If you are looking for a rather unique kit to add to your late-WWII collection of 1/72 scale Axis aircraft, Brengun has come through with a trainer variant of the Ohka rocket plane. The relatively small parts count makes this a quick build, but some experience with small photoetched parts will be beneficial. Modelers with some experience with small parts and working with plastic to improve the fit of parts will enjoy this build.

Built by Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho, 45 of the K1 version of the Ohka (Cherry Blossom) were built to train the future Kamikaze pilots of the rocket-powered plane. A forward tank was loaded with water to simulate the warhead weight on the combat aircraft, which was then dumped before landing. Requiring a speed of 130 mph to land the trainer, it was a difficult plane to land for the inexperienced pilots.

Robert Forsyth, born in Berkshire, England, has studied the history and operations of the Luftwaffe since his school days. Based in East Sussex with his wife, he runs an aviation and military publishing business full-time. He has written articles for the magazines Aeroplane , Aviation News, FlyPast, and The Aviation Historian, and is a member of the Editorial Board of the latter publication. He is the author of several hard bound books, including: JV 44 - The Galland Circus (1996), Battle over Bavaria - The B-26 versus the German Jets (Classic, 1998), Mistel - German Composite Aircraft and Operations 1942-1945 (Classic, 2001), Messerschmitt Me 264 Amerikabomber (Classic, 2006, with Eddie Creek); He 162 Volksjager (Classic, 2009, with Eddie Creek); Heinkel He 111 (Crecy, 2014); Junkers Ju 52 (Specialty Press. 2015, with Eddie Creek).

At the end of the war, Czechoslovakia needed airplanes and they were already building Bf-109s in the Diana works so it was logical to continue to build them for their own country. These were built with DB-605 engines. They would continue to build them until a fire at the engine storage facility and factory. Then they decided to switch to the Jumo engine and created the Avia S-199. What makes a Diana G-10 is a unique aerodynamic fairing, as well as, the shorter landing gear and the bigger balloon tires with the associated large bulge on the wings.

The Eduard Limited Edition boxing of the Avia S-99/C-10 is actually a Bf-109G-10 by another name. This boxing comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a colorful S-99 on the box top. Inside is what really matters though, and it does not disappoint.

Contents Description

The main landing gear is a single casting similar to the kit's plastic molded part, and the tail wheel is also included. I found a mold seam on the tail wheel and on one leg on the main gear. Both should be easily removed. Both parts appear to be a one-on-one replacement for the plastic kit parts. No fuss, no muss!

I decided to paint the metal parts just for fun and to see the detail once painted and weathered. I started with Alclad black micro filler primer, and allowed that to cure for a day. Next I applied a coat of Alclad dull aluminum. A pin wash of burnt umber oil paint was applied, followed by Testors chrome silver on the oleos. What a difference a coat of paint makes!

If you require a more sturdy landing gear for your new Tamiya Spitfire this is the set you should consider.

Conclusion

I wish to thank Sale Aircraft Conversionsand IPMS USA for the opportunity to review this set of metal landing gear.

There are some things that just look better in scale thinness. Eduard agrees and produces a set for their new Bf-109G-10.

This set is packaged in the standard Eduard resealable package. The contents are protected by some card stock. One fret of photo-etch is included in nickel plated brass. The parts that are very visible are the landing gear doors and flaps. Both of which will look better in brass than plastic. The one thing that I think is essential is the wheel wells shroud, which has the cutouts that are on the real plane, not like the kit parts which hints at the cutouts. There are some other things like a fuselage access hatch, strap for the drop tank and the landing gear plumbing.