Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $24.95 Based on historical information that I found on the internet, the Heinkel He219, known as the Uhu (Owl), was a very effective nightfighter that saw service with the German Luftwaffe during the latter half of WWII. During its first use in combat during the summer of 1943, the airplane succeeded in downing five Allied bombers. Equipped with radar, the production models began full operation in October 1943. The He219 had a reputation as the "Mosquito-Killer", but it was not produced in sufficient numbers to truly have a significant impact on the war. The He219B models were fitted with 2500hp Jumo 222A/B engines, giving the Uhu a maximum speed of 700km/h. The wingspan on the B model was also lengthened to improve high-altitude performance. Additionally, it was apparently the first operational aircraft to use ejector seats, which operated by compressed air. Inside the box are 5 sprues of injection molded plastic including 62 parts (10 are not used on this version), 2 sprues comprising 8 clear parts (3 are not used in this version), 1 fret of photoetched metal detail parts, 1 sheet of decals, and the instructions. The sprues are all separately bagged for protection. Additionally, the bags including the clear parts, photoetched parts, and decals are all taped to a piece of cardboard, and bagged again for added protection. The instructions are broken down into eight steps, illustrated in exploded view drawings. The assemblies are well defined and the attachment points appear to be clearly indicated. Paint colors are indicated in each step. The numbers listed are specifically for Mr. Color paints. Interestingly, the black-gray cockpit color (Shwarzgrau) is not included by name in the list, but the instructions suggest mixing 95% Field Gray and 5% Flat Black for that color. The plastic parts are cleanly molded with no flash. All of the parts have finely engraved panel lines where appropriate. It does appear that there are a few ejector pin marks that may be visible on the finished model. They are on the inside of the main gear doors, on the cockpit sidewalls, and inside the nose gear well. The ceiling of the nose gear well is molded as the bottom of the cockpit floor, and there is a large "hole" in the ceiling which is apparently part of the pilots seat. The hole is in a location that will likely be difficult to fill and sand. The clear parts are crystal clear and beautifully molded. The canopy frames appear to be slightly "frosted" and stand out quite well. Masking, even though the canopy looks a bit like a greenhouse, should be fairly easy. The photoetched parts are very nicely done. Included on the fret are the instrument panel and various antennae. In particular, the radar antennae for the nose and tail look to be an outstanding representation of the prominent ones used on this aircraft. It would have been nice to see photoetched seatbelts included on the fret, but I am sure that several aftermarket sources will have those items available. The decals, printed by Cartograf, are very thin, crisply printed, and appear to be in perfect register. They include marking for three aircraft of NJG 3 stationed in Germany in 1945. One aircraft is all flat black, while the other two have a flat black mottle on light gray (Hellgrau) upper surfaces over flat black undersurfaces. I could not find any mention, anywhere in the instructions, concerning adding weight inside the nose of the model. Considering the length of the rear fuselage, the size of the horizontal/vertical stabilizers, and the location of the main landing gear, I do believe that added weight will be needed for the model to sit properly on its tricycle landing gear. If so, there is some room for weight in the nose of the aircraft, and there is additional room in the engine nacelles in front of the main landing gear bays. This kit is a superb offering overall. There seems to be only the few ejector pin marks, and that hole in the ceiling of the nose gear well, that would keep this kit from being considered absolutely perfect. I'm really looking forward to the buildup on this one! I would rate this kit as "highly recommended" for anyone … and a "must have" for the dedicated Luftwaffe modelers. I would like to thank Dragon USA for this review sample.

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