ProModeler 1/48 Ar-234C-3/4, previewed by Scott Van Aken

HISTORY

The Ar 234C was equipped with four lighter (625 kg (1,378 lb) apiece) BMW 003A engines mounted in a pair of twin-engine nacelles based on those from the eighth prototype. The primary reason for this switch was to free up Junkers Jumo 004s for the Me 262, but it also improved takeoff power to nearly (31,300 N (7,040 lbf)). An improved cockpit, with a slightly bulged outline in the upper contour, and integrating a swept-back fairing for the periscope, and a simplified window design with 13 glazed panels reduced to 8. The BMW jet engines improved top speed by about 20% over the B series airframes.

The C-1 was intended for reconnaissance, the C-2 for bombing, and the C-3 for bombing, ground attack (using anti-personnel bombs) or night fighting (with two additional 20mm MG 151/20s in a forward firing ventral pack).

During October 1944, the prototype Ar 234 V19 performed its first flight. Although an operational test squadron was being prepared, only 14 C-series airframes were completed by the end of the war, with fewer than half having engines. Some were found at the end of the war sitting in the open, complete but for empty engine nacelles.. Flight testing of the new sub-type hadn't started yet when Germany surrendered. Three basic variants of the C-series were planned, with several more laid out as detailed proposals. Some of these would have had a pair of the higher thrust, but 950 kg (2,090 lb) heavier Heinkel HeS 011 jet engines, while others were to have swept or "crescent"-type wings

THE KIT

This is one of ProModeler's reboxings of Hasegawa kits and it is a good choice. The kit has a nicely detailed cockpit that has raised instrument faces and also includes decals, which most of us will attach over them. Since the C model has a different forward fuselage, that part is separate from the rest of the kit.

Construction then moves to the landing gear and the cameras. The main gear legs have to be installed into the gear wells prior to the well's attachment to the inside of the fuselage. Not sure if you can leave the main gear legs off until after painting, so one will have to do some test fitting to see if that is possible. One the landing gear and camera assemblies have been built, they can be installed and the fuselage halves closed. There are a number of inserts for this kit and one of the options is for the rear lower fuselage depending on if you are building the bomber or recon aircraft.

Wings are then built up followed by the engines and the fairings. Tailplanes and their hinges are then attached. If using the RATO pods, those need to be constructed. One also has to build up the bomb and/or external fuel tanks if those are to be used. The nose gear is built up and the nose section is finally attached. The instructions do not say anything about nose weight, but you will need a fair amount. Fortunate, there is room aft of the cockpit for it so don't be stingy when adding it.

Instructions are well done with RLM color information throughout. Two markings options are provided. Both are RLM 81/82/76 in a splinter scheme so there will need to be a fair amount of masking required. The only difference between the bomber and recon plane is the serial number. The decal sheet is nicely printed and in register.

CONCLUSIONS

If you want a four engine 234, then this and the Hasegawa boxing are your only choice in this scale. One thing for sure, it will be a bit of a tricky build thanks to some fairly small detail parts, but will add an important WWII type to your collection.

REFERENCE

KIT #:	5979
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	Two options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Reboxed Hasegawa kit