Combat Group Dynamics 1/144 Flettner Fl 282 “Kolibri”
By Matt Bittner
Introduction
The Flettner Fl 282 "Kolibri" was a WW2 German design that was considered to be the world's first mass-produced helicopter. While the initial design role was one to be ferrying, the "standard" single-seat B-0 version had a second seat added behind the engine for an observer, resulting in the B-2 version and a helicopter that was put to operational use. It's been said there were five of them flown in formation that were used to produce the world's first helicopter strike on armor during the Battle of the Bulge.
Combat Group Dynamics (CGD) has been producing 3-D printed 1/144 items for quite some time. Initially they used nylon to produce their 3-D printed models but have since moved to ABS-L (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene - like). This actually produces a better model than nylon, not only for strength (nylon was a bit brittle, making the parts easy to snap if you weren't careful) but also for showing detail. When you compare a nylon-printed model side-by-side with an ABS-L printed model (like CGD has) it's easy to see just how much sharper the details are. In addition, the "layering effect" one sees on sloped or curved surfaces isn't as bad (although still existent) but ABS-L is much easier to sand than nylon.
ABS-L is currently printed at 250dpi and for that CGD has their own printer. But when needing to print something at a higher DPI, they still result to using another company like Shapeways. At some point CGD hopes to upgrade their printers.
The Kit
The CGD 1/144 Flettner Fl 282 "Kolibri" consists of six parts: the body split in two, a pilot, a "stand" to keep the model on its nose gear, and two rotors. When you order from CGD you can order it unpainted – as I have it here – or painted in a green camouflage scheme. There are no decals, so if you want to add markings to it, then you'll need to track those down separately.
Once all parts are removed from their "sprue" construction is very simple, although I would paint first prior to any construction. Since the layering was obvious on the cowl I decided to sand that smooth prior to adding the gray primer. Once primed, though, painting should be simple (I've only sanded and primed the kit for this initial First Look and will provide a Full Build article once I'm finished).
Since the Kolibri B-0 was used primarily for ferrying to ships as well as reconnaissance, the color scheme could be simple. However, I'm having difficulty finding many schemes outside of the ones used for the German Navy. I'm planning a "large" (well, at least large for 1/144) diorama with a number of items in it (including other CGD products) so I'll probably just paint it overall RLM 02 and go from there. Unless I can find a definitive scheme that was used by the Luftwaffe instead of the Kriegsmarine.
Conclusion
If you want a 1/144 Kolibri for anything, then you will definitely want to pick this one up from Combat Group Dynamics. There isn't much to it, and once painted and detailed it will look fantastic. Or you could go the route of buying it already painted for you and all you have to do is assemble it. It's an excellent kit!
Many, many thanks to CGD for sending this for review. Hopefully in the next year or three I'll have my diorama finished.