FL 282 Kolibri Helicopter Plastic Model Diorama

The plastic model of the helicopter was built to a 1:35 scale from a kit by the Ukrainian manufacturer MiniArt Models. The kit is so detailed that it does not require any aftermarket accessories.

From the modeler's workshop

To make the sea, start with the bottom of the sea. The basis may be oriented strand board (OSB). Such a board must be covered with PVA glue. Before the glue dries, create the preliminary shape of the sea from crumpled pieces of aluminum foil and cover the whole with PVA glue. Put sheets of aluminum foil on this and form the final shape of the waves. Next, apply another layer of glue, because the paint will not stick to the foil.

After the glue has dried, cover the sea with primer and then with blue paint. Three shades of blue paint were used to make the sea shown in the pictures. When the paint has dried, cover it with a clear varnish. Finally, apply a layer of acrylic resin.

To create the effect of foamy water, the modeler glued silicone fibers to the wave crests. The same silicone fibers are used to stuff plush toys. The final step is to cover the foamed wave crests with acrylic resin.

A little about the Fl 282 Kolibri helicopter

The FL 282 Kolibri was a German helicopter produced during World War II. It was the world's first series-production helicopter and the first to be used in combat.

Its characteristic feature was the use of two interlocking rotors. This design eliminated the need to use a tail rotor.

The plan was to produce 1,000 copies of the Fl 282 Kolibri, but this was thwarted by the Allied bombing of the factories where these helicopters were to be built. By 1943, only 24 copies had been produced.

The Fl 282 Kolibri helicopters were used for reconnaissance and to cooperate with artillery units.

Some technical data:

• Powerplant: 7-cylinder radial piston engine with a power of 119 kW (160 HP),
• Length: 6.56 m (21.5 ft),
• Height: 2.2 m (7.2 ft),
• Take-off weight: 1000 kg (2,205 lb),
• Rotor diameter: 11.96 m (39.2 ft),
• Maximum speed: 150 km/h (93 mph),
• Range: 170 km (106 mi),
• Ceiling: 3300 m (10,827 ft),
• Climb speed: 91.5 m/min (300 ft/min).

Sources:

• https://miniart-models.com/pl/product/41001-fl-282-v-6-kolibri/
• https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flettner_Fl_282

6 Sept. 2024