04688 Arado Ar196 A-3 (Seaplane)

The Arado Ar 196 was the best World War II floatplane. Its sphere of operations extended from Crete via the Black Sea to the far north. In addition to coastal reconnaissance and the attacks on small shipping connected with this it was also used to attack submarines. By the summer of 1937 the first prototype of the Ar 196 was flying and the first deliveries were made in 1939. From 1941 the actual main version of the Ar 196 - the A-3 was supplied. This series had, among other things, a three-blade adjustable propeller and better radio equipment together with more powerful defensive weapons and two SC50 50 kg bombs. Most of the machines in the Ar 196A-3 series went to the coastal flying groups as well as to various naval reconnaissance groups and to the large naval units. Arado 196s were stationed on the battleships "Tirpitz" and "Bismarck". The Ar 196 was also used ever more extensively for air/sea rescue. Up to October 1944 a total of 435 had been built.

Model-details:
- New model kit
- Fine surface details and recessed panel lines
- Detailed internal tubular space frame
- Detailed cockpit with pilot seat and instrument panel
- Detailed radio control panel
- Rear MG mount with seat and spare magazine
- Detailed MG 15 on rotary mount
- Lateral MG FF
- Separate oil tank
- Wings optionally in normal or folded position
- Separateailerons
- Separate air brakes
- Individual navigation lights
- Detailed floats with tail unit in 2 positions
- Detailed BMW 132 engine
- Separate air intake lines and exhaust pipe
- Lower supporting framework with struts
- Separate maintenance flaps on engine and nose
- Cockpit parts with handles and levers
- 2 different 3-blade propellers
- Display platform
- Decals for 2 versions: KG100 Crete and aboard Tirpitz

Suggested Colors: 15 36 39 40 45 49 85