Sometime ago we mentioned rockets and launch ramps. On a visit to a model shop I spotted this kit - the Modelcollect Fieseler Fi 103 Vergeltungswaffe 1 mit Startrampe. In other words, the WW2 German V-1 Flying Bomb with launch ramp.
The V-1 actually had a pulse jet engine rather than a rocket, but it still looks like a nice model. The kit is 1/72nd scale, giving the V-1 a wingspan of 74 mm. The box contains six sprues in light grey plastic. There are two identical sprues with the V-1 (so you get two in the box - five parts per bomb), with four smaller sprues containing the launch ramp sections. There are no decals with this version of the kit, but it seems decals were previously included.
There is also a Full Size Ver of the kit, with a longer ramp. So this one is presumably a bit under-sized. Assembled, it will still be around 15 inches long.
The instructions do say the V-1 'rockets' can be displayed separately, but there is no transport trolley to carry them, which is a pity.
This version of the kit does not contain any painting instructions, but a different version of the instructions can be downloaded from the Scalemates site, and this does include painting guides for both the V-1 and its launch ramp.
There have been a number of other kits of the V-1, or which contain a V-1 as part of an aircraft kit, but these do not usually come with the original launch ramp.
This would certainly be a good addition to any collection of missile models. It would look good in a diorama with some figures, such as the Airfix Luftwaffe Personnel Set, and some vehicles.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Never realised there was a V1 kit with the launch ramp. Good find! The V1 always takes me back to the 1965 file 'Operation Crossbow' which I have to watch everytime it's on TV since I've been a kid. The fact that it has such a downbeat ending made it one of those movies that stuck in my mind ever since. You've also reminded me of the Frog 1/72 Spitfire and German Flying bomb (V1) kit that I bought from a hardware shop back in tne 70s when model kits were sold everywhere!
ReplyDeleteIf I am not mistaken, footage of burning missile factories was used in Battlestar Galactica and the two-part Incredible Hulk episode PROMETHEUS
DeleteTony K has one of the best V1 toys - the Matchbox Flying Bomb set! Ive got a model of an Arado Jet Bomber with a V1 piggyback - the box art fell out of my scrapbook and didnt make the cut! Bill
ReplyDeletehttps://projectswordtoys.blogspot.com/2019/04/toy-soldiers-invasion-of-plastic-play.html
ReplyDeleteThere have been a surprising number of kits of the V-1, in several scales. I have that Frog Spitfire Mk.XIV and V-1 kit, although mine might be the Novo re-issue. Airfix also did a Gloster Meteor jet and V-1 Dogfight Double (the V-1 had only four parts).
ReplyDeleteApart from the basic V-1 there have been kits of the piloted version. Takom also do a 1/35th scale version of the V-1 with launch ramp, and another kit with interior detail.
Ah Ha, Sensei!
DeleteYou have answered my question before i even got to the end of the comments (one of the things I love about Moonbase!)
This also reminds me of the nice autumn diorama with a V2 missile in Kensington's Science Museum, which I saw on my last visit to the UK.
A beautiful kit, and anything with a launch ramp is fine by me!
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