what the others will have to say about their builds.


David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 17th, 2013, 1:24 pm
by PaulBradley
Nicely done, David - that's a very attractive scheme.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 17th, 2013, 1:41 pm
by Dirkpitt289
Not to shabby at all. I really like the paint work. Its a shame about the decals though

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 17th, 2013, 4:52 pm
by lancfan
My kit has been around for a while so current production may have better decals that stay in one piece.

David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 18th, 2013, 12:22 am
by lancfan
MerlinJones wrote:A call-out of paints used would be useful, David...looking good.

Regards,
Bruce
Certainly Bruce, thanks for asking as I did not think to put them down. All the colours were Revell Aqua, the underside was Light Blue 49, the camouflage was Light Grey 76, Dark Green 39 and Brown 381.

David.

Re: Airfix Henschel Hs.123A-1 shared build *** Started ***

Posted: January 22nd, 2013, 9:49 am
by SJPONeill
Sorry, I've been dragging the chain on this one...a combination of good weather encouraging outside jobs and real life i.e. looking for a job, getting in the way...had a good interview this afternoon and so to celebrate (and to wait until the day cooled down some), I dusted off (literally) the airbrush and compressor, stirred up some Aeromaster RLM 02 and applied it to the interior parts of the Hs-123...

Image

I also dug out my aftermarket spares box and dug out some PE Luftwaffe seatbelts which I shall anneal tomorrow...