Welcome to another “oldie but goody” review. Airfix currently lists this Hannover CL.IIIa in their 2012 catalog so you might ask why I consider it an oldie? The photograph of the tooling date of 1967 inside the fuselage answers that! So for those of you who are interested in the Airfix 1/72 Hannover CL.IIIa and wonder if it is worth the time and effort, I hope this review will answer your questions.
Hannover CL.IIIa
Hannoversche Waggonfabrik built 617 of the improved CL.IIIa ground attack aircraft. It entered service in 1917. It was powered by the 180 hp Argus As.III engine and featured redesigned ailerons which improved maneuverability compared to the CL.II and CL.III. The Hannover also sported a biplane empennage, usually only found on larger aircraft; this allowed the read gunner a better field of fire. Hannovers began as escort aircraft and were incorporated into ground attack Schlachtstaffeln (battle squadrons). The two crewmen fought with two or three 7.92 mm (0.323 in) LMG 08/15 machine guns (one or two ring-mounted in observer's cockpit, one fixed forward) and grenades.
The model
I bought and started this model over a decade ago B.A> (Before Aeroscale) so I apologize if my model does not completely reflect the Airfix Hannover CL.IIIa of today; I don’t think this model is one that Airfix has reworked the tooling for. There are WW I aircraft modelers on this site who can comment upon the accuracy and authenticity of the model (please do), so I will not try to fake it.
Airfix packed this model in an end-opening box. The model is built with 31 light gray parts. Decals for a single aircraft are provided, protected by wax paper over the printing.
The parts are molded well but have all the bugaboos of the day – flash, seam lines, ejector circles, and sink holes. They are not severe and can be cleaned up without too much effort. The trailing edges are too thick although the cabanes and struts are relatively too-scale. Airfix molded just the portion of the Argus As.III that extended outside of the fuselage. However, Airfix did supply grenades that were attached to the exterior of the fuselage.
As was the fashion of the day the fabric of the flying surfaces show textile and structural texture. Although the fuselage was wood covered with fabric, no fabric texture is simulated. Nor is wood grain.
The model is basic. There is no interior detail except for the pilot seat and crew. The LMG 08/15 machine guns are pretty well just pieces of styrene. Airfix tried to detail the figures; considering the state of injection molding of the day, they turned out pretty well (except for the fistula in the observer/gunner’s abdomen).
Camouflage and markings
I do not know which Schlachtstaffeln these marking are to represent. Airfix references only Humbrol paints. Lozenge camouflage fabric for the Hannover CL.IIIa consisted of a five-color dark pattern on the upper surfaces of the wings, upper tailplane, and lower elevators. The under surface of the wings, upper tailplane and lower elevators were covered with the light lower pattern five color fabric.† Large lozenges matching the dark lozenge colors were painted on the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. I used Super Scale upper and lower day lozenge decals on wings and stabilizers. Airfix lists the Humbrol paint colors for this model on their website.
Conclusion
There you have it. This model is fairly simple and assembles quickly. It is over 40 years old and not up to the quality of modern kits. It is affordable and should be able to build into a nice Hannover.
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here – on AEROSCALE.
Reference
† Hannover CL.III: unit, colors, crew. The Aerodrome. Multiple contributors. http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/camouflage-markings/36305-hannover-cl-iii-unit-colors-crew.html
SUMMARY
Highs: Fairly simple and affordable.Lows: All the basic molding flaws: flash, ejector marks, seam lines, basic detail.Verdict: Should be able to build into a nice Hannover.
About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR) FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES
I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art.
My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling!
My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...
Thanks for the review Fred..
Perchance can you provide the link to the SuperScale decals for the model??? I cannot seem to locate it anywhere
Also what decals would i use for the fuselage, or would i be forced to hand paint the Lozenge pattern???
Thank you kindly for your assistance..
Dean ~~
Nice one Fred ! Still got this kit in original form from many moons ago . The mouldings are the same Airfix didn't retool this kit so the only diff is new decals . Still though and nice kit to have in 72 scale .
Dean , superscale is no longer around , you might be able to find some lozenge deals on e-bay or you can try Freight Dogs . Pegasus has re-released their 72 scale range of lozenge . And yes you will have to hand paint the lozenge on the fuselage , no decals are available for this .
Stephen,
Thank you for that brilliant Idea!! That would make it easier for me.. Not that i do not mind Painting, but since i am just getting back into this Model building, might as well make it easy on myself, for the time being ...
What would you recommend as an overspray to mute the edges??
Thank you for your knowledge & insight!!
DEAN ~~~
I would recommend if you used opaque lozenge decals that a black or very dark blue scumble would be good. Here is my old Eduard 1:48 build. I painted my fuselage lozenges then laid down a dull coat and let dry thoroughly and theen did a black wash over all.
On the Hannover CL.IIIa I offer one caution. The emmpannage (tail unit) was covered in 5 colour fabric even the vertical plywood tail of the fuselage just in the area of the dual horizontal stabilizers and elevators. The rudder was usually white.
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