Tristar was kind enough to send us their upcoming Fi156 Storch recon plane. A prior version of this plane was already released by them in 2008, the Fieseler Fi 156 A-0/C-1 Storch (35034). This model includes a lower drop tank and a different set of wings (the originals are included on fret B. The set includes a nice masking setup to do the canopy as well as decals for six different marking configurations (both WWII and post-war).

We will covering this kit in a full review or build review down the road. So for now here are the pictures.

Official Tristar Press Info

The Fi-156 “Storch” C-3 is modified of C-1, this version added two more wing fuel tanks for extension range of flight and longer time in scythe air. In addition, the aircraft modified to carry drop Fuel tank to further extension on range. The aircraft carried rear facing MG-15 machine gun. The cockpit and the canopy was modified to carry the new add gunner seat, MG -15 machine gun (MG) and its spare magazines.

This kit is the first 1/35 Fi-156 C-3 kit on the market. One of the most famous operations for this aircraft is its role in Operation Eiche, the rescue of deposed Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from a boulder-strewn mountain top near the Gran Sasso. Tristar has make a new tooling for wing, canopy, cockpit , drop tank an extension miscellanea parts. The new highly detailed wing depicted C-3 wing that have new wing fuel tank texture All the flags, ailerons, elevators and rubber can be assembled in different angle. A new cockpit included new bulb head with rear shooting gunner seat. Highly detail MG-15 MG with empty cartridge store bag and double drum overhead magazines included. The bulb head have MG 15 magazine fixtures details and extra three magazines.

The fully detailed cockpit with optical open or close entrance door included. The control panel was made by transparent plastic. All dials represented by rearward decals that can see through dial windows on panel as real aircraft. All in-flight lights made by transparent plastic.


The fully detailed cockpit with optical open or close entrance door included. The control panel was made by transparent plastic. All dials represented by rearward decals that can see through dial windows on panel as real aircraft. All in-flight lights made by transparent plastic. After listening market comments, we introduce canopy masking stickers for simplify canopy spraying.

Due to the slim and long landing gear of Storch, the Tristar model introduces a real metal wire inserted landing gear to withstand the massive weight of aircraft model. The kit included two sets landing gears that represent “Storch” landed and Flying respectively. The landing gear wheels are made by artificial rubber. . New tail wheel included in this kit that introduced in C-3 for fast transition in well paved airfield. Modellers can choose standard tail skid or new tail wheels for their model.

New engine overhead cowling represents C-3 modification with air inlets, both side of engine cowling panels are detachable parts and can be fixed or removed from aircraft as real aircraft. The removed side engine cowling panels are very common practice on Fi 156 C3/Trop for overcoming extra hot climate. New extended exhaust pipes prevent heating up new added drop tank as real C-3 aircraft.


Features of the kit

i. This kit has new high details wing to depict C-3 wing with extra fuel tank texture. as Image 1
ii. Wing and fuselage represent original metal and fabric fabricated texture as Image 2.
iii. All the flags, ailerons, elevators and rubber can be assembled in different angles.
iv. The kit included two sets landing gears that represent Storch landed and flying respectively
v. The landing gear wheels were made by artificial rubber tires
vi. All flight panel dials represented by rearward decals that can see through dial windows on panel as real aircraft
vii. New tooling one piece sliding moulded canopy with rear facing MG 15 machine gun
viii. New tooling cockpit with rear gunner seat
ix. This kit included authentic V-8 engine in 1/35 detail
x. New extended exhaust pipes prevent heating up new added drop tank as real C-3 aircraft
xi. New tooling engine overhead cowling
xii. a semi-permanent adhesive masking sticker for canopy masking
xiii. Photo etched parts included
xiv. 6 markings decal by Cartograph

Markings:

1. German Air Force , 2 (H)/14 , Farbe, North Africa, early 1941
2. German Air Force, 1/JG 54 , Russia , 1942
3. French Air Force, Force Francaise Atlantique, Gr3/33 after WW II
4. Italy Air Foice, Copmmando Aeronautica, Tirana, Ailbania,1942
5. Czechoslovak Air Force after WW II
6. Air Forces of the Polish Republic after WW II