ProModeler 1/48 TA-154 Moskito, previewed by Scott Van Aken

Kurt Tank's team at Focke-Wulf had been working for some time on a fast attack-bomber aircraft named Ta 211, so named because it planned to use an uprated Jumo 211R engine. The intended "Ta 211" design was a high-wing twin-engined design, built primarily of plywood, bonded with a special phenolic resin adhesive called Tego film. The only large-scale use of metal was in the pressurized cockpit.

The project's designation was changed to Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM—Ministry of Aviation) airframe number 8-154 (hence Ta 154) when it became apparent that the most suitable engine for the aircraft was the more powerful Jumo 213, and that Junkers could not deliver the Jumo 211R in time due to technical and production problems. The 154 was also allocated the name "Moskito" as a form of recognition of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) de Havilland Mosquito.

It was at about this time that the light and very fast de Havilland Mosquito, also made of wood, arrived over Germany. It quickly racked up an impressive record; in its first 600 bombing missions, only one was shot down, compared to an average of 5% for RAF medium and heavy bombers. Erhard Milch personally requested a purpose-built German answer, and selected the 154. Infighting within German circles started almost immediately, because the RLM and night fighter units — as well as Ernst Heinkel himself — still wanted the Heinkel He 219. Milch took this personally, and spent the better part of the next two years trying to have the 219 program terminated, partly against Ernst Heinkel's wishes.

THE KIT

Aside from a resin kit by WSW, this is the first mainstream kit of this aircraft in this scale. The kit was contracted to a firm in China for production, but it looks very much like a Monogram kit in terms of detailing. Panel lines are engraved and there is good detail on the inside of the fuselage halves. This kit was later reboxed by both Hasegawa and by Dragon, the most recent being 2006. The kit is not difficult to find and can be had for about $35 on up, delivered.

Probably the biggest task will be finding room in the forward fuselage for weight. Not only are the main gear fairly close to the front of the plane, but it sits with a distinct tail down stance. The instructions state that the nose cone should be filled, but there is no way there is enough room for the weight needed. I'd put it under and behind the cockpit as well as in the engine nacelles.

This is the fifth prototype of the night fighter so has two seats along with the usual radar antennas in the nose. There are inserts for the forward gun ports, though I don't see why those couldn't have been molded in place. The cockpit is well done with the instrument panel and side consoles needing to be painted.

With the cockpit trapped between the fuselage halves, the tailplanes and rudders are attached. Then construction moves to the engines, nacelles and landing gear. The landing gear can be added after painting which is a real help. Next the props are built and then the wings assembled. This is followed by attaching the engine nacelles and exhaust.

The nose gear is next then the nose cone. You have to install the nose gear strut before the nose cap and radar antenna. There are quite a few smaller items to attach to the airframe along with the clear parts (which can only be posed closed).

Instructions are well drawn and use generic along with RLM color references. Markings are for one aircraft, the second pre-production aircraft. This is basically insignia and radio call signs along with stencils and wing walk markings. The plane is in overall RLM 76 with large RLM 75 spotches. Decals are nicely printed. I doubt there are any aftermarket sheets for this plane, but you could do a 'Luft 46' plane if you wanted.

If you want a 1/48 Ta-154, then this or the various reboxings is pretty much your only choice. From what I've seen, this makes into a very nice model and should be a nice addition to any night fighter collection.

KIT #:	5959
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	1999 tooling