Weird and Wacky Designs

Transcript*

Intro

So, what is Luft ’46? Well, when you think of German World War II aircraft, you probably think of the famous subjects like Bf 109, Fw 190, He 111. However, there was a whole lot of weird and wacky designs that the Germans came up with. Some were nothing more than drawings. Others actually were built [music] and some of those even flew. So, the term ’46 was coined to refer to an alternate history era where some of these out-there designs actually saw service if the war had continued past 1945.

So, I’ve got a handful of kits here from Revel‘s Luft ’46 series, which I will be quickly unboxing. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to revisit my childhood. So, let’s crack open these kits. Since we have four kits to get through, I’m just going to very quickly run through them. So, first one we got here is the [music] Focke-Wulf Flitzer.

Focke-Wulf Flitzer

This was one of the designs that uh really didn’t go far. [music] It didn’t officially receive an RLM designation, although many like to call it the Fw 272 simply because [music] it was from drawing number 272. It’s also theorized that this was the design that was used to inspire the creation of the de Havilland Vampire. Very basic instructions here. Not too much to [music] go through. Uh this kit uh really doesn’t have many parts at all. Uh very simple to build. Uh you could probably finish this in 1 week or less. [music] Basic cockpit with a control stick and a seat. Two marking [music] options you get in the kit and some good quality molded parts here. Nice, quick, and simple build. [music] Next one we have here is probably one of the most famous

Horten Go 229

Luft 46 aircraft, the Horten Go 229. [music] And let me tell you from personal experience, this kit is way better than the Dragon rebox [music] 48 scale version that Revel released a few years ago. I distinctly remember building that Dragon [music] kit and it was miserable. This, however, was a lot more enjoyable. This one’s a bit more complex than the Flitzer. It’s got a few more parts, [music] but again, it’s also quite simple. It’s pretty easy to follow and not [music] too many parts. Two marking options. One for the [music] RLM 74 and 75 as well as RLM 81 and 82 [music].

So, the Go 229, as I mentioned, one of the more famous [music] of the Wunderwaffe designs. This one, unlike most of them, actually did fly, but only in test flights and [music] almost every one of them crashed. So, probably wasn’t going to be an effective design. However, one very interesting theory that came from this is due to its sleek surfaces, many believe that this [music] stealth aircraft as they believe that radar waves would [music] have bounced right off of this, making the aircraft invisible. So, again, another fascinating subject.

Arado AR 240

Next we’ve got the Arado AR 240. This one is kind of debatable whether it [music] should count as Luft 46 as this was a more mid-war design and it did see some service. It was a reconnaissance aircraft though only 15 of them were ever [music] produced. So, I guess that makes it qualify for Luft 46 status. And this one [music] also a bit more complex but still easy. And [music] you’ve got two marking options again. Though both of them are very similar. Good mold quality. Yeah, I really have no complaints with Revell’s early 2000s [music] late 90s kits. They were quite good. So, yeah. Very nice.

Messerschmitt P.1099A

And rounding out everything is the Messerschmitt P.1099A. And this one was essentially one of the many derivatives of the famous Me 262 fighter jet. I mean, if you just look [music] at its wings and tail, there’s the 262. It’s essentially nothing more than a bulkier rounder version of the 262. Think of it like [music] if it had gained weight or something. This one’s a pretty simple one, too. Not [music] too many parts. So, only 20 steps. And you got [music] two marking options. Uh, this kit in particular I really like the details on. Nice treaded tires. Cockpit wiring. Yeah, I know sometimes I give Revell a bad rap but when they put the effort in, they’re pretty good.

In conclusion

In conclusion, that is my assessment [music] of Revell’s Luft’46 catalog. They are well-made, quick and easy 1/72 scale kits that you can complete in just a few days, and they are just what you need to add that little spice to your aircraft collection. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Those silly Germans, they made so many designs like these [music] that were so crazy that they believed the Earth was flat. So, maybe hopefully one day we will get model kits of those, too.

And everything I reviewed here today, you can purchase at Loisirs vers le soleil in store [music] or online. Thank you very much for watching this video. Remember to like, comment, [music] subscribe, follow us on our socials, and until the next one. Adios.

About the Author:

David Peckam has built scale models since he was 12, specializing largely on military aircraft. He is a makeup artist and background actor for films and TV. He enjoys watching hockey and of course, movies. He has an excellent knowledge of hobby products and if you have questions concerning scale model airplanes.

*Video by David Peckham
Video Edited by
Daniela Castellano and Leo Nguyen
Transcript generated by youtube
Edited by Angelo Castellano