German Air Force ID models in 1/200 scale

[grwebster]

From the 1950s until the 1970s the German Air Force had an active 1/200 scale Identification model program. The aircraft covered most of those that could be encountered in the European Cold War Theatre.
I have been told that they were made by the Hansa company of Germany. The models were made either in metal or lightweight resin
The set had 4 numbered boxes, more like suitcases or crates with handles and was added to as new aircraft came on line. {Similar to other German Identification model programs underway during WW 2- the Wiking 1/200 and the larger 1/50 wooden Luftwaffe sets.}
Each box had two sides which opened independently with a key {again like the WW2 sets}. There was also a list of contents for each box.
Here is box No.2, Canadian and English, and some of its contents.






This model is numbered 2006 and has inscribed under the wing GR-1
I have the 4 sets plus an earlier set of the No.2 should anyone want to see them.

From time to time some of these models were sold on ebay as unfinished kits in an individual plastic bag.

[grwebster]

Here are the 4 sets





There are some models of very obscure aircraft and helicopters. I haven't looked at these models in many years until last week and was amazed by the effort.
I have cataloged 126 aircraft in the 5 sets I have, but as mentioned a few are duplicated in the two sets of No. 2.

[grwebster]

There was an ebay listing a while back for one of the aircraft alone and the seller added this to the listing, which seems accurate:
1:200 scale Hansa Schowanek
Starting in 1959, these ID models were produced showing NATO and Warsaw Pact aircraft. These were made as instructional models / training aides and were provided in 4 cases (1-German/French/Italian, 2 UK and Canadian, 3 US, 4 Soviet). There were several models added in 1967 and the late 70's.
The models are in metal or polyurethane resin for the larger models.
Starting in 1971 some of these were produced in kit form but the numbering system was changed to add a B to the end of the number. The estimate is that Schowanek produced 500 sets of four cases for the military. Few survived intact after many years of service.

[ramseyd]

GR,
You are indeed fortunate to have a complete set. I know of collectors who have looked for years just to find one. They very rarely show up on eBay or other auction sites. The information you mentioned was taken from Avia Mini X Magazine. I purchased a half dozen in a non-eBay online auction, and had dups of the one sold. I would love to add to the 25 I have. Keep an eye out for a boxed set and let me know if you ever see one again. Dennis

[grwebster]

I have an extra boxed set, will have to take a look at it.

[ronc200]

Very nice. It makes me want to reunite my Hansa-Schowanek set and their respective cases, which are currently two floors apart.
Just a few notes. There is a very good article with checklists in Plane News. Hopefully all readers have their set in easy reach.
In the mid 1970's the Bundesluftwaffe procured a supplemental set. I have never seen or heard of a wood case for those. Somewhat later (late 70s?) a Kamov AS chopper appeared but I am fairly sure it never made it to the active units.

Ron

[solumis]

3 of the sets are offered in the german ebay now.
Some weeks ago a complet set of all 4 boxes (with all models) where sold for unbelivable cheap €3.5