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1/32 Messerschmitt Me262 B-1/U-1; Kit No. 04995
Topic Started: Jan 11 2017, 09:48 PM (1,270 Views)
jacksdad64
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Aikidoka
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The high performance of the Me-262 made a tandem-seat operational conversion trainer version desireable, and such an aircraft, the "Me-262B-1a", was introduced in the summer of 1944. The trainer of course had dual controls, with the second seat replacing one of the fuel tanks. Range was extended by fitting two 300 liter (80 US gallon) external tanks under the forward fuselage. About fifteen were built.
The trainer led to the impressive "Me-262B-1a/U1" night fighter, with "FuG-218 Neptun" long-wavelength radar and "Naxos" centimetric-radar-homing gear, plus armament of two MK-108 30 millimeter cannon and two MG-151 20 millimeter cannon. The type was put through trials in October 1944 by the well-known Hajo Hermann. The Neptun "antler" antennas slowed the aircraft down, but it was still faster than the hated British Mosquito, which preyed on German night-fighters.
During the following winter, Kurt Welter, head of "Kommando Stamp", used Me-262A-1a day fighters for "Wilde Sau (Wild Boar)" night fighting, and in April the unit obtained a few of the Me-262B-1a/U1 night-fighter variants. Despite all the difficulties, Welter claimed 20 kills, making him one of the first jet aces and likely the highest-scoring jet ace in all history.
By the end of the war, Messerschmitt was working on a prototype of the improved "Me-262B-2a" night fighter with a longer fuselage and increased fuel capacity. It was fitted with the Neptun radar at the outset, but there were plans to fit it with the "Berlin" centimetric radar, with improved range and resolutions and a dish hidden in the nose, instead of the clumsy and drag-inducing "antlers" of the long-wavelength radar. There was also consideration of fitting the Me-262B-2a with upward-firing cannon installed in the rear fuselage to allow it to attack RAF bombers from their belly blind spot.
Modifications Weights: Empty: 4000kg (B-1a 4400kg); Loaded: 7045kg (B-1a 6400kg)
Performance: Maximum speed: Me 262A-1a: 540mph (870km/h); Me 262A-2a: 470 mph (755km/h); Me 262B-1a: 497 mph (800km/h)


This kit is actually Revell's second attempt at an Me262B. They originally did an Me262A, single seater in 1971 with the two seat Me262B following in 1974. Although these kits are a good representation of the 'Schwalbe' they were superceded first by the Hasegawa kits and then recently the Trumpeter ones. This new release by Revell is an attempt to regain the 'best 262' in 32nd scale.

So whats in the box?

The now standard colour instruction manual.

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Well printed decals.

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Seat belts done in decal form.

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Construction sequences.

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And finally something that, as a modeller, I find very irritating. Back in step 42 you are instructed to remove a load of nibs on the front of the wings before attaching the front slats. And then in step 93!!!! you are shown how to display the slats deployed. Apart from wondering why you would put two connected sequences so far apart in the instructions its all the more annoying because, as anyone who knows anything about WWII Messerschmitt wings, the front slats were deployed when the aircraft was at rest making step 93 correct if you are displaying your model on the ground. But not much use if you have already cut off the mounting nibs.


Colour and decal guides.

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Here a couple of wartime photo's that show the nightfighter camouflage.

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Red 10
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Red 12
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So whats the plastic like?

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CONCLUSION.

So, has this claimed the 'best in town' crown? I would have to say "quite possibly". Apart from the confusing instructions regarding the front slats the kit itself has a bit more refinement about it than the Trumpeter kit and is miles ahead of the Hasegawa kits in terms of detail and quality. Looking at the set up of the sprues it is not clear if the will release a single seater. My reason for this is if you look at the sprue with the fuselage on it why would you also have the wings? If it was set up to do other versions surely the wings and two seat parts would be on seperate sprues.
However, what you get here is a kit with beautifully refined detail and lovely engraved panel lines.


Highly recommended.


Many thanks to Revell for the review sample.


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CPNGROATS
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looks like a very nice kit............. :thumb:
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Eric2020
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Stunning instructions also, is this a new way of Revell to have them with colour?
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peebeep
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Eric2020
Jan 12 2017, 11:57 AM
Stunning instructions also, is this a new way of Revell to have them with colour?
All the kits that I've seen that come in the new black graphic boxes have these style instructions. They're a distinct improvement over the old black and white style, especially the full colour paint guides. I've seen the issue that Steve points out with this 262 kit with reference to the slats, it's puzzling and could well lead to less experienced modellers building the slats in the closed position without realising there's an option to show them deployed. As with 109s, the 262 slats would often be seen deployed when the machine was parked. They would have to be physically retracted and locked to be otherwise, although it is an option for modellers.

With regard to possible further releases, the kit is not engineered in any obvious way to indicate that a single seater is on the cards, although the fact that the hood mouldings are separate from the windshield could be clue. The main cockpit components are on a separate sprue. They may have in mind to do a separate tool for the fuselage/wing sprue, or it could be done by a separate fuselage insert in the tooling. With the Halifax III you end up with lots of spare parts, so they could opt to simply bung in extra plastic. With the way kits are marketed these days and getting the most out of any new tooling, I'm inclined to think that a single seater will be offered in the future.

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