Gotha G.V

A.Z. Model, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

A couple of years ago, we were introduced to a new 1/48 scale Gotha from Hippo.

It easily surpassed the old Aurora G.V. from the late 1950s and was a welcome release for fans of this famous bomber. There were a couple of issues though, some of a minor nature, others not so trivial.

AZ Models have now released this kit under their own label and have taken steps to overcome a few of those shortcomings.

Presented on four gray coloured sprues, we have a total of 124 plastic parts with an additional clear sprue catering for the windows and windscreen. Complimenting this is a photo etched fret which provides another 29 pieces. The p-e layout is different from Hippo’s own release but the items themselves are essentially the same. One unexpected bonus is the instrument panel. It is now perforated to allow the application of an included acetate sheet containing preprinted dial faces.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

Instead of the single decal option seen previously, AZ have given the modeller 3 varied colour schemes to choose from.

All of the plastic parts are well formed with good detail and no obvious deformities. A couple of ejection pin towers can be found inside the fuselage halves but these can easily be cleaned up and removed.

No locating pins are present so a little care will be needed during assembly.

Although not mentioned on the box top or instructions, this is a kit most suited for experienced modellers. It provides all of the basic elements needed to construct a good looking Gotha but leaves it up to the modeller to provide much of the detail themselves.

This includes the interior framework as Hippo only supplies the floor, “fuel tanks” and bulkheads. Some smaller items are catered for, which come in the form of seats, steering wheel, and rudder bar. Pilot controls, fuel and air pump, bomb release levers and the like, will all have to be made from scratch.

The moulding of the wings is very good, requiring only minimal cleaning up of each flying surface. The ribs are represented by subtle tapes and the trailing edges are commendably thin. As per the original, they are broken into sections so some pinning will be required for strength. The delicate struts are all to scale and thankfully the plastic is strong enough to support the structure.

Photo etched parts take care of the finer elements in the kit. These include such items as the control horns, machine gun mount, and the all important propeller guards. An interesting idea from Hippo is the decision to use this material for the control cable guides that run along the fuselage sides. These will certainly help ease the rigging process.

All of the major components conform well to published general arrangement drawings, those used here being Ian Stair’s set found in the 1994 Albatros Publications “Gotha!” Datafile Special. However there is one frustrating omission and this relates to one of the starboard windows below the bomb aimer. Even if this was painted over (and some were, including 670/17 during its career), there should still be the representation of a frame.

Speaking of transparencies, one would expect to see one above the instrument panel. The outline is present but unfortunately it’s a solid piece of plastic. So if you wish to replicate an aircraft that didn’t have this area blacked out, you will have to open up this region and also find some clear film to fill the resultant gap.

Arming your Gotha with bombs will also be problematical. They were a surprising omission from the original kit and things haven’t changed with this edition.

A rigging diagram is included on the instruction sheet and this also deals with the outer control cables.

Markings

The decal sheet is very well printed with good colour registration and some of the thinnest carrier film you will ever see. The decal sheet is all new and corrects the problem found in the Hippo release where a black outline surrounded the national crosses and chevrons.

Also included are the essential serial numbers missing from the old release.

1. Gotha G.V. 670/16, flown by Walter Aschoff who was the commander of Staffel 17. It was photographed in early 1918 where it can be seen wearing the image of a snake down its fuselage sides.

2. Gotha G.V. 906/16 which was lost during a raid on London in 1917. Anti-Aircraft fire brought it down near Rochford aerodrome on the night of the 5/6 December.

3. Gotha G.Va. under new management and repainted in French markings (sacrilege!)

With just a little bit of extra work, Hippo’s Gotha G.V will turn into a fine replica of the original. In saying that, it is a “limited run” kit and designed for the experienced builder, so one is expected to do more than just assemble the pieces.

AZ Models have remedied the issues regarding the original decal sheet and the few remaining problem areas are not insurmountable. A window frame can be fabricated from sheet styrene and the missing bombs could be sourced from other kits or an enterprising “cottage industry”.

Just like the Hippo release, this is a very welcome addition to one’s Kagohl 3 airfield.

Thanks to AZ Model for these review samples.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2012 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 21 May, 2012
Last updated 22 May, 2012

Back to HyperScale Main Page