Trumpeter | 02235: Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

Trumpeter continues in their aggressive 1/32nd scale release schedule by offering their new Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a. This is a detailed, out of the box look at their latest effort.

As with all Trumpeter kits, the kit comes in a sturdy box. Open the box and you are confronted with 355 light gray parts, four rubber tires, metal gear legs, photo etch and clear styrene. A quick look at the surface detail indicates that Trumpeter has listened to many of the comments made about their kits. The toy like photo etch hinges for control surfaces, disliked by many modelers, are no provided. Surface detail is sharp, though some minor flash is evident. Rivet detail is present and not overstated. Items such as different gun cowlings indicate further variants will be forthcoming. In fact, Trumpeter has already announced an Me 262 A-2a.

Instructions

The 36 step instructions are straightforward and appear easy to follow. Part numbers are called out with applicable painting details, though I would suggest investigating the paint guidelines. Illustrations clearly indicate the proper location for all parts. Oddly, no mention is made of the clear engine cowlings also provided.

A large, glossy painting and marking guide is provided. There are two optional schemes:

“Red 4”, Me 262 A-1a, 10./JG 7 flown by Franz Schall
“White 8”, Me 262 A-1a, Kommando Nowotny flown by Walter Nowotny

Cockpit and Wheel Wells

The cockpit matches perfectly to references in Famous Airplanes of the World (FAOW) and Aero Detail. The quality here is so good that I doubt the aftermarket people will be able to provide better in resin. A photo etch harness is included for the accurate seat. Trumpeter continues to provide thin acetate for the instrument panel, which should look very good when completed. The reverse side of the instrument is also detailed, though modelers may wish to add wiring here, as some of this area will be visible on the completed model. Large tabs ensure that the finished cockpit tub is firmly locked into place.

In the past, many manufacturers have incorrectly duplicated the Me 262 wheel wells. Trumpeter has not let us down here and provided us with what I think is the best wheel well detail ever offered for this aircraft. FAOW has a number of photos in their book of the wheel wells. Bulkhead ribs and outer cockpit tub detail match perfectly. Modelers may wish to further enhance this area by adding small wiring details.

Fuselage

The fuselage is perfectly molded with recessed panel lines and scribed rivet detail. Trumpeter also provides an open access hatch for the rear fuselage and forward guns. The inside of each fuselage is molded with all ribs and stringers. In fact, even the gun camera is included in the nose. That seems odd given that it won’t be visible when the two halves are closed. Is a clear fuselage option possible in the future given all this extra craftsmanship?

Some other areas of interest also become apparent when comparing the model to that of other manufacturers. The wing root detail matches almost perfectly to the provided by Tamiya in their 1/48th scale kit. The canopy engineering is also identical to the Tamiya kit. It may be possible that some of the Tamiya engineering was incorporated into the Trumpeter kit?

The open rear access cover is fully detailed inside. Items such as radios, navigation gear and a master compass are all nestled into the two halves. Some of these items may not be visible in the completed model. The gun access cover at the nose is also fully detailed and the modeler has the choice of open or closed access covers.

Wings

Trumpeter provides a superb set of wings for the Me 262. Like the fuselage, it is detailed with panel lines and rivets throughout. In some areas, raised details are incorporated and do not appear to be out of scale. Some internal ribbing should prevent warpage.

Trumpeter has provided us with the best Me 262 slat details ever offered. Finally a model company recognizes that the spring-loaded slats on this aircraft were down when the aircraft rested on the ground.

Unfortunately, the slats are not perfect. There are a number of ejector pin marks to be removed from the inner slat surfaces. Modelers should note that the grooves in the leading edge do not extend all the way to the rear recess. This should be easily fixed. Also the visible step at the rear of the flap recess should not be as pronounced.

Modelers may choose to leave the flaps raised or lowered. The control surfaces can also be positioned to suit individual needs. As stated before, no photo etch hinges are included here.

Engines

Two complete and highly detailed engines are included. They look very good and again many modelers will wish to add further details.

Trumpeter provides two different types of cowlings. The standard gray or clear styrene fit. The instructions make no mention of the clear parts. This would give the modeler an alternative method to display the engine detail, by only painting portions of the cowling. Another option available to the modeler would be to cut out the forward upper access hatch on the standard gray cowlings. This would allow the viewer to look inside the cowling as you would the actual aircraft. A look at the inner surface does show this area can be easily cut out. However, the instructions don’t make mention of this possibility.

Landing Gear

Two types of landing gear are provided. You can opt for styrene or white metal struts. In addition, two types of nose gear wheels are included. There is the standard 660 mm x 160 mm nose wheel and its appropriate strut. Or modelers can choose the wider 660 mm x 190 mm tire with its associated strut. The later, actually a Bf 109K-4 tire, was only experimentally fitted to the Me 262A-1a as its increased size required modifications to the structure of the aircraft.

Trumpeter supplies us with vinyl tires in their kits, and this model is no exception. While not popular with many modelers, at least these items display proper tread pattern. The vinyl tires are slid over realistic hubs and should like good when finished.

Decals

As stated earlier, markings are supplied for two aircraft. The decals do appear to be a little thick, yet display minimal carrier film. Given the number of possible schemes for the Me 262, I am sure that aftermarket decals will begin to appear very soon.

In conclusion, I’m quite impressed with this new 1/32nd scale model from Trumpeter. I believe it to be their best kit yet and I would go so far as to say that this is the best Me 262 available in any scale. It appears to capture the sleek lines of this historic jet fighter and I strongly recommend this model. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Review sample compliments of Stevens International.