1/48 HiPM Arado Ar-196

Gallery Article by David Erickson on Sept 8 2003

 

Seen here on the shores of Lake Havasu is an Arado Ar-196 floatplane.  This twin-float monoplane design replaced older biplane types such as the He-60 to become Germany's primary shipboard reconnaissance aircraft of World War Two. Ar-196's operated from the main ship units of the Kriegsmarine (This model depicts an a/c aboard the Tirpitz during 1941), as well as from shore bases in the Mediterranean sea, Atlantic and Indian oceans, and the rivers of Russia. This seaplane was more potent than most; A modest bomb load and 20mm cannon gave it an additional attack capability.

 

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HiPM's 1/48 Scale Arado Ar-196 proved to be a very difficult build. The injection molding is very crude, with thick plastic parts and lots of flash. Much cleaning and sculpting is required, with the modeler creating the fit. On the other hand, recessed panel lines and other details are accurate. Many photo-etched parts are included, and the decals are good, if a little thin, with markings for two a/c. A folded-wing option is provided. A comprehensive instruction booklet is included. I finished this model with Model Master RLM 72 and 73 splinter (Not much contrast) and RLM 65 undersurface. 

This is a rare aircraft to find, especially in 1/48 scale. The final outcome was better than I expected, considering the shortcomings of the kit.

David Erickson

      

Photos and text © by David Erickson