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Arado Ar 196 A-3
Canopy & Mask Set

Alley Cat, 1/32 scale

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number: Alley Cat Item No. AC32019C - Arado Ar 196 A-3 Canopy & Mask Set
Scale: 1/32
Contents and Media: Three parts in clear resin; black self-adhesive masking sheet; instructions.
Price:

GBP £12.50 plus shipping available online from A2Zee Models' website.
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages: No joins required between panels, therefore a solution to the only real disadvantage with the Revell kit; thin, clear and free from distortion; masking sheet is a welcome addition.
Disadvantages:  
Conclusion: This is a simple, drop fit solution to Revell's "flat-pack" canopy. If you are building the Revell 1/32 scale Arado Ar 196, this will be an essential update.


Reviewed by Brett Green


Eduard's 1/72 scale Bf 110 G-4 is available online from Squadron.com

FirstLook

 

Revell's 1/32 scale Arado Ar 196 A-3 is a great kit featuring beautifully restrained surface features, a very high level of detail, positionable control surfaces, optional position wings (folded and deployed) and straightforward engineering.

Just about the only negative aspect of the kit is the big glasshouse canopy, which is moulded as a "flat pack". The sides and tops of the main canopy sections, and the sides and front of the windscreen are all moulded separately. I imagine that this makes moulding easier, and probably contributes to the very thin and flawless appearance of the clear plastic. The problem with this is that join tabs will be very visible on the main canopy section when the parts are assembled.

The Revell kit canopy parts are shown in the photo below.

 

 

A2Zee Models has now come to the rescue of modellers with a simple and completely effective solution. Their 1/32 scale Arado Ar 196 A-3 canopy is cast in clear resin, and each section is supplied as one part - no join lines here!

Each of the three parts is cast onto a strip with a rebate between the canopy part and the casting strip. This will make it easier to remove the resin parts, as well as reducing the risk of damage to the canopy.

 

  • Alley Cat Item No. AC32019C - Arado Ar 196 A-3 Canopy & Mask Set Review by Brett Green: Image
  • Alley Cat Item No. AC32019C - Arado Ar 196 A-3 Canopy & Mask Set Review by Brett Green: Image
  • Alley Cat Item No. AC32019C - Arado Ar 196 A-3 Canopy & Mask Set Review by Brett Green: Image
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Once removed from their casting strips, the three canopy parts will be a drop-fit replacement for Revell's plastic parts. The resin is thin, clear and free from distortion, but I will probably dip mine in Future floor polish for that extra level of sheen, and also to allow me prevent fogging if I decide to secure the parts using super glue.

Alley Cat has also supplied a sel-adhesive canopy mask in this set - a thoughful touch.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Alley Cat 's 1/32 scale Arado Ar 196 A-3 Canopy & Mask Set is a simple, drop fit solution to Revell's "flat-pack" canopy. If you are building the Revell 1/32 scale Arado Ar 196, this will be an essential update.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to A2Zee Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2013 by Brett Green
Page Created 24 May, 2013
Last updated 14 June, 2013

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