The giant
Riesenflugzeug bombers were marvels of their time. The only model to reach series production was the
Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI, with the production load spread to Staaken (4), Aviatik (6), Schütte-Lanz (5), and Albatros-O.A.W. (3).
Two pilots shared flying responsibilities, aided by a radio operator and navigator directly to their rear. A mechanic sat between the wings near each engine and two gunners shared the aft position, with a ventral position in the floor for use as necessary. A nose gunner completed the crew. Starting in September 1917 they began bombing mission on both the U.K. and France with
Risenflugzeugabteilung (Rfa) 500 and 501.
R.VIs made 52 raids on London, dropping 2772 bombs of 196 tonnes in total weight.
This model depicts aircraft R.25/16, the first R.VI. There are also models available of
R.30/16 and
R.52/17, which differed in significant ways. It is available in 1:144, 1:285/6mm/1:288, 1:600, and 1:700 scales. At 1:285, there are no propeller blades or crew due to printing constraints.
At 1:600 and 1:700 scales, two aeroplanes are included, joined by disposable links.
For more information and gaming details, see
https://linen.miraheze.org/wiki/Zeppelin-Staaken_R.VI.