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Fieseler Fi 103 Variants


MAC Model

 

S u m m a r y
Catalogue No. and Description:

KPM72042 Fieseler Fi 103A-1 Flying Bomb (V-1)
KPM72043 Reichenberg Re IV (Fi-103)
KPM72044 Fieseler Fi 103 Reichenberg Re III
KPM72045 JB-2 Loon

Contents and Media: 26 parts in tan styrene; 1 small photo-etched brass fret; vacform canopy where applicable (Re IIIs); stencil decal markings.
Scale: 1/72
Price: each USD$12.96 from Squadron.com
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages: Good use of molds for four variants; includes trolley (Fi 103 variants) or launch mount (Loon); crisply recessed panel lines; small but useful photo-etched parts.
Disadvantages: Very small locating pins for wings and horizontal tail; some flash.
Recommendation: Recommended.

 

Reviewed by Brett Green


 MAC Model's 1/72 scale Fieseler Fi 103 Variants are all available online from Squadron.com

 

FirstLook

 

The Fieseler Fi 103, better known as the V-1, was the forerunner of the modern Cruise Missile. In addition to its basic role of flying bomb, the airframe was also considered for use as a manned, guided missile. Furthermore, the United States manufactured a Fi 103 clone called the JB-2 Loon after World War Two.

MAC Models from the Czech Republic has now released four variants of the Fi 103. They are:

  • Fieseler Fi 103A-1 Flying Bomb (V-1)

  • Reichenberg Re IV (Fi-103)

  • Fieseler Fi 103 Reichenberg Re III

  • JB-2 Loon

These four kits are presented with a core of common parts added to two main fuselage options and four different nosecones. Each kit comes only with its own specific main fuselage and nosecone - you cannot mix and match straight from the box.

 

 

26 plastic parts are included in each kit. The sprue attachment points are quite narrow and the detail reasonably fine. Surface detail is by way of crisply recessed panel lines. A little flash is present on some of the parts, but the sprue looks generally good.

A small fret of photoetched parts is also included with each kit. These are useful details including the intake face for the Argus pulse jet, arming propeller, lifting lugs and instruments.

The German variants include a ground handling dolly, while the US Loon features a rocket assisted launching sled. Anyone who feels ambitious enough to scratchbuild a launch rail will have the beginnings of a very impressive diorama!

Instructions are adequate, and stencil decals are supplied for all boxings. The Loon includes US National Markings.

These four kits are nicely presented and should build up quickly into good replicas of these Fi 103 variants.

Recommended.

Thanks to Squadron.com for the review samples.

Review Copyright © 2002 by Brett Green
Page Created 20 August, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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