RS Models 94033 - 1:72 DFS-230 with Take-Off Rockets

Plastic model kit of the German assault glider DFS 230 with take-off rockets in 1:72 scale

RS Models 94033 depicts the DFS 230 – a German assault glider of the Second World War – in the version equipped with take-off assist rockets. The rocket boosters mounted under the airframe shortened the take-off run when launching with a heavy load or from short, improvised landing grounds, extending the glider's operational capabilities.

The kit is produced using short-run technology. Besides the plastic parts it includes parts for the take-off assist rockets, photo-etched parts that raise the level of detail, clear acetate, and a waterslide decal sheet.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the airframe
• Parts for the take-off assist (booster) rockets
• Photo-etched fret for detailing
• Clear acetate parts
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 94033
• Manufacturer: RS Models
• Assembled length: approx. 156 mm, wingspan: approx. 305 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a short-run kit with photo-etched parts – dry-fitting the components before gluing and carefully cleaning the sprue-gate marks from the edges is recommended. The interior of the fuselage is best painted before it is closed, and the delicate photo-etched parts are best attached with cyanoacrylate glue. DFS 230 gliders were usually painted in German RLM colours according to the scheme in the instructions; a matt or satin finish is recommended.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue (for the photo-etched parts)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise detail

About the glider – DFS 230:

The DFS 230 was a German assault glider developed by the Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (DFS). It was one of the world's first gliders designed for airborne troop transport and became famous during the assault on the Belgian fort Eben-Emael in 1940, when a detachment of paratroopers landed directly on its roof.

The glider carried a pilot and nine fully equipped troops together with supplies and was towed by aircraft such as the Ju 52, He 111 and Bf 110. Development versions introduced features that extended its operational capabilities, including take-off assist rockets and – on other variants – braking rockets that allowed landing on a very short distance. The DFS 230 was used in the Battle of Crete, in supplying encircled units on the Eastern Front and during the rescue of Benito Mussolini.

Original specifications (DFS 230):

• Length: 11.24 m
• Wingspan: 21.98 m
• Height: 2.74 m
• Empty weight: approx. 860 kg
• Loaded weight: approx. 2,040 kg
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Capacity: 9 equipped troops + approx. 270 kg of cargo
• Towing aircraft: Ju 52, He 111, Bf 110 and others
• First operational use: assault on Fort Eben-Emael (1940)

About the manufacturer – RS Models:

RS Models is a Czech manufacturer of plastic model kits, specialising in 1:72 and 1:48 aircraft, including rarer European subjects. The company produces its kits using short-run technology, often adding photo-etched parts and clear acetate details. RS Models is valued by modellers looking for subjects absent from the catalogues of the large manufacturers.