Fieseler Storch

Hartmann · Post by **Hartmann** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:37 pm

Vince,
I just purchased the 1/48 Tamiya Storch and of course will build it in RA colors. I have seen a few color profiles from Korat Decals that show a North Africa Storch in the 3 tone scheme(Giallo Mimetico,Marrone Mimetico,Verde Oliva Scuro) with Grigio Mimetico undersides and another one with Nocciola Chiarro and Verde Oliva Scuro with Grigio Mimetico undersides. Is this possible or would it be more likely that the undersides were RLM 76 and the crosses painted out in Grigio Mimetico and would these schemes have been done in the field by overpainting the original German colors? Any insight is appreciated Thanks - Tom

Post by **Editor** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:31 pm

Hi Tom,
The reference that Korat decals probably used was Ali Straniere in Italia #4 Gli Altri Tedecshi (other German Aircraft). Both of the RA color schemes you listed above were possible because the RA had these aircraft on charge as early as September 1940 (pre-Tavola X colors) and also through 1942-43 (Tavola X colors). The first batch of Storch's (6) C-2 were ordered straight from the factory new (not used) and were flown by Italian pilots from Kassel to Italy on 25 August 1940. These aircraft were unlikely to have carried German markings, ie., being new. From both black and white and color photos, Italian Storchs appear to have been completely repainted (2-3 tone color schemes) although dark colored (green) Storchs are said to have carried the German splinter pattern RLM 70/71/65. Note the underside color 65 not 76. In 1942 Luftwaffe C-3 Trop Storchs were given to the Italians. These planes could have carried 76 undersides initially, although ASI #4 makes no mention of it. The Italians received both new and used C-3 Trops to the end of 1942. So as you can see, all of the cases you listed were possible.

Ciao,

Hartmann · Post by **Hartmann** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:21 am

Vince you are the best - Tom

telsono · Post by **telsono** » Tue May 27, 2008 4:51 pm

I am too interested in completing one of the new Tamiya Storches in Italian markings. Be aware that there are two pictures in different markings of a C-1 in Italian markings in North Africa prior to the deliveries to the RA. This is assmed to be the gift aircraft to Marshall Balbo by Heman Goering. After Balbo's death, the aircraft was used by the RA in North Africa. It is noted by having the earlier dorsal glass section and the earlier oil filter. At one time the oil filter was changed to a newer version, but for some reason it was reversed back to the original filter. The Squadron "In Action" series on the Storch doesn't show a good depiction of the different oil filters.

Most of the Italian Storches were used in Yugoslavia with at least one former Yugoslavian aircraft added to the mix.

Information on the Italian Storches can be found in "The Other Germans in Italian Service" (Gli Altri Tedeschi) the fourth part of the "Ali Stravere in Italia" series of booklets.

Mike T.

telsono · Post by **telsono** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:01 pm

I just picked up the Tristar Fieseler Storch in 1/35th scale and noticed a major problem with the decals. The fasces on the national markings all face the same direction! The fasces should point to the wing tips, although there are noted exceptions from photographs. Otherwise its a beautiful kit. The instructions only show the marking pattern for one aircraft the C1 from north Africa, but the sheet contains enough decals for the one of the C-3's used in Albania with the Stork emblem.

Two online reviews of the kit didn't notice the error. (Cyberhobby and Perth)

Mike T.

Post by **Editor** » Sat May 31, 2008 3:14 pm

Hello Mike, thank you for posting this information. The direction of the wing fasces is a common mistake, although as you pointed out sometimes it can be omitted in OOB reviews.

telsono · Post by **telsono** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:47 am

Vince this decal sheet is odd in that it has subjects not used in the kit instruction. I will probably build I-ULIA, Balbo's plane as it first recieved camoflage in North Africa. It didn't carry any wing or fuselage markings as it was still privately owned by Balbo. It will have only the tail cross. They will probalby come out with a C-2/3 kit to cover the other subjects on the decal sheet.

Mike T.