Revell 1/72 Ar 555 Amerika Bomber
The Revell of Germany 1/72 Ar 555 is an overall terrific kit of an unusual subject. The parts are of typical Revell of Germany quality, with a very well-detailed cockpit, and plenty of recessed panel lines which lay perfectly between fine and trench. The decals are perfect- the cartograph printing is evident in the non-existent carrier film, crisp detail, and readable- even on things as small as octane markers and no-step panels- stencils.
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Assembly of this kit is actually fairly simple. Despite the relatively large size of the finished model, there are only 101 parts- 91 if you choose not to include bombs, down to 88 if you choose to keep the bomb bay doors closed as I did. In spite of this parts count, the final surface area of the model is HUGE- essentially, this is a painting project.
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I went with a scheme not included in the box. It's essentially a standard Afrika Korps schem. If asked for a backstory, I'd say that this bomber has been engaged in fierce fighting in the Middle East, as the Heer began it's counterattack in Africa, pushing towards the oil fields in Afghanistan, trying to seize a more direct source of oil for the southern front in the Soviet Union.
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Painting was done with Vallejo Model Air, while post-shading was added on the upper surfaces with Tamiya paints. Weathering was kept simple- all I did was add sand-induced chipping to the leading edges with a sponge dipped in silver enamel paint, and gun staining with Tamiya Weather Master Soot.
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It was a fun project, and produces a very nice, very unusual aircraft- A chilling reminder of what could have been.
