Special Hobby 1/72 EMW A9

SPECIAL HOBBY 1:72 EMW A9
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Myself (smakr1@optusnet.com.au)
- A Built up review of this kit exists on this site - see the respective fully built kit review index to locate review

Kit: Special Hobby No. SH 72009 1/72 EMW A9

Aircraft: The A9 was in prototype form by the end of the war and it was essentially a project where a piloted rocket was developed to strike the mainland USA being guided by submarines to the coast. It was based on the initial prospect of launching V2's against America in the stage called "America Rocket". The A-9 rocket had to be lifted to an altitude of 160km by the A-10 rocket booster and it was able to cover up to 5000km in 45 minutes, but before reaching the target the pilot had to catapult himself out. During the flight he had to be guided to his target by submarines on the surface of the Atlantic.

Parts: There were three sprues in one plastic bag with a decal sheet and vacform canopy. There's a little bit of flash but very minimal. The 25 parts are light grey limited run injection mold with finely engraved panel lines. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the kit, looks almost like a Hasegawa kit on the sprue!! There are a couple of sink marks and ejector pin marks, but in the latter case it has been cleaned up quite well.

Instructions: A single A4 sheet is provided which contains a brief overview of the A9 and 3 steps to make the rocket and one for the launch pad/stand. Generic colours (like Black, white and red) are given but otherwise RLM colours are quoted where possible with a cross reference chart also for Tamiya, Humbrol, Molak and Agama. A sprue diagram showing part numbers and a three view diagram for markings and decals are also provided.

Versions: Only one version is produced by the kit which of course is a 'speculative' example. It is finished in RLM 75 (Grey Violet) and RLM 76 (Hellblau) camouflage.

Decals: Produced by Propagteam - with very good register. There are swastikas but they are in 'pieces' and must be put together to form the infamous symbol. But of course Propagteam have a rather love-hate relationship with modellers. They are generally excellent but one wrong move and you're stuffed!

Options: Nil other than the launch stand included.

Impressions: A clean and lovely looking kit on the sprue for a limited run subject. There are lots of small parts for the stand but otherwise the rocket part itself looks like a fairly quick and easy build. The cockpit is very basic with only a seat and stick for on a floor. The rocket is very similar to the V2 fame and is made up of two vertically split rocket halves and fins to attach on the either sides. For the person who is interested in this sort of speculative subject material would certainly recommend this kit.

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