Special Hobby Aircraft Model Kit

Special Hobby Heinkel He-177A-3 ‘Grief’ (1/48) SH48210

The Special Hobby Heinkel He-177A-3 ‘Grief’ is a highly detailed 1/48 scale model kit of Germany’s only operational four-engine heavy bomber to see service in significant numbers during the Second World War. Although its combat record was mixed, the He 177 remains one of the most fascinating and distinctive aircraft of the Luftwaffe due to its unusual engine arrangement and imposing appearance.

The He 177 was designed to deliver heavy bomb loads over long distances while maintaining the aerodynamic profile of a twin-engined aircraft. To achieve this, pairs of engines were mounted side-by-side within each wing and connected to a common gearbox driving a single propeller. This innovative arrangement gave the aircraft the appearance of a twin-engined bomber despite having four engines, making it one of the most unique aircraft designs of the war.

This release represents a significant update to the earlier Special Hobby kit. Most components have been completely redesigned, while the small detail parts have been upgraded using modern metal tooling techniques. The result is improved detail, enhanced fit and a more refined building experience. The kit also includes photo-etched parts, resin components and 3D-printed details to further enhance realism.

Three marking options are provided. One aircraft participated in Operation Steinbock, the Luftwaffe’s bombing campaign against Great Britain during 1944. The remaining options depict an aircraft with distinctive yellow identification markings presented in two alternative configurations. The detailed cockpit, large airframe and extensive detail parts make this an impressive centrepiece for any Luftwaffe collection.

Browse more large-scale aircraft kits in our 1/48 Aircraft category.

• 1/48 scale plastic model kit
• Manufacturer SKU: SH48210
• Heinkel He-177A-3 ‘Grief’ heavy bomber
• Updated tooling with newly produced components
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Resin detail parts included
• 3D-printed components included
• Three Luftwaffe marking options
• Operation Steinbock aircraft markings included
• Highly detailed cockpit and airframe
• Unique four-engine configuration
• Suitable for experienced modellers

History

The Heinkel He 177 Greif was conceived as Germany’s long-range strategic bomber and entered service during the Second World War. Its most unusual feature was the use of paired engines driving a single propeller on each wing, a solution intended to reduce drag while maintaining high performance. Unfortunately, the complex powerplant arrangement led to reliability issues that plagued the aircraft throughout its operational career.

Despite these challenges, the He 177 served in a variety of roles including strategic bombing, maritime operations and long-range reconnaissance. During Operation Steinbock in 1944, He 177 bombers participated in attacks against targets in Britain. Although the aircraft never fulfilled all of its original expectations, it remains one of the most recognisable and technically ambitious bomber designs of the Luftwaffe.

This model kit requires assembly and painting. Glue, paints and tools are not included and must be purchased separately.