1/128 DKM Arado AR196 Wings Folded

1/128 DKM Arado Ar 196 Wings Folded: The Eyes of the Kriegsmarine

Complete the catapult deck of your capital ship with the meticulously engineered 1/128 Scale Arado Ar 196 (Wings Folded). As the primary shipboard reconnaissance floatplane for the Kriegsmarine, the Ar 196 was a common sight on the Bismarck, Tirpitz, and the Admiral Hipper-class cruisers. This specialized "Wings Folded" version captures the aircraft in its compact, stowed configuration—essential for depicting a realistic hangar or catapult scene. At this specialized 1/128 scale, this replica captures the sleek aerodynamic lines and rugged maritime features of Germany's most famous floatplane with museum-grade precision.

Engineering Precision & Naval Aviation Fidelity

High-Fidelity "Stowed" Detail: In 1/128 scale, the mechanical complexity of the wing-fold hinges and the float struts are primary visual highlights. This model captures the Ar 196 architecture with exquisite fidelity, featuring accurately rendered BMW 132 radial engine cylinders, the observer's cockpit with defensive MG ring, and the characteristic twin-float arrangement. Every structural line is rendered with architectural sharpness, reflecting the high-stakes engineering of the Arado Flugzeugwerke.

Historically Accurate Kriegsmarine Configuration: Meticulously researched from original aviation blueprints to ensure a seamless, flush fit on the 1/128 scale catapults or hangar trolleys of your battleship and cruiser models.

• Wings Folded Geometry: Faithfully reproduces the rearward-folding wing mechanism used to conserve space aboard cramped warship decks.
• Intricate Surface Detailing: Captures the fine details of the fabric-covered control surfaces, the cockpit framing, and the specialized maritime exhaust system.
• Hollowed Engineering: Expertly designed to optimize material usage—significantly reducing weight for easy placement on delicate catapult structures—without sacrificing the robust, "stressed-skin" appearance of the original aircraft.

Premium Material: High Detail Resin Grey

To ensure your naval aviation detachment showcases the finest industrial textures, this aircraft is crafted from professional High Detail Resin Grey, offering the ultimate surface for discerning shipwrights:

• Exceptional Feature Definition: The resin captures minute details—from the cooling fins on the radial engine to the delicate rivets on the floats—with surgical precision.
• Professional Smooth Finish: Provides an ultra-smooth, non-porous base optimized for high-quality primers and specialized RLM 72/73 maritime splinter camouflage palettes.
• Superior Quality & Stability: Engineered to provide clean surfaces that require minimal cleanup, ensuring a perfect, professional-grade integration with your ship's aviation facilities.

Key Features & Specifications

• Accurate 1/128 Scale: Specifically scaled for a historically proportional and realistic presence on 1/128 scale Kriegsmarine warship projects.
• Museum-Grade Detail: Captures the unique industrial aesthetic of WWII-era German naval aviation with architectural clarity.
• Unpainted Finish: Provides a blank canvas for your artistic vision. Recreate the factory-fresh look of a new delivery or the weathered, salt-corroded appearance of an aircraft on long-term Atlantic deployment.
• Deck-Ready Logic: The "Wings Folded" configuration is the definitive choice for depicting realistic shipboard storage or pre-launch preparation.

A Canvas for Naval Artistry

Unpainted for Total Customization: Arriving in its raw grey resin finish, the Arado Ar 196 serves as the ultimate starting point for advanced weathering:

• The "Atlantic Sortie" Look: Apply a base of RLM 72/73 (Dark Green/Black Green). The high-relief detail is ideal for pin-washes, allowing dark oils to define the individual panels and highlighting the mechanical complexity of the wing-fold joints.
• Realistic Weathering: The 1/128 scale is the ideal playground for detailing. Apply subtle metallic "chipping" to the float leading edges and add realistic "salt-spray" residue to the fuselage to achieve high levels of authenticity and realism.

Experience the fine detail and craftsmanship of the 1/128 DKM Arado AR196 Wings Folded model.