Heinkel He 112 V6

Rest Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Rest Models was a new name to me when I saw this kit advertised recently. The Ukranian company has previously released several pre-war Soviet aircraft including the I-3, I-5, I-15 and R-5. They even offer a 1/48 scale GAZ-AA truck as a handy airfield accessory. However, having not actually seen Rest Models' products before, I had no expectations when their 1/48 scale Heinkel He 112 V6 arrived on my doorstep early this week.

On opening the box it is immediately obvious that this is a stunning kit.

Rest Models' 1/48 scale Heinkel He 112 V6 comprises 47 parts in pale green resin and two vacform canopies. Remarkably, there are no casting blocks on any of the parts. The resin, even the large components, will be ready to assemble after minimal cleanup of flash around the edges of a few parts. Surface detail is by way of extremely fine yet absolutely consistent recessed panel lines.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The jewel in the crown is the one-piece hollow fuselage. There is a tiny raised seam along the top and bottom centreline. These will easily be scraped off (I would recommend using the back of a hobby blade) and polished out. The interior of the fuselage contains locating ridges for the instrument panel and the rear bulkhead, plus structural detail on the inside of the cockpit doors. These doors may be cut out of the fuselage if the modeller wishes, and separate resin doors may be glued in the open position. The upper cowl intakes and locating holes for the exhausts and the wide propeller shaft are flashed over. Removing this flash is a very minor task.

The cockpit is very nicely detailed, with separate sidewalls, seat and floor in resin, and a sandwich of photo-etch and acetate for the instrument panel. A photo-etched harness is included too. Two styles of gunsight are offered.

The wings are equally impressive. They are cast as a single part, with structural detail inside the deep wheel wells. The top centre of the wing is formed as a saddle with a raised ridge around the inside. The fuselage sits on top of this saddle. I have brought the wings and fuselage together without glue, and the fit is tight and gap free even before touching either of the parts with a sanding stick.

All control surfaces are supplied separately, so the modeller can choose to drop the flaps or deflect the rudder, ailerons or elevators as required. Even the radiator flap may be positioned.

The modeller is not expected to fabricate even the smallest details. Rest Models provides pitot tube, all gear and door struts, and trim tab actuators.

Casting quality is generally excellent. The only flaws were some pin holes in the bottom of one tyre and inside one of the exhaust pipes.

Markings are supplied for the sole He 112 V6 in Spain. The aircraft was bare metal with white trim in the usual Condor Legion style.

Instructions are supplied on two sheets of A4 paper. One of these sheets provides history and photographs, while the second describes construction in 16 illustrated steps.

In recent months we have seen a number of new companies step up from the cottage industry with some remarkable products. Rest Models has added its name to that Honour Roll.

The master design, the finesse of detail, the modeller-friendly parts breakdown, the precise fit and the overall professionalism of the package combine to bestow a real air of luxury to this model.

We modellers live in fortunate times to be presented with such a great choice of niche subjects. Considering the amount of work required to prepare and assemble resin kits as recently as a few years ago, the very high standards offered by some of these new generation kits is an unexpected but delightful windfall.

Rest Models' 1/48 scale Heinkel He 112 V6 is a true gem - a modern classic in resin.

Highly Recommended.

Review sample kindly supplied by DMC Models

Review Text Copyright © 2006 by Brett Green
Page Created 15 June, 2006
Last updated 15 June, 2006

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