INTERMEDIATE BUILD
HENSCHEL Hs 123INTERMEDIATE BUILD
HENSCHEL Hs 12368 Airfi x Model Worldthe ends of which protruded,
and therefore benefited from
having their muzzles hollowed.
The lower mainplanes and
empennage were added, though
to ease painting, the latter’s thin
supporting struts were not. It
was found that the undercarriage
fitted relatively loosely, and the
cardboard jig proved invaluable
for setting the slightly splayed
angle of the spatted legs. It was
decided to fit the interplane
struts prior to painting, and
these slotted positively into deep
recesses sunk into each of the
lower wings, which set them
automatically at the correct
angle; the upper plane was not
attached at this stage.
Separately moulded and delicate
flaps were provided and featured
indicator tabs that protruded
from the upper surfaces of
both stubby lower-planes
when deployed. It was decided,
however, to position these in the
closed position. The mid-fuselagestowage compartment door was
also cemented shut, though this
too could also be posed open
to display the internal ribbed
floor section provided. Although
everything went together without
difficulty, a smear of filler was
required along the lower wing
joins and around the cowling
panels, to disguise noticeable
gaps in those areas (Milliput was
utilised for this purpose).Four-colour fun
The model was painted in four
sub-assemblies: the airframe
minus the engine and forward
cowling; the powerplant, the
partially assembled ring-cowl
components (which were taped
together temporarily), and the
mainplane complete with ailerons.
Though to most modellers it
may seem counterintuitive to
begin the painting process with
darker colours, this was the
method followed. Initially the
upper surfaces were pre-shadedmainplane complete with ailerons.the ends of which protruded,
and therefore benefited from
having their muzzles hollowed.
The lower mainplanes and
empennage were added, though
to ease painting, the latter’s thin
supporting struts were not. It
was found that the undercarriage
fitted relatively loosely, and thestowage compartment door was
also cemented shut, though this
too could also be posed open
to display the internal ribbed
floor section provided. Although
everything went together without
difficulty, a smear of filler was
required along the lower wing
joins and around the cowling“A cardboard jig was provided to
set the angle of the splayed
undercarriage”
A cardboard jig was provided to set the angle of the splayed undercarriage. Slight gaps
around some of the cowling panels, and at the rear edge of the lower wing, required filling
with Milliput.
The cockpit was protected with
household tape and Humbrol masking
fluid, to ensure no overspray would
penetrate the interior. GasPatch offered
pre-cut masks for the windscreen. The airframe was pre-shaded with an overall coat of black enamel, which would remain
partially visible beneath the camouflage colours once painted. The model’s surface was then
sanded lightly to remove any blemishes.