Japan | Pre-order period: from Sat, July 5th, 2025 to Sun, July 27th, 2025 Release scheduled: Sat, August 9th, 2025 |
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SWS Friend Shops | Release scheduled for August 2025 * Please contact your nearest SWS Friend Shop for details. |
The unpleasant rainy season has already arrived here in Japan. The sky above us today and tomorrow is covered in thick, gloomy rain clouds.
How is the sky above you, SWS brothers?
Is it sunny? Or is it raining or snowing? I hope it’s nice and sunny.
In this issue, I'm excited to share that I finally have the highly anticipated new product, the “Ho 229 B”, in my hands, and I'll give you a sneak peek at the assembly instructions.
I'll give you a quick overview with some photos, but for more details, please look forward to when you get your hands on this kit.
▋Package Sides
The package sides provide a detailed explanation of how the SWS kit is designed based on the actual features of the “Ho 229 B” two-seater and its base model, the “Ho 229 V3” single-seater. Scan the QR code to see the package information in English.
▋Instruction Manual Cover
Look at the cover design of the instruction manual, which is designed after the actual German Air Force manual. Each page of the full-color instruction manual is packed with fascinating information, making every turn a thrilling experience.
▋Table of Contents, Actual Aircraft Specifications and Overview
Upon opening the cover, which resembles a confidential document, you will find a table of contents outlining the assembly process for this SWS kit. Additionally, you'll find detailed explanations of the aircraft's specifications and development history, all based on thorough research. The contents are provided in both Japanese and English.
▋Explanations of each section and the assembly options
It includes the detailed explanations of each section based on actual aircraft research and the SWS development concept. You can build it as the "Ho 229 B" two-seater or the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater. If you're unsure which one to choose, take your time to read through the instruction manual and then decide on your preferred type to avoid any regrets!
▋Important notes for assembly, paint colors, engine assembly
Now, before beginning the assembly, please read the important notes for the SWS kit carefully and check the colors you will need for this kit. When you are ready, let's start with the engine, the heart of the aircraft. With this kit, you can choose to build either the "Ho 229 B" two-seater or the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater. The engine assembly is the same procedure for both. Assembling the "Jumo 004" axial-flow turbojet engine will be a thrilling experience almost like assembling the real engine.
▋"Ho 229 B" two-seater fuselage (frame) assembly (P.15~)
After assembling the engine, the next step is constructing the internal structure by connecting them with steel pipe frames, like a spider's web. Enjoy the "exquisite design" based on thorough research of actual aircraft and in-depth study of materials.
▋"Ho 229 V3" single-seater fuselage (frame) assembly (P.29~)
The overall frame structure remained the same, but please note the differences in suspension methods resulting from the armament differences. For example, the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater had a total of two MK103 one on each side while the "Ho 229 B" two-seater could have up to six autocannons with additional four MK 103 on both sides.
▋"Ho 229 B" two-seater cockpit assembly (P.38~)
Take a look at the cockpit, which has a bathtub shape with armored walls similar to modern jets. The tandem-seat cockpit, with the pilot in the front and the radar operator in the rear, contrast with the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater, whose cockpit consists of a steel tubular frame resembling a prototype.
▋"Ho 229 V3" single-seater cockpit assembly (P.43~)
Check out the exposed cockpit, nestled between the engines on either side. You can see the ground clearly through the front landing gear, giving it a very prototypical appearance. While assembling it, imagine yourself in the pilot's seat and you can almost hear the engine roaring.
▋"Ho 229 B" two-seater landing gear assembly (P.47~)
Once the internal structure of the fuselage is complete, the next step is to assemble the sturdy landing gear. Due to the differences in cockpit structures, the mountings of the landing gear below the cockpit also vary, especially for the front landing gear. In the "Ho 229 B" two-seater, the front landing gear is securely mounted to the bottom of the bathtub-shaped cockpit floor. This design not only enhances the strength of the front landing gear but also improves the safety of the pilot.
▋"Ho 229 V3" single-seater landing gear assembly (P.51~)
In the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater, the front landing gear was directly connected to the tube frame of the fuselage, so the pilot's feet were completely exposed to the ground, passing through the front landing gear. The impact upon landing must have been quite significant.
▋"Ho 229 B" two-seater fuselage outer panels assembly (P.55~)
After the landing gear is installed in a three-point stance, the internal structure of the fuselage is complete. The "Ho 229 B" two-seater is characterized by its pointed outer panel shape, which connects to the extended nose section and forms a two-seat cockpit. As a result, the intake shape has also been modified to extend forward.
▋"Ho 229 V3" single-seater fuselage outer panels assembly (P.59~)
The Ho 229 V3 single-seater has a short nose, giving it a distinctive boomerang-like shape.
▋Wings assembly (P.62~)
The assembly procedures for the wing sections are the same. While both feature the unique boomerang-like shapes of all-wing aircraft, the "Ho 229 B" two-seater stands out when placed side by side with its extended nose and the FuG 220 Lichtenstein radar antenna. Additionally, the speed reduction component adds to the appeal of this aircraft.
▋"Ho 229 B" two-seater final assembly (P.66~)
Finally, it's time for the final assembly. Once you attach each distinctive part, such as the ejection seat and canopy, you are almost done. However, don't let your guard down. Read the instructions carefully until the very end and finish it beautifully with your own hands!
▋"Ho 229 V3" single-seater final assembly (P.73~)
While assembling it, you will discover how the length of the front landing gear well door and the canopy changes depending on the length of the nose. This is the true essence of SWS kit, where you learn about "structure for function, configuration for structure."
▋Painting and decals
This kit allows you to choose to build it as the "Ho 229 B" two-seater or the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater. The "Ho 229 B" two-seater features two camouflage patterns often seen on night combat variants, while the "Ho 229 V3" single-seater features a standard three-color camouflage scheme with two distinctive tail markings. Both are designed speculating "what if the aircraft had been deployed in actual combat" and you can enjoy the color scheme and markings of your choice.
▋Parts layout diagrams and after-sales service information
If you have carefully read the instruction manual up to the end, you should be able to build this kit with no problems. However, in the unlikely event of an error or initial defect, please do not worry. This section includes the parts layout diagrams and after-sales service information. Please refer to it when checking the parts and if you have any inquiries, feel free to contact us.
Imagine assembling this SWS kit, which not only equals museum models in quality but perhaps even surpasses them.
In my next blog, I will show you more details of each part in photos.
Furthermore
The first modelers in the world to get their hands on the SWS 1/32 “Ho 229 B” kit in their hands will be those who purchase it at the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, United States.
Please look forward to it.
Please note that release is scheduled to begin in August 2025 (*) at Volks stores and SWS Friend Shops worldwide.
I can picture you opening this kit with a big smile on your face at your workbench in your hobby room.
* Please note that the release schedule for SWS Friend Shops may vary. Please contact your nearest SWS Friend Shop for details.
Enjoy the true essence of the SWS kits.
Hideyuki Shigeta
President, Zoukei-Mura