Kovozávody Prostejov 1/72 SK-38 "Komar" (SG 38 Schulgleiter)
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Overview
Designed in the late 1930s, the SG 38 was the basic flight training glider for the Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps (NSFK). Over 10,000 were built during the war, where it served an important role in training fledgling pilots. The design was simple and stable to fly, and after the war the design continued to fly throughout Europe, including in Czechoslovakia, England, France, Austria, Sweden, and other nations.
The Kit
As this is a simple glider, so it is an easy model. So much so, that the box comes with two complete kits. Molded in a dark gray plastic, the kit features some very petite detailing throughout, and the decal sheet comes with four interesting options.
As noted, this is a simple kit, which means few steps. The instructions have just three steps, and overall there are only six parts to assemble. Everything is exposed on this glider, so the 'cockpit' has nothing hidden. The rudder pedals have a separate cross brace, while everything else mounts to the fuselage frame. There is a separate seat, a separate horizontal stabilizer, and a separate wing. The only thing missing is two thin supporting struts for the stabilizer and the rigging, both of which are clearly marked in the instructions.
For color schemes, this kit comes with two Czechoslovakian options, one Polish, and one Austrian. The first Czech example is from the Czechoslovakian aeroclub Rana in 1946 and has a mixed pattern of brown and dark green squiggles painted over the clear doped linen. The second is also from 1946, registered OK-5412, from another aeroclub Nachod, and is finished in CDL and wood. The Polish option is finished similarly, and is from a Polish aeroclub in 1945, while the final Austrian example is finished in a mix of yellow and CDL. In all cases the markings are very minimal, but the decal sheet is nicely printed and should pose no problem in application.
Conclusion
This is a simple yet interesting kit that has plenty of potential. Whether built as one of the kit options or as one of the many examples that operated around the world, this kit is a pleasant diversion from more complex modeling projects. My thanks to KP for the review sample.