Looking very much like its contemporary, the DeHavilland Vampire, the Focke-Wulf 'Flitzer' may have met its near twin in combat had the war lasted into 1946. Designed in 1943, the aircraft has proceeded to the mock-up stage and ordered into production prior to the building of a prototype. However an early 1945 cutback on numerous on-going projects in order to standardize on a few aircraft, meant that the 'Flitzer' was destined never to fly.

It's design speed, armament and other features were extremely close to that of the Vampire and it would have been interesting to see the two in combat. Imagine the problems of telling friend from foe were the types to come into contact with each other. Undoubtedly one or the other would have been marked with large color bands as was done when the P-47 came into service to prevent confusion with the similarly shaped FW-190A.

Revell's kit of the Flitzer is superbly molded. Similar to Revell's other Luftwaffe 1946 kits, it is molded in medium grey plastic with fine etched panel lines. Cockpit and wheel well detail are quite good and the canopy is crystal clear. With only 37 parts, it is sure to be a quick and satisfying build. Cramming sufficient weight into the nose can be a challenge, but there is space above the nose wheel well for the required weight.

The instruction sheet is a single very large page on which are the obligatory warnings, color chart, parts layout, color schemes and 15 step construction process. There are two color schemes for this aircraft. Both are RLM 74/75/76. Yellow 5 in a segmented scheme with slight mottling on the fuselage and tail with red/yellow/red tail bands. Blue 10 appears to be overall RLM 76 with overall upper surface mottling in RLM 74 and 75. Undoubtedly, you can come up with some other schemes that would be more interesting!

The decal sheet is typical of Revell Germany. It is very matte with quite a bit of excess carrier that needs to be trimmed away. Naturally, there is no swastika. Also typical of their decals, they are quite good and will conform to all surfaces quite well, especially if using a mild solvent.

All in all, another excellent subject to add to the collection of Luftwaffe 'what ifs' on the shelf. I might suggest that if you want one, to get it rather soon. Two other Luft '46 subjects from Revell Germany; the Blohm & Voss P-194 and Focke-Wulf Ta-183 are no longer being produced and are very difficult to obtain.