Roden Zeppelin Staaken R.VI — 1:72

The aircraft

The Zeppelin Staaken R.VI was one of Germany's enormous Riesenflugzeug (“giant aircraft”) of the First World War. It was a four-engine heavy bomber designed to carry a substantial bomb load over long distances, including attacks against targets in Britain.

Only 18 R.VI aircraft were built, making it a relatively rare subject. The aircraft had a 42.2 m wingspan, was about 22.1 m long, and could carry up to approximately 2,000 kg of bombs.

Representative specifications

• Crew: approximately 7

• Engines: 4

• Maximum speed: approximately 130 km/h

• Wingspan: 42.2 m

• Length: 22.1 m

• Height: 6.3 m

• Service ceiling: approximately 3,800 m

• Armament: up to 4 × 7.92 mm machine guns

• Bomb load: up to approximately 2,000 kg

A distinctive feature was that most of the crew worked inside the fuselage, while two engine mechanics occupied individual cabins in the engine nacelles during flight.

The Roden kit

This is a large and fairly demanding 1:72 kit. The real aircraft's 42.2 m wingspan translates to roughly 586 mm at 1:72, so this is a substantial display model.

Roden's kit reproduces the complex biplane structure, four engines, engine nacelles, crew areas and extensive wing bracing. Retail descriptions specifically emphasise the detailed wing construction, engines, crew stations, cockpit and fuselage.

The kit is supplied unassembled and unpainted, with decals; paints and adhesive are not included.