DG-1000S Glider
"AKVY" German Two Seater Class Glider

Brengun, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Gliders are relatively rare subjects in the field of scale modelling, so it is nice to see Brengun breaking the drought in 1/48 scale.

The DG Flugzeugbau 1000S Glider is a modern two-seater sailplane used for civil and military training. It first flew in July 2000.

It currently serves with the USAF, RAAF and Indonesian Air Force as well as many flying schools and private operators.

Brengun's 1/48 scale DG-1000S Glider "AKVY" German Two Seater Class Glider comprises 38 pieces in white injection moulded plastic on a single sprue, two parts in clear injection moulded plastic and a decal sheet with markings for a single aircraft in two times and in two countries.

The model is a decent size, with a wingspan of round 37cm.

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The box is end-opening with very attractive artwork. The bottom of the box was partly crushed in transit - an ever present risk with this flimsy design. Fortunately no damage was done.

Moulding quality is very good, with a smooth finish on the exterior surfaces of parts and relatively thin sprue attachment points. Surface textures are scarce and subtle. As you would expect, the vase majority of the surfaces are smooth and white.

Some of the detail looks a bit soft but the impression is probably a result of the white plastic. I'm not a particular fan of white plastic - it's hard to see the details and even harder to photograph - but it makes perfect sense for an overall white airframe.

This is still a limited run kit, so you won't find little luxuries like locating pins. You'll need to take a little more time and care when aligning and gluing parts.

The cockpit is adequately fitted out with seats, control columns, headrests, rear bulkhead and instrument panels. Rudder pedals and harness straps are not included.

Fortunately, Brengun has released a separately available photo-etched detail set that adds these details and much more.

Parts breakdown could not be much simpler. The fuselage is presented in two halves with the fin and rudder being moulded to each half.

The wings are supplied in one piece each. I'll probably drill out the mating surfaces and reinforce the join here with fine metal rods.

Horizontal tailplanes are presented as one part that perches on top of the fin. I recommend reinforcing this join too.

All control surfaces are moulded in neutral positions.

The undercarriage reflects the real thing, with a large single main wheel with two separate doors, plus smaller wheels for the tail and the wing tips. The main undercarriage leg is nicely detailed, being made up from five parts.

The clear parts feature separate front and rear canopy parts that may be posed open or closed.

The parts are quite thin and clear.

Instructions show the canopies opening by tilting to the starboard side. I have seen photos that show this configuration but also one that seems to show the forward canopy tilted forward (with the instrument coaming attached) and the rear canopy tilted backwards. This configuration was on an RAAF example. Check individual references for your subject.

Markings are supplied for a single glider built in 2002. Decals are offered for the original German flying shcool based at AeroClub Saar e.V., Marpingen; as well as its new Czech home since 2013.

The decals are glossy, well printed and in register.

Brengun's 1/48 scale DG-1000S Glider "AKVY" is a simple kit of a rarely modelled subject. This will be welcomed by civil and military trainer modellers.

Thanks to Brengun for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2020 by Brett Green
Page Created 9 December, 2020
Last updated 9 December, 2020

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