Hansa-Brandenburg G.I - KatModel

[richard.kiss]

Polish company KatModel has announced the release of the Hansa-Brandenburg G.I 1/32 scale 3D printed model.



So far they have only published 3D drawings on their Facebook page, no release date yet.




In response to a question in the comments section, the manufacturer said that it will also release a 1/72 scale model. (The manufacturer has not previously released a 1/72 scale model, only 48 and 32.)

My personal experience with the manufacturer's kits is with the 1/48th scale Phoenix C.I. The kit arrived without its own box, only parts packaged in bubble wrap foil. Assembly instructions, painting schemes and markings were also not included in the kit.

Facebook announcement:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0NdennuHUmD1eMUk2ojvNXZgwrx3zCX5VV8Tzx23QiEzeZt1fNiztRM9nUyWUDHPUl&id=100089034879479

[Dirigible-Al]

Be nice if it is released in 1/48.
Alan.

[macsporran]

I find this a very attractive and interesting release - rather ambitious for what I assume to be a small manufacturer.

I have their 1/32 Phoenix D.I and it is a bit of a mixed bag. I got mine from ebay for what seemed a very reasonable price, so I don't want to be too hard on them - and the moulding quality is pretty good. (Although I'm finding a complete engine or cockpit, cast in one piece, a strange new experience.)

It looks like a Phoenix D.I, it is well moulded and with quite a bit of work, will build into a classic AH subject not available elsewhere.

The downside is that it appears to have been upscaled from a 1/48 kit, so some of the details (covers, bolts, etc) look far too big and will need reduced in size and refined. The fuselage halves are solid from cockpit back and a bit warped so will need a lot of fettling to get into shape, also the tailplane leading edge is far too thick, although wings are quite fine.
My kit came in ziplock bags in a cardboard container but included decals and some masks for the AH crown. No instructions, which makes trying to identify parts before removal from 3D trees difficult - although the ebay pictures include an exploded view of parts.

I assume the 1/48 kit will be much better, but I have been impressed enough (at the price) to put my order in for the Phoenix C.I.
They also do a Star-Strutter but that is much dearer for some reason and I will hang on for the CSM meantime, but I'll probably go for this big Hansa, if the price is right, as I do have a soft spot for these AH machines.
Sandy

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
The only model I have ever shelved is the 1:32nd scale KatModel Phonix C.1.
I bought it back in 2023 when it was first released.
However, it's only 35 parts with no instructions and no decals.
The 3D printed and resin cast parts were not good and most were warped.
The wing struts are printed, rectangular in section, not aerofoil, and have no internal support rods.
Detail on the model is either missing or wrongly located and all are way over-scale .
The overly thick and pronounced external detail is evidence of up-scaling from smaller scale models.

However, while I wait for 'Flying Bears' Thulin K to arrive from Sweden, I thought I'd have another go at the Phonix.

I hope Katmodel now are better researching their models and that their production techniques have improved.
Otherwise they remain, as far as I'm concerned, 'garage' kits and not model builds for the faint hearted,

Mike   

[Flik63J]

It is interesting that following LukGraph?s announcement of the Caproni, that model has disappeared from Katmodel?s website and been replaced by the Hansa. These are very ambitious productions??.time will tell us more about the respective quality. But the exciting times continue for WWI enthusiasts. Perhaps I should not give up hope on a Caproni Ca-4, RE7, BE8 or Standard E-1?

David

[richard.kiss]

It is interesting that following LukGraph?s announcement of the Caproni, that model has disappeared from Katmodel?s website and been replaced by the Hansa.

Hello David!
Scalemates lists the KatModel Caproni Ca-3 kit (see: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/katmodel-caproni-ca-3--1580140). I asked the KatModel manufacturer directly about this kit, but they did not respond. They probably killed the project with the announcement of the Lukgraph release, as Lukgraph is believed to release a more detailed model and has a larger market than KatModel.

[richard.kiss]

However, while I wait for 'Flying Bears' Thulin K to arrive from Sweden, I thought I'd have another go at the Phonix.

Hello Mike!

I remember your criticism of the Katmodel Phonix C.I model vividly and it is justified. Considering that this model is not currently available on the market from any other manufacturer (not even from Katmodel), their model is better than nothing. In other words, even if it is poor in detail, it is better to build this special-looking model than not to build it at all.

I wonder what kind of paint and markings you will use to build it?

Thank you very much for mentioning the FlyingBear model. I was not familiar with either the manufacturer or the aircraft before. It is a special pleasure that you drew my attention to such a lesser-known aircraft, I am really looking forward to building this one!

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi Richard,
Phonix C.I, Serial No.121.57 of Flik 57/Rb, operating from Godega (Italian Front) during June, 1918.



I'll probably paint with lacquers including markings, as none were supplied with the kit,

Mike

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Considering that this model is not currently available on the market from any other manufacturer (not even from Katmodel), their model is better than nothing. In other words, even if it is poor in detail, it is better to build this special-looking model than not to build it at all.

Hi Richard,
The KatModel site does have the Phonix C.1 listed

Mike

https://katmodelshop.pl/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHba3pleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTq9B_f7QGxP0YsinBmqO6mdmTb-hGTzg23s2B9NfY6nho0ruSlUh5UX9A_aem_3iZ9rFo3DoykN_t_LReEGw

[macsporran]

I think I mentioned above that I have just put in an order for one. (A Phoenix C.I). Via eBay, but direct from Poland.
So it is available, at least as of last week.
Sandy

[Pup7309]

I wonder if Lukgraph will do a Phoenix C1 eventually?

[Mike Norris (UK)]

I wonder if Lukgraph will do a Phoenix C1 eventually?

Well going by my experience, 'Lukgraph' or any other producer would probably be a better option 

Mike