Just in time for American Thanksgiving, we have many things to be thankful for and they’re all related to a turkey!

Of course, I’m talking not about that most sleep-inducing of oven-roasted fowl, but something large, semi-flight capable and definitely more than a little foul. I speak, perhaps unexpectedly, of the Heller 1/72 Amiot 143!

I came across this kit a few years ago, and my excitement was only equalled by my revulsion. I knew of the plane, and to see its horrors manifested in such unforgivingly mediocre plastic was the culmination of a dream of sorts. Well, a fever dream, maybe, but still…

So, what do you have to be thankful for? Well, you have a few things: 1.) They don’t make them like this anymore, either in plastic or real life. 2.) Only Heller would make a kit of this, and it’s largely forgotten. 3.) Everyone needs a laugh, and this plane and kit have to be worth that.

You can also be thankful that you can now experience the beast vicariously, just by clicking the link below, and you don’t have to waste money or room buying one yourself. Unless, like me, you’re just a sucker for punishment.

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/out-of-box-reviews/heller-1-72-amiot-143-oob/

Ha ha, Heller are heller to build! I built their offering of the Russian I-153. A small kit turned into a longer than anticipated project.

Here's a link to my build if interested.
https://themodelersworkshop.weebly.com/auroraheller---polikarpov-i153-172nd-scale.html

Adam, that bird is truly beautiful, in a hideous, sickening sort of way. Like you said, you know it's going to be painful but you just can't stop watching.

My only experience with Heller was the 1/50 Cessna O-2A back in 2010 which actually went together quite well.



I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this beast mate, best of luck.

Cheers, D

And that's the good kit of the I-153. There a Russian kit of it that is truly hideous. (Not the same kit though. The Heller is much nicer and actually goes together)

They're usually pretty good for a 30-40 year old mold. Their F-86 was an easy build as are most of their jets. Once upon a time not needing putty, rubber bands and clamps was truly a wonder.

very good choice! I love classic plastic, Frog is my favorite poison, but Heller is certainly delightful.
I also adore hideous French 1930s aviation
I will enjoy seeing this model built.

Actually I like a kit that offers a challenge. Where's the fun of building something that slaps itself together? The I-153 was a challenge, much more so than I anticipated before digging in. I wouldn't suggest that kit to anyone new to modeling.

I like your kit and hope you do a blog on it when you decide to tackle the project. That's an inserting bird to say the least.

Yeah, I've got a thing for the obscure, so that means a lot of Frog, Heller and Matchbox! I'm working on the Zvezda Mig-29 SMT right now... well detailed and intricate, but a pain. I'd rather just smash and crash on an oldie. Those I EXPECT to be a lot of work!

Heller is fantastic. Great detail, just a lot of raised panel lines...