RSS-Hobbis 1/72 Gustaitis ANBO-III 1st Series
By Matt Bittner
Overview
I have provided a First Look on the RSS Hobbis 1/72 ANBO-III Prototype, and the major differences between it and this 1st Series release is the different nose and engine, along with the optional rudder/fin and rear-cockpit gun ring. Since the rest is the same, please refer to my First Look for an overview of the ANBO-III kits.
For a comprehensive history on the ANBO-III, definitely visit its page on the aforementioned History of Lithuanian Aviation 1919 - 1940 site.
The Kit
The RSS-Hobbis 1/72 ANBO-III consists of 39 pieces of cream and white resin (some 3D printed), two clear windscreens, two lengths of steel wire and a decal sheet with markings for one ANBO-III 1st series. Decals consists of Lithuanian crosses - black and white (the white is put down first, left to dry then the black overlayed on top of them). along with the aircraft's number "39". The molding on all RSS Hobbis kits is first rate and some of the best I've ever seen. A new aspect with this release is the "support" surrounding the more delicate, one-piece landing gear and wing-center struts. In the past Hobbis just surrounded the one-piece landing gear strut assembly, et.al. with foam, this time it's encased in what appears to be a vacuum-formed structure for protection. An excellent idea and to have all this as one piece is a huge advantage.
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As I mentioned above, please vist my First Look on the ANBO-III Prototype to see how this kit builds.
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A couple of final notes. First, RSS-Hobbis doesn't include the aileron control horns nor rigging for those, so those are best sourced elsewhere (for example, from Steelwork). Study the pictures on its site for more information on this and the pilot's steps, also not provided. Finally, all metal panels on the ANBO-III were made from turned metal. You will need to figure out how to replicate that yourself, as there are no decals provided for those areas.
Conclusion
The ANBO-III 1st Series production model will look good next to the ANBO-III Prototype. Once either or both are built, you will have a unique part of Lithuanian aviation history sitting on your shelves.
If interested in obtaining any of the Hobbis models, email them direct at rss.hobbis@gmail.com.