"As everyone knows, I am one of the few re-enactors in the country
that re-enacts as a Luftwaffe bomber pilot. One of the main
drawbacks is that whereas other re-enactors can often interact with
original period or replica vehicles at some events (e.g. tanks, half
tracks, trucks, etc.), there are are hardly any places with a
Heinkel HE111 or perhaps even a Stuka for me to pose with.
"I
have often admired the skill with which some enthusiasts replicate
life-sized (or near) copies of vehicles and aircraft. Some
have made very good copies of life-sized Spitfires for example.
Unfortunately, I'd need a substantial lottery win to afford to pay
someone to build a replica Heinkel or Stuka for me.
"So....I have to make do with a model."
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"The Heinkel model itself was a christmas present to myself, and
came ready built (yes - I cheated!). This 1/48 scale diecast
model of the Luftwaffe's most highly regarded twin-engine bomber
features engraved panel lines, hand painted cockpit details with the
original's complex glazing, belly-mounted machine guns, intricate
landing gear with real rubber tyres, and rotating propellers.
Its markings are those of 2./KG 27 from the 1939 invasion of Poland.
Made by Franklin Mint, it has a wingspan of 17 inches.
"The figures are from the Verlinden range of Luftwaffe pilots, and
were put together and painted for me by that dab-hand with a paint
brush, Phil Allen, to whom I am very grateful." |
