Plastic model of the FL 282 Kolibri helicopter

The plastic model of the helicopter was built from the kit of the Ukrainian MiniArt Models company in a 1:35 scale. The set is so rich that there is no need to upgrade with separately accessory sets.

To start with, something from the modeller's workshop.

To make the sea, you need to start with the bottom. The basis may be oriented strand board (OSB ). Such a board must be covered with Wikol glue. Before the glue dries, you must to create the preliminary shape of the sea from crushed pieces of aluminum foil and cover the whole with Wikol glue. We put aluminum foil sheets on this and form final shape of waves. Now you have to apply a layer of glue again, because the paint will not stick to the foil.

After the glue dries, you cover the sea with primer paint and then with blue paint. Three shades of blue paint were used to make the sea shown in the pictures. When the paint dries, you have to cover it with transparent varnish. Finally, you put a layer of acrylic resin.

To get the effect of foamed water, the modeller glued silicone fibers on 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 being produced during World War II. It was the first serially-produced helicopter and the first to be used in war.

Its characteristic feature was the use of two interlocking rotors. Thanks to this solution, there was no 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 were used as reconnaissance helicopters and to cooperate with artillery.

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