Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

 

FirstLook

Various versions of the Arado 234 have been kitted, and as of a few years ago some have really been “state of the art”.

Revell’s kit of the C-3 version has been chosen as the subject of this sheet, which offers a total of seven options.

Not too many of these aircraft were built so how did Cutting Edge manage to provide this many subjects…by incorporating Luftwaffe ’46! 

• Arado 234 C-3, W.Nr.250001, Prague-Rusin

Wearing a finish of RLM 81/82 on its upper surfaces and RLM 76 beneath, this aircraft’s splinter pattern is only broken up by the national markings. These consist of outline form only, which are white for the fuselage and upper wing surface and black for those under the wing. The tail also shows the outlined form of the Harkenkreuz and the unusual style of black Werknummer. 

• Arado 234 C-3, KG 51, “Luftwaffe 1946”

This is where the guys at Cutting Edge can have some fun. This rendition shows a machine from KG 51 that has its upper surfaces in RLM 81 and the lower parts in the so-called “RLM 84”. A nice version of the edelweiss badge is supplied as well as the “white L” and “black R” code letters. A black version of the former is also provided for the underside of the wings. 

• Arado 234 C-3, W.Nr.250006, München-Riem

Again we see what is assumed to be the standard RLM 81/82/76 finish of these aircraft.

This (the sixth Ar.234C-3) is much like option 1 except that it wears a much-reduced form of the Harkenkreuz on the tail. Note also that an area around it has been masked, thus revealing the underlying colour. 

• Arado 234 C-3, KG 30, “Luftwaffe 1946”

A tropical scheme this time as if the type were operating in North Africa. RLM 79 over RLM 78 under surfaces is the order of the day with code letters of a red “M” and a black “N”. The diving eagle badge is supplied in two parts so that there can be no problems with registration. 

• Arado 234 C-3, W.Nr.250012, Prague-Rusin

This is CED’s last of the actual schemes that could be seen on these aircraft. The black Harkenkreuz is again of the small type but no masking is apparent.  Standard late war Balkenkreuze of the usual outline type are used on the aircraft with white prevailing above the wings and black applied beneath. 

• Arado 234 C-3, KG 3, “Luftwaffe 1946”

So what about the aircraft operating in winter? Well, this scheme sees the standard splinter pattern covered with a coat of white temporary paint to effect some “snow camouflage”.

It makes for a very attractive scheme with the yellow engine cowl and code letter…not to mention the red and white unit badge. 

• Arado 234 C-3, Kommando Sperling, “Luftwaffe 1946”

This is the final option and can be compared to the option above except without the winter “whitewash”. With a white engine cowl ring and black code letters, it almost looks “normal”. Three versions of the “gas propelled” unit emblem are supplied so you can certainly have fun with this one. 

A full set of national markings is included for any of the aircraft portrayed but the real bonus is the decals that supply the cockpit framework. This will certainly save a lot of time and effort as painting it could be a potential nightmare. 

There were no register problems with any of the items and the colour density appeared to be very good. The carrier film was lovely and thin and in most cases only barely extended past the printed image. This was quality control at its best.

So there we have it. This is obviously not a subject that has a lot of variations in markings so Cutting Edge decided to provide some of their own.  

The canopy framing is a novel feature and if the clear plastic parts are coated with “Future” or something similar, then adhesion shouldn’t be a problem.

Recommended.

Thanks to Meteor Productions for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2004 by Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 29 December, 2004
Last updated 29 December, 2004

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