ICM 1:48 Hs 123A-1

[James H]

1:48 Hs 123A-1
ICM
Catalogue # 32016
Available from Jadlam for £47.49

The Henschel Hs 123A-1 was a German single-seat biplane dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft developed in the early 1930s, during a period when the Luftwaffe was still in its formative stages. Designed by Henschel Flugzeug-Werke, the Hs 123 first flew in April 1935 and was initially intended to serve as a modern dive bomber for Germany’s rapidly expanding air force. At the time, biplane designs were becoming outdated, but the Hs 123 stood out for its strong construction, excellent manoeuvrability, and reliability. The A-1 variant was the first production model and entered service in 1936, helping to establish Germany’s early close air support and tactical bombing capabilities.

The Hs 123A-1 saw its first combat use during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), where it was flown by the German Condor Legion in support of Nationalist forces. In this conflict, the aircraft proved highly effective in ground-attack missions, using bombs and machine guns to strike enemy troops, vehicles, and fortifications. Pilots praised its ruggedness and ability to operate from rough airfields close to the front lines. The aircraft’s radial engine produced a distinctive sound in dives that was designed to intimidate enemy troops, adding to its psychological impact. Experiences in Spain demonstrated that, despite its outdated appearance, the Hs 123A-1 was well suited to low-altitude battlefield support.

During the early years of World War II, the Hs 123A-1 continued to serve with the Luftwaffe in campaigns in Poland, France, and on the Eastern Front. Although more modern monoplanes were becoming standard, the Hs 123 remained in use because of its durability and effectiveness in harsh conditions. It was especially valued in the Soviet Union, where it could operate from primitive airstrips and withstand heavy ground fire. By 1942, most Hs 123 aircraft had been replaced by newer designs such as the Junkers Ju 87, but some remained in frontline service until 1944. The Hs 123A-1 is remembered as one of the last successful combat biplanes and as an important contributor to early German close air support doctrine.

The kit
This kit is ICM's fourth incarnation of the Henschel Hs 123 kit, since its inception in 2024. For me, this probably has the most bizarre but extremely attractive scheme that ever adorned this type. The kit itself is packaged into one of ICM's very sturdy top flap opening boxes, with a separate glossy lid depicting that particular machine that I mentioned. Inside, there are EIGHT sprues in grey styrene, and one in clear. There is also a 16 page, full colour instruction booklet, and TWO decal sheets. Ok, let's take a peek...

Not too many parts on this sprue, but we do start with a view of the fuselage halves. The kit is moulded in ICM's usual mid/light grey styrene which melts beautifully with a decent cement like Tamiya's hot stuff. The fuselage is typical of ICM in that there's no rivet detail, but the panel lines are nicely represented with some finesse. If you want rivets, then it's time to put Rosie to use. You could, I suppose open the louvres up a little, but I'm not convinced that it would be necessary as the gap would be tiny. Some wash in there would probably have the same effect. Internally, the fuse has some moulded detail onto which to add further detail. One particular machine will need hole(s) drilling out,  clearly shown in the manual. Also supplied here is the forward upper fuse with integral MG channels, and a two-part drop tank that will be slung underneath he fuse centreline.

 

 

 

Three parts comprise the lower wing, with the underside being full span (yet relatively small in 1:32). Again, no rivet detail, but pretty much everything else. The landing flaps are moulded in a closed position. The lower wing doesn't have ailerons, so no need for such details. The strut sockets are reasonably deep too, meaning fitting and mounting the upper wing should be quite easy.

 

 

All parts here are used except for two upper wing inserts which would be used to hang the ailerons. There is a set to use here, so not quite sure what the difference is except for a possibly different aileron style. Here you will fine the aileron, elevator and rudder halves. all with excellent fabric and rib details...not too harsh to my eye. 

 

 

 

 

 

There are TWO of these sprues, duplicating all of the parts of which there are two or more. Here you will find undercarriage struts, spats, ordnance (plus percussion bombs), wheels, bomb racks, fuselage MGs, etc. 

 

 

 

 

Everything on this sprue is to be used with this release. This is where you'll find many of the cockpit details, as well as two-part intake unit, cabana struts, tailplane support struts (moulded as a single part), engine exhaust array, and things such as control surface push/pull rods. 

 

 

 

 

Now we can see the various parts which construct the BMW 132D radial engine, These are moulded in beautiful detail, and with some quite fragile parts that could use some decent quality nippers to remove from the sprue. You will also see the multipart engine cowl with its familiar blisters, wing struts, tailplane halves, two-blade prop, cockpit bulkheads, seat, and instrument panel etc.

 

 

 

 

The entire upper wing is moulded in two full-span parts, minus the ailerons. The detail nicely represents the fabric covered original with its dope-shrunk scalloped surface. 

 

 

 

There is only one clear sprue, and it's tiny. This comprises the windscreen and wingtip lights. You can't see in this photo, but the clarity of the parts is every bit as good as other contemporary manufacturers. 

 

 

 

Decals
The are TWO decal sheets in this release, catering to THREE different schemes. One sheet carries decals for just one single machine, meaning all those whacky white lines and graffiti don't have to be done by hand or masked. All decals are thinly printed and in perfect register, with minimal carrier film. Colour is solid, which is just as well with all the white coloured decals to add to a Spanish splinter style scheme. 

 

The three schemes supplied are:

1. Hs 123A, pre-production aircraft, 1936
2. Hs 123A-1, 3./St.G. 165 "Immelmann", 1937
3. Hs 123A-1, 3./Fliegergruppe 50, Lieutenant Siegfried Hamann, Langensalza airfield, Summer 1938

 

 

Instructions
A full colour, 16-page manual is included, complete with parts maps and multiple elevations for each scheme. Construction is shown in clear line drawing format, with good paint notation given for ICM's own paint range.

Conclusion
ICM did a great job of recreating this aircraft in 1:32 and really has done it some justice. Moulding is excellent with zero flash and ejector pin marks aren't of any issue here. So much detail is to be had, and for those wanting more than regular Luftwaffe splinter camo, this has it all...from a simple looking machine to possibly the most incredibly unique machine of them all; that of Lieutenant Siegfried Hamann. Go ahead and treat yourself!

My sincere thanks to ICM for sending this kit out for review on Large Scale Modeller. To buy direct, click the link at the to pop the article.