1/48 Hasegawa Ar 234B-2 Blitz

by Bill Lachance

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Here is my build of Hasegawa's beautiful Ar 234B-2 kit. I used Verlinden and Eduard detail sets, as well as adding wiring and hydraulic lines to the cockpit and wheel wells. The nose glazing and opened entry hatch are from Squadron's vac canopy for this kit. The markings are from Eagle Strike, and include the prominent rivets on the canopy framing. This was a blessing, as I would never have been able to paint them so well !

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I painted and detailed the cockpit, landing gear, wheel wells, and RATO (rocket assisted take off) units using color photos of the National Air and Space Museum's Ar 234. It is the only example of this remarkable aircraft left in the world. To replicate the sandy brown color of the wheel wells, I used Model Master RAF Middlestone. It is a close match for this color.

I used the resin bomb and sled from the Verlinden set, as well as the bombsight and flaps. Verlinden also included a resin Jumo 004 engine with photoetched access doors, but I elected not to use it. I couldn't imagine an Ar 234 with the RATO units attached, but the engine panels open.

I used nearly all of the items from the Eduard photoetched set, but replaced some of the cables with fine wire and solder. Their belts and harnesses are particularly well done. I replaced the kit seat with a white metal one with plastic cushions from a Trimaster Me 262 kit. The arm rests are from the Hasegawa kit.

I usually "eyeball" the masks for Luftwaffe splinter schemes, but this one was a little too complex to go that route. Instead, I scanned the markings diagram and enlarged it to kit scale in Photoshop. Once printed, it served as templates for drafting tape masks. Model Master enamels were used for the RLM 81 and 82 over 76.

The model was then glosscoated with Future, and the decals were applied. They were then sealed with more Future, and the enamel washes were applied. Once the excess was removed, I covered the model with Testor's Dullcote. This gave some "teeth" to the surface so that I could apply the white camo freehand. I didn't want to take the chance of the white paint running.

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The RATO units were given a few shades of Alcad, then washed with a dark gray. Dullcote was sprayed lightly to give a slightly worn appearance.

I painted the bomb sled with a mixture of Model Master Wood, Dark Earth, and Leather. Different color washes were applied for the grain effect, and drybrushing with Wood gave it a worn appearance. It is a beautifully cast single piece of resin from the Verlinden set.

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Squadron's vac canopy is wonderfully clear, but difficult to cut, trim, and fit. Care must be used, as there is no spare. The kit's injected nose piece has the only attachment point for the instrument panel. Gluing mine by the wires to the cockpit and having it align with the nose framing was a difficult task.

This is my most involved project to date, and it is a very special build to me. I hope you like it also.

Thank you for letting me share this kit with you !

Bill

Visit my website to see other models of mine, I also build models on commission.  http://www.pix.prettyneatinc.com/

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Photos and text © by Bill Lachance