Bronco's 1/35 scale
DFS 230 B-1
Tactical Assault Glider

by Brett Green

DFS 230 B-1 Tactical Assault Glider

Meng's 1/48 scale F-35A Lightning II is available online from Squadron for USD$59.99

I have just completed Bronco's new 1/35 scale DFS 230 B-1 Tactical Assault Glider. 

This is an impressive model when finished, with a wing span of around 63 cm. That's almost the span of a Heinkel He 111 bomber!

Fit was generally good although there was a lot of fine flash on small and thin parts, especially the mass of structural framing.

There are also quite a lot of ejector pin circles on the fuselage interior that I did not get around to filling and sanding - but I should have! 

Bronco has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to scale detail on their military vehicle kits, which is good in some ways and not so good in others. On the one hand, some of the the fine plastic parts have to be seen to be believed; but on the other hand this approach means that a number of key assemblies are fiddly, fragile or attached using impossibly small locating positions. This is a particular challenge with the canopy and with the wing braces.

In summary though, this is a very good kit. The stretched fabric effect is superb - subtle and very realistic - detail is more than adequate and the main assemblies fit well.

The model was mostly built straight from the box but I added some Eduard harness straps and replaced the very simple wheels on the take-off trolley with True Details 1/32 scale Bf 109 B to G-2 resin wheels. The diameter was almost identical. Xtradecal Hakenkrueze were used on the rudder too.

Thoroughly recommended to crossover aircraft / military modellers with a few kits under their belt.

I have written this one up for a big article in Issue 87 of Military Illustrated Modeller magazine.

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2018 by Brett Green
Page Created 29 May, 2018
Last Updated 30 May, 2018

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