Platz 1/72 He-219A-0 "Werner Streib"

This is not an original Platz tooling, the kit actually being the He-219 that was released by Dragon many years back. It is still a very nice kit and offers nicely engraved panel lines. The kit actually builds either an A-0 or v19 variant, the external differences being pretty well non-existent, save for the canopy and radar suite. In fact, this boxing is identical to the earlier version in terms of the plastic.

The kit does include several extra bits that I don't think were included with the Dragon offering. I'm not sure about p.e., but this kit includes a fret of photo etch which is the main difference between this and the previous boxing. Not only are the SN-2 'Staghorn' antennas included but so are the earlier versions used by Streib's plane.  A few other bits are for the radio altimeter, DF antenna, instrument panel, and comm antennas. The biggest plus to this kit is that there are form fitted weights included. The He-219 is notoriously tail heavy and modelers generally have fits trying to find enough space for weights. You get six of them with this kit. One small one for the nose, a big one for behind the cockpit and four others to put into the engine nacelles. Another very nice addition is a cardboard form that you cut from the bottom of the box. This will help you keep the wings and fuselage properly aligned while the glue dries.

As you can see from the parts layout, there are a few bits not used so keep that in mind. Otherwise the kit is fairly straight forward. The cockpit includes a rear bulkhead with all the radar electronics boxes. The seat bottoms are molded onto the floor of the cockpit, with the builder adding the seat backs and control column. Decals are provided for the instrument panel. There really isn't all that much in terms of wheel well detail. The kit provides separate prop blades and when one inserts the wings, they need to overlap each other.

Markings are provided for three planes. One is the box art plane as flown by Werner Streib in overall RLM 77. Next is a standard RLM 76 plane with RLM 75 mottles. This one has the right underside of the wing painted black. The third option is one in RLM 76 with the upper surfaces in a solid RLM 75.  Instructions are entirely in Japanese so being able to take advantage of the various building notes will be difficult unless you can read Japanese. Color information is in Gunze and Model Master references.

You have probably guessed that this kit is designed for the Japanese market. However, unless you are a tyro when it comes to model building, you should have no problem assembling this kit. The inclusion of the weights is a real bonus and something I wish more model companies did. Platz also makes a clear masking set and a color etched detail set for this kit that should really bring it to life. This was an important and relatively successful night fighter and deserves to be in one's collection.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinkel_He_219

February 2017

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My thanks to Platz Model for the preview kit. If your local retailer doesn't carry it, you can order it direct from this link.