Hobby Boss 1/35 Fi 156C-3 Storch Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | May 2022 | Manufacturer | Hobby Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Fi 156C-3 Storch | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 80181 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Nice kit | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $66.99 |
First Look
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In the mid-1930s, the RLM invited several aircraft companies to submit their designs for a new liaison aircraft that could also perform forward air control (FAC) and medical evacuation duties. Fieseler submitted the Fi 156 Storch (stork) which could also perform short take-offs and landings (STOL). The Storch could achieve such impressive STOL performance using long wings with a fixed slat mounted to the leading edge. The Fi 156C-2 and later variants were equipped with a raised, fully glazed position for a rearward firing MG 15 machine gun for self defense. While there were production variants of the Fi 156, the Fi 156C was the most-produced model at over 2,600 examples, and the Fi 156C-3 was the most widely produced variant of the Storch at over 1,700 examples.
Here's a new-tool kit from HobbyBoss that nicely renders the 1/35 Fieseler Fi-156C-3 Storch out of the box. The entire build is done in nine steps! The model is molded in desert tan styrene and presented on nine parts trees plus one tree of clear parts. Among the features and options in this kit:
- Nicely detailed cockpit
- Choice of fixed or pivoting rear seat
- Choice of main instrument panel
- Paint masks for cockpit transparencies
- Detailed engine
- Choice of engine access cover installed or removed
- Positionable elevators
- Positionable rudder
- Choice of tail wheel or skid
- Optional external fuel tank
Decal options for six aircraft are included:
- Fi-156C-3, 5F+YK, desert scheme, Germany
- Fi 156C-3, SB+UG, European scheme, Germany
- Fi 156C-3, 1, Regia Aeronautica
- Fi 156C-3, 2, Free French
- Fi 156C-3, OK-BZC, Czechoslovakia
- Fi 156C-3, Polish Air Force
This is a relatively simple kit that would make a nice vignette or diorama with another 1/35 scale vehicle and/or figure(s). Even by itself, this kit will build into the nicest Storch in this scale or in the adjacent 1/32 scale.
If you want an interesting weekend project, this is the model you're looking for...
My sincere thanks to Model Rectifier Corporation for this review sample!