Pedro in Spain

Condor Legion HE-111B-2 in 1/48th

- Harvey Low

Kit No: 85-5522

Scale: 1/48

Type: Injection moulded plastic

Manufacturer: Monogram

Also used: Cutting Edge conversion set #48446

The ubiquitous He-111 needs no introduction to World War Two aviation enthusiasts, however, the earlier pre-WW2 variants in the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) are lesser-known with fewer references. That conflict was an excellent proving ground for a new generation of Luftwaffe aircraft such as the Ju-86D, Do-17E, Me-109A, and the He-111B. Such aircraft served with the famed Condor Legion - a unit composed of German military aircraft and personnel allied with the Nationalist forces under Generalissimo Francisco Franco.

Several sub-variants of the ‘pencil-nosed’ He-111s existed, starting with a small number of the A-0 model (of which most were sent to the Nationalist Chinese in their war with Japan). The B variants, which this model represents, were produced in larger numbers and served extensively until mid-1938 when they were replaced with the more modern He 111E model. The majority of this early He111s were eventually lost in action, transitioned to trainers, or withdrawn due to wear or accumulated battle damage. None served operationally in WW2 where the rounded nose of the subsequent He 111 variants became famous. The unique curved leading edge was also eliminated from the newer models due to complexity in manufacturing. The last version to serve in Spain was the He-111J-1. Some of these aircraft remained in the Spanish Air Force as trainers until the early 1950s.