There have not been all that many sheets developed for the MPM 1/48 He-177, a kit infrequently seen built. Typical of AIMS' attention to detail, each profile is supplemented by information on the shceme as well as the reference from which it was taken. As is often the case, there are times when an incomplete image is the lone source, so some details may have been guesstimated based on images of other aircraft in the unit.

So we have seven different options, several of them quite similar. For instance, the first three planes are all from 2./KG 100 and painted with RLM 74 or 75 mottles over an RLM 76 upper color. The underside and fins on these three are all in black, and all three have red spinners. All three are also aircraft with names with E being 'Edith', H being 'Helga' and S being 'Susi'.

The other black bottomed plane is from 6./KG 1. It has what looks like a green or possibly RLM 70 spinner. The camouflage scheme is similar from the previous options in that there is no underwing insignia and the fin is not black.

Next is a day bomber scheme with 2./KG 4. This one has black spinners with a white circle and yellow triangles. Note also that the upper engine cowling is a solid RLM 70 or 71. This has mottling on the side that is very faint. Note also the mottling on the forward bomb bay door and none on the fin.

The standard RLM 70/71/65 paint scheme is used on the next plane from 1./KG 40. This has quite heavy mottling on the fuselage sides and also adorned with a white stripe on the spinner.

Finally, a totally unmottled plane  with no unit markings, though it is surmised it was to be with KG 40. Factory fresh RLM 70/71/65 paint scheme with the last three of the serial on the lower nose and fin.

Instructions are well done with a lot of info accompanying each profile. The modeler can use the kit instructions for upper fuselage camo and markings placement. There are enough markings on the sheet to do at least two planes if not more, assuming the choices are well made. The decals themselves are superbly printed by Fantasy Print Shop.

If you order from AIMS, let them know you saw this review in Modeling Madness.

March 2012

Thanks to AIMS for the review sheet. You can find this and other products on their website. These sheets are also carried by Hannants in the UK.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.