The Mini Art 1:35 Fi.282 V-23 Hummingbird / Kolibri model kit is a detailed plastic model kit of the German military helicopter from World War II. This 1/35 scale model accurately reproduces the pioneering Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri synchrocopter, one of the few combat helicopters used during the conflict. It's an excellent choice for aviation history enthusiasts and aircraft modelers looking to build a unique and significant piece for their collection.
The model features a high attention to detail, typical of Mini Art products, allowing for a realistic reproduction of this historic machine.
Product Features and Kit Contents for the Mini Art 1:35 Fi.282 V-23 Kolibri
The Mini Art 1:35 Fi.282 V-23 Hummingbird / Kolibri self-assembly kit includes all the necessary components to create a faithful replica of the German helicopter. The kit's contents have been thoughtfully curated to ensure a satisfying building experience for both beginner and experienced modelers alike. Key features and contents of the kit include:
Plastic sprues: Precisely molded parts made from high-quality plastic, forming the fuselage, engine, rotors, cockpit, and numerous external details of the helicopter.
Assembly guide: A detailed, illustrated step-by-step guide to facilitate the correct assembly of all model parts, complete with painting schemes and decal placement.
Decal sheet: A set of authentic markings and graphics enabling the reproduction of historical painting variants of the Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri.
Photo-etched parts: Additional, thin, and precise metal details that significantly enhance the realism of the model, especially in the cockpit area, engine details, and small aerodynamic elements.
Clear parts: Transparent parts, such as the pilot's cockpit canopy, precisely manufactured to ensure excellent visibility of the cockpit interior once assembled.
Assembly and Required Accessories for the Model
The building process for the Mini Art 1:35 Fi.282 V-23 Hummingbird / Kolibri model is standard for plastic models. Parts should be carefully cut from the sprues, fitted, and glued according to the included assembly guide. Some details, especially interior elements and smaller components, may require painting before final assembly. After completing the assembly, the model should be painted with model paints and decals applied according to the suggested schemes.
The kit DOES NOT include paints or glue. The following modeling tools and materials will be essential for complete model construction:
Modeling nippers: For precisely cutting parts from the sprues.
Hobby knife: For removing excess plastic and precise trimming of parts.
File or sandpaper: In various grits, for smoothing surfaces and removing cutting marks.
Plastic cement: Specifically designed for bonding polystyrene parts.
Brush or airbrush: For applying model paints. Brushes are suitable for detail painting, while an airbrush is ideal for larger surfaces and uniform coats.
Model paints: In appropriate colors, consistent with the painting scheme (see below).
Decal setting and softening solution: Recommended for better adhesion and integration of decals into the model's surface.
Suggested Painting Schemes and Compatibility
The assembly guide included with the Mini Art 1:35 Fi.282 V-23 Hummingbird / Kolibri kit provides detailed suggestions for historical painting schemes for this helicopter. The Flettner Fl 282, as a German World War II helicopter, was most often painted in standard Luftwaffe (Reichsluftfahrtministerium - RLM) colors. Typical colors may include:
RLM 02 Gray: Standard color for cockpit interiors and some external elements.
RLM 66 Black-Gray: Often used for cockpit painting.
RLM 65 Light Blue: Color used on the underside of aircraft.
RLM 70 Black-Green / RLM 71 Dark Green: Typical camouflage colors for upper surfaces, though in the case of the Fl 282, schemes were sometimes simpler due to its role.
The model is compatible with all standard acrylic, enamel, and lacquer model paints available from reputable manufacturers. Precise color codes and detailed camouflage schemes for specific historical variants are always provided in the instruction manual included with the kit.
