KIT:

 Special Hobby 1/72 Sack AS-6v1

KIT #

 72014

PRICE:

$9.98

DECALS:

The one and only prototype

REVIEW BY:

Scott Van Aken

NOTES:

 

 

HISTORY

 

 I know so little about this aircraft, other than its existence, that I must bow to the short history given in the instructions. This unique aircraft was born in 1940 in the workshop of Arthur Sack, a Bavarian farmer and enthusiast. A flying model 1.25 meters in wingspan was built prior to work getting underway on the full size aircraft. With help from Brandis airbase, he managed to get it ready to fly in mid 1944. Parts of the aircraft; mainly the landing gear and the canopy are Bf-109 in origin.

It's initial flight, at the hands of pilots of the Me-163 unit, 1./JG400 were not promising, though the aircraft's Argus engine was well able to pull the little aircraft into the air. Despite improvements, the Luftwaffe had lost interest and development stopped. The 'Flying Beertray' was destroyed in 1945 when German troops retreated from Brandis air base.

 

THE KIT

 As you can see from the image of the kit parts, there really isn't that much in the way of plastic. You get less than 20 injected parts, but those parts are very nicely detailed. They have the now obligatory engraved panel lines, and they are very nicely done. There is flash on the outside edges of all the injected parts. That means some cleanup will be necessary to the parts before construction. Not unusual for many Czech short run kits and something I have come to expect.

Most of the sprue gates are very small, which is nice, though there is a bit of a glob on one of the attachments to a 'saucer' section. There is the now standard vacuform canopy included. This one seems a bit thicker than others, which is great for me as it will be easier to attach.

Also included are four resin parts. A cockpit tub, seat, instrument panel and control stick. Detailing looks fairly good and belts are molded as part of the seat. The decal sheet is by Propagteam and we know how good they are. Unusually, there is a full swastika included on the sheet. Is this a preview of things to come? I for one never have liked those 'piece together' swastikas and am glad to see the change.

Overall, it looks like it will be not only an interesting kit to build, but a rather quick build as well. Now the only question is; do I build it as is, or do I turn it into a Luftwaffe '46 masterpiece!!

REFERENCES

Basically, the only reference I have are the kit instructions!

 Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet!! If any of you manufacturers or shop owners want to send products for review and building, please contact me.