|
KIT # |
? |
|
PRICE: |
$ |
|
DECALS: |
see review |
|
REVIEWER: |
|
|
NOTES: |
Antares conversion set used (approx $15) |
|
HISTORY |
One of the many permutations of the Me-262 was a specially modified high-speed airframe with cut down canopy and other modifications. Although a top speed of 615 mph was achieved, the aircraft contained no weapons and all exposed seams and openings were sealed to make the airframe as clean as possible.
|
THE KIT |
This conversion is
the first I’ve used from this Argentine Company, and it’s not going to be
my last. Surprisingly well cast conversions clean packaging and thought out
instructions should make these popular. Marcelo was very quick to ship the
items; they showed up neatly packaged in about a week. I see that Roll
Models are currently distributing them and would
simplify ordering. The
items I ordered were the Ar-234R conversion, the Me-262 HG1 conversion, and
the He-162 A-11 conversion. Each is cast in a medium tan resin, free of any
bubbles or pinholes, and very well cast. The Me-262 HG1 conversion is
probably the most difficult of the bunch, using a donor Me-262 kit of your
choice, some cutting needs to be done to the leading edge slats in board of
the engine nacelles on both wings to accept the resin leading edges. On the
canopy area, the turtle back portion of the canopy on the fuselage needs to
be removed and sanded smooth, the new resin back is a bit lower for the new
low drag canopy, two clear canopies are included by the way.
Last but not least two new tail planes are direct replacements for the original plastic kit parts, these being much more swept-back than usual. As I mentioned, a lot of cutting and dry fitting are needed, especially when attaching the new leading edges, I found it fairly simple to fit them, but it took considerable time to smooth them in with automotive bondo. The canopy area was a breeze as were the new tail planes.
My donor kit of choice was the re-boxed DML kit with a Revell logo on the box, complete with those lovely rubber tires. The kit itself is still a good one, but in the next conversion I do, the new Tamiya kit will probably get the nod.
It’s hard to say whether this conversion represents an actual aircraft or was just a project. My references indicate the Me-262-V9 was modified for speed trials and included the low drag canopy, the references do not however indicate the leading edge and tail plane modifications. With that in mind, this conversion is a representation of the Me-262 HG1 as it might have appeared as the Me-262-V9 in those speed trials.
|
CONSTRUCTION |
The kit was
assembled as per instructions, the only deviations are the removal of the
above mentioned areas for the conversion parts. Also the gun ports and
shell ejector chutes are puttied over to further decrease drag, something I
would have done if I wanted to get the most out of the design. MPM made a
1/72 scale rendition of the V-9, it doesn’t have the
extended leading edge
or the swept back tail planes, what it does have is a color painting on the
cover which gives me some idea of a camouflage scheme and markings. Looks
like the early RLM 74/75/76 pattern was used along with some silver sheet
metal in various locations to represent some modifications, that’s a good
start. So once the colors were laid down, decals had to be made for the V
numbers and serials. The leading edge assembly was only achieved after many
hours of bondo, sanding and more bondo till the area was smooth and blended
into the original wing and fuselage. This area will require a lot of
attention, but it was not impossible to get a good-looking result.
As per the instructions, the rest of the Me-262 was assembled, once the fuselage was joined together, the area behind the canopy was removed and the conversion part glued in place. This was an easy task, as were the addition of the tailplanes. The only problem areas are those inherent to the DML kit itself, which is why I would use the much easier to build Tamiya kit next time.
The canopy is a well-done vacuform; two are provided which is good as my first attempt went a stray. Both canopies are very thin; I’d like to see a much thicker plastic to make assembly a bit easier. So did I use the rubber tires? Not a chance, True Detail wheels for the Me-262 are those on my conversion, but I was tempted.
|
PAINT & DECALS |
The color scheme is
applied using Testor enamels with a liberal coat of Future wax before and
after the transfers were applied. Once the Future had dried, Testors Dull
Coat was finally sprayed and left to cure for a couple days while the
landing gear was finished.
|
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES |
After the smaller items were applied some weathering with chalk and pastels finished the construction; just enough to show some panel lines and break up the large areas of similar color. Not bad for a conversion and certainly more interesting than the same old Me-262 kit everyone else is doing. Step out of the box, there are a lot of interesting kits out here! Fun-O-Meter rates at a 9.5, difficulty was a 7 because of the cutting and fitting, Cool Meter says a 10. Need I say more?
|
CONCLUSIONS |
Thanks to Antares Models for making these kits and conversions, they are not for beginners, but well within the realm of the average to experienced builder with an eye for the unusual.
August 2003
If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.