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ICM 1/48 Henschel Hs 126

By Will Riepl

Overview

The need for a tactical reconnaissance aircraft led the Luftwaffe to want improvements on the Hs 122 proposal. These changes resulted in the Hs 126V1. Further modifications saw an engine change and the first Hs 126A-1 rolled off the assembly line in early 1938. The aircraft was purchased by Greece, and saw action in Spain before World War Two. From the beginning of World War Two, the Hs 126 saw action, first in Poland then in France and North Africa. The aircraft was superceded by the Fw 189, and by mid-1942 the Hs 126 had been relegated to training, glider tug, and nocturnal harassment flights.

The Kit

The long-awaited injection-molded 1/48 kit of the Hs 126 is finally here. While many were excited about the high quality Vector kit, the price kept it from many collections. ICM's kit is very reasonably priced in addition to having good detail. There are 168 parts molded in a medium gray plastic, along with four in clear. The kit has recessed panel lines throughout, as well as a nicely done interior and engine. The decal sheet provides markings for three German examples.

The cockpit is where the instructions start, and it is very nice, with over fifty pieces. These include separate control levers, a multi-part instrument

panel, and a detailed seat. The engine is also nicely done, and includes engine bearer arms, detailed cylinders, separate rocker arms, and separate crankcase. The five piece cowling comes with separate internal bracing struts, making for a very nice looking front end.

For options, this kit comes with separate wheel pants so you can build your Hs 126 with or without them. The flaps and ailerons are separate, as are the elevators and rudder. While talking about the tail, this kit has the entire thing offset two degrees to the left, a design feature to counteract the torque of the engine. Good job to ICM to catching that little detail. The canopy is molded separately so you can position the rear section however you want.

For decals, there are three options, all German. The first is from 9.(H)/LG 2 in Germany, 1939. This plane is coded L2+L37 and has the unit emblem on the nose. The second option is from 1.(H)/14 in Poland, September 1939. This aircraft is coded 5F+HH and has a bit of personal artwork on the left rear fuselage. The third option is from 2.(H)/31 Pz in Greece, April 1941. This plane is coded 5D+LK and has a unit emblem on the nose. All three examples are finished in the standard Luftwaffe camouflage of 70/71 over 65.

Conclusion

ICM has really come a long way with their kits, and their latest issues such as the Hs 126 and Bf 109F show that they are serious about their models. Both affordable and exceptional in detail, these are well worth adding to your collection. For those looking for references on the Hs 126, I recommend the Mushroom Model Publishing book and the Wydawnictwo Avia book. Both have excellent information, with the Mushroom book being more recent and therefore a bit easier to come by. My thanks to ICM for the review sample.