1/32 Trumpeter Me 262A-1a
By Michael Ezat
First of all, I like to introduce the kit I will use to build the Me 262A-1a, the first operational jet fighter in the world. It is Trumpeter's 1/32 scale, a total of 255 pieces including 14 photo etched, 4 in black rubber for the tyres, 4 in white metal for the landing gear, 12 clear and 1 film for the main instrument panel.
The provided detail is at least sufficient, with accurate right in deep scribed panel lines, well documented riveting and intact capture of the shark-like lines of this Classic bird.
The absence of the flash on the parts is welcomed and the harmonium picture round off with a set for two airplanes decals. I believe, this is the best kit in any scale for the famous Me 262, with a reasonable price. For extra detail, I use the excellent BIG ED detail set from Eduard, a set who sends the detail level to the highest levels and the painting masks from Montex. Minimal details in the landing gear and in the gun bay where scratch-build, using bites of white polystyrene sheet, copper wire and brass rod.
I worked on it for about 16 week-ends, a total of 50 hours at least have spend in my Workroom, requires almost no putty at all because of the very good adjustment of the parts and paint it with Gunze colours.
Pre-shading is one-way for a successful representation of the patchwork paint of the proper airplane and very thin layers of colour gives the suffering picture together with the wash of oil-based colours. The painted insignia, numbers, walk-ways etc, gives a very specious result, a little weathering with Matt aluminium and dark grey-black dry chalk colours for soot And oil-based colours for leaks is the final touch, before a hit with Model Master Matt lack seals everything in harmony.
That's all folks, an all time classic airplane, is ready for decorate my showcase...
© Michael Ezat 2008
This article was published on Wednesday, July 20 2011; Last modified on Saturday, May 14 2016