Horton HO229A1

Note: Graphics heavy page, longer review at end

The boxtop art for the DML HO-229 A1

The HO-IX (HO-229 prototype) ready for a takeoff

The center section of the HO-229 flying wing

Photos of the HO-229 model by DML

The two jet engines in the kit - 14 pieces each.

The kit - Under Construction
Finished Kit Pictures:




 
Kit  Kit Manufacturer  Scale  Price  Options  Out of Box or Modified  Rating 
Horton HO-229-A1  DML  1/48  $30  Markings  OOB 
 The HO-229 was a German attempt at a jet powered, flying wing fighter. Several other types were made (such as the ME-163 Komet, which is more appropriately just "tailless.") This fighter was the result of over a decade's worth of work by the Horton brothers, starting with a series of gliders in the 1930's. Production of the fighter was to have been given to the Gotha company (leading to the occasional, mistaken GO-229 designation.) The war ended before any became operational, though several partially completed examples were discovered. One currently exists in Spring Hill, MD, awaiting restoration.

The DML kit of the HO-229 is definately not one for beginners. It's a good kit of an interesting subject, but there's a lot of work to go into it. I highly suggest getting some super glue - not just for the photoetch parts. The nose section has no locating or support 'pins' outside of the engines, which are mounted before putting it on. Super glue will also help mate the cockpit edges with the nose section, mate the fuselage halves, and mate the wing (held on by pins unless you glue it, for purposes of display.)

The visible portions of the internal structure are decently represented (such as the "framing" at the wing join line, through which you can see the 20mm cannon - though they should not be offset to the interior.) Other details, however, are questionable (I have yet to see all of the inside of the fuselage on a full size HO229, but there are no walls, or other interior outside of some framing in the nose wheel region. It is lacking some detail as shown in the photo above (piping, etc.) This may be due to lack of data. Scratchbuilders are in for a bit of work.)

The kit itself id moulded well, but still has some flash around some parts (a small amount, but hard to get at in places.) Be careful when trimming flash around the (14!) parts making up the engine assembly - part F-20 has a pin on one side that almost looks like flash, and is easily bent, but must be there for the external engine "tubing" to mate to.

The engines are kits in themselves. Take your time, and let everything dry.

I ended up fixing both of the wings to the fuselage (the internal "pins" seem just a hair too short - possibly due to the difficulty getting everything aligned decently and convincing it to stay without super glue) because of their tendancy to droop, and for fit problems. The engine covers and "underside" covers are removable, and there is "framing" on top of the engines (which is removable - you cannot have the framing AND the engine covers on at the same time - bad planning?)

DML's decals are very fragile.  The German crosses ended up almost disintigrating, and had to have each of the angled lines aligned to each other seperately.  Later, I may purchase new ones and replace these.  Other markings (not shown on the model right now) run over the engine covers and into other odd areas.  Somebody at DML wasn't thinking when they set up the decals, apparently.  There are no swastikas in the kit.

The kit is a curious mix of well done items, and things that leave you scratching your head in wonder. The instructions are vague as far as locating some items. This is definately a kit for those with experience and patience, and builds up into a decent model when finished.