Azur 1/72 Heinkel He-60

AZUR 1:72 HEINKEL HE-60
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Carlos Giani (carlos_giani2002@yahoo.de)

Aircraft: Designed to meet an early requirement for shipboard reconnaissance aircraft, the prototype He-60A flew for the first time in 1933. Its 660 HP BMW VI motor was replaced in the second prototype (He-60B) by an engine delivering 750HP. Nevertheless, no substantial improvement was achieved and this configuration was abandoned. The third prototype, He-60C, had the appropriate equipment for being catapulted, and the tests showed the viability of this task.

By 1936, this tough two-seat seaplane was standard with the “Kustenfliegergruppe” (Coastal Air Group), armed with a rearwards firing MG-15 which was attended by the observer. Six planes, designated He-60E, were delivered to the Spanish Nationalists. The He-60 was also built by Weser and Arado, with some planes serving on training and observation duties up to 1943.

Parts: In a typical “MPM-type” end-opening box you get a bag containing 3 sprues in dark grey with 15 parts, 2 sprues in light grey with 33 parts, a separate bag with decals, PE parts, vacform canopy with reserve and film for dials. This kit has the catalogue number 001 and is stated “1997”, and the parts look according to this fact: blurs here and there, flash, heavy attachment gates, big ejector pin stubs and some irregular surface quality. It’s a matter of take it or leave it!

Loyal to the multimedia philosophy, you get a detailed interior with floor, bulkheads, seats, control column, PE pedals, PE belts and detailed instruments panels (styrene plate + film + PE cover). This is trapped between the fuselage halves, and the observer becomes a good formed machine gun which is mounted on a 4-piece support, all this being of acceptable slenderness. The upper wing and the two lower wings are all in two halves, and show some ribbing detail which looks O.K. for me (that just means that I'm far away of being somehow knowingly in this field). The lower wings are butt-joined to the fuselage (unfortunately no frontal view diagram), while the upper wing is supported by two outer “N”-struts and the usual inner ones. Each one-piece tailplane is of course also butt-joined to the frame and gets an “N”-strut. The motor cowling, a wind generator, the (butt-joined) propeller and a PE radiator grill complete the main plane.

And now the real pain begins. The floats are mounted by means of 11 parts, 3 of which must be made from Ø1mm rod. Careful planing, patience work, a rig and super glue will sure be advantageous here. Finally, some PE bits complete the job. There is minimal rigging needed (no diagram).

Instructions: A 4-sided A5 leaflet plus an extra A5 sheet, containing history/data in E, G, CZ and F; numbered sprues layout, 6 acceptable-for-the-experienced construction steps and 4-view colouring/decaling diagram for two versions.

Versions:

1) Luftwaffe, I./SAGr 126, Kalamata in Greece, 1941-42. Upper surfaces splinter RLM 72/73, lower surfaces blue RLM65, white engine panels and vertical rudder.

2) Franco´s Nationalist Spanish Air Force, Cadiz, 1938. Overall RLM02 with white vertical rudder.

Decals: Printed by Propagteam, they look great on the paper, and include two-piece swastikas.

Detail: Provided you clean up the parts carefully and spent some elbow grease, a good detail level can be achieved.

Options: No real options provided

Impressions: All beginnings are difficult, and this first effort from Azur is no exception. But one must admire the courage to start business with such an unusual subject. Nothing a decided modeller couldn't tackle. I must confess, I really like this kind of kits, due to the challenge and the subject.

Recommendations: Recommended for those interested in pre-war planes or some other related category. Treat it as an early short run kit. Strictly for experienced modellers!

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