Koolhoven FK-58C.1

Planet Models, 1/48

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Planet Models' 1/48 scale Koolhoven F.K. 58  is available online from Squadron 
 

Even I am amazed: 

As many of you may know, I have a fondness for the odd aircraft of the smaller combatants of the Second World War: Polikarpov and Bulldog with Finnish markings, Ambrosini and RO 37 of the Regia Aeronautica, Caudron and Potez in French colors, and the such.  But even I have to scratch my head with this one. 

In an attempt to rapidly re-arm before the outbreak of war, the French purchased fighter aircraft from Koolhoven of the Netherlands, the FK-58.   The first four that arrived in France had the Hispano-Suiza engine, instead of the Gnome-Rhone engine as ordered. 

These first four aircraft were immediately rejected by the fighter units and sent off to second line duties. 
 

If even the French Air Force, on the eve of war, rejected these four aircraft, then why did Planet models seek to issue this beautiful resin kit? 

The answer is quite simple.  It amounts to merely a new cowl.  For this kit is 99% identical to Planet Models’ previous issue of the Koolhoven FK-58 with the Gnome-Rhone engine.  Use this link to see the review of the previous FK-58 kit.  The only real difference is the cowl and intake used on the Hispano-Suiza version.  As with the previous kit, the cowl is a beautiful and delicate resin molding without a molding block.  There was only a slight bit of flash on the front opening. 

Note that the issue of “delicate” is a real problem.  After I did my previous review, I repacked the kit and put is back in the stash.  But I must have been less than careful in repacking and I put another kit on top of the box. When I took out the Gnome-Rhone cowl, I noted that it had become distorted, bent out of shape.  So, if you get either version of the FK-58 and do not plan on building it right away, make sure the cowl is well protected and that no weight is placed on it.  Hopefully a little warm water will ease it back into shape. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Markings:

The other difference between the Hispano-Suiza and Gnome-Rhone version is the markings. 

The kit instruction call for the model to be painted in the typical French scheme of  Brown, Green and Dark Blue-Gray on the topside with Light Blue-Gray undersides.  There is also, the possibility that the camouflage was merely Dark Blue-Gray overall with areas of Khaki applied to the topside, as was the case with the Gnome-Rhone version.  The decals are for the very first Koolhoven FK-58 delivered to the French, coded C-016. 

While, the other three of the first four Koolhovens were most likely sent to a fighter training school, it appears that this particular aircraft was sent to the mechanics school at Rochefort.  What is most interesting about this aircraft is it fuselage marking, which is the insignia of GB II/38 (group de bombardement).  The reason for this insignia is not really known.  Perhaps between the time the fighter unit rejected it and its arrival at Rochefort, it may have served as a liaison aircraft with the groupe de bombardement.  Also, the marking could be white, rather than the red and yellow of the decals. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

As for the decals they are well printed, although the roundel may be ever so slightly off register (Then there is the issue of these aging eyes.).  What I do like about these decals is that they give you the option of either using the decals for the rudder stripes or painting them, as the registration information is a separate decal.

Even more than the first issue of the FK-58, this kit may have very few modelers with this aircraft on their top 10 most wanted list.   Like the Gnome-Rhone version, this is a beautifully made resin kit.  It clearly is an antidote to all those Bf 109s and P-51s, something completely different.  I highly recommend it. 
 

:

• French Aircraft 1939-1942, Volume 2: From Dewotine to Potez; by Andre Jouineau and Dominique Breffort; published by Histoire & Collections; 2005. 

• Le Koolhoven FK 58; Mathieu Comas; Aviaons, 1997, three parts. 

Merci très beaucoup a Thierry Fournier

Thanks to MPM / Planet Models for the review sample.

MPM and Planet Model kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers worldwide and at Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2006 by Steven Eisenman
Page Created 20 July, 2006
Last updated 20 July, 2006

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