Tamiya's 1/48 scale
Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a

by Ingo Degenhardt

Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a

  images by Lutz Degenhardt

Tamiya's 1/48 scale Messerschmitt Me 262A-2a is vailable online from Squadron

This is the third and last 262 of my little series – this time the notorious fighter-bomber version in the markings of 2./KG 51 “Edelweiss” at Rheine-Hopsten in October 1944.

The Tamiya model is nothing but fun to build. There is very good detail and everything fits perfectly. This aircraft is an earlier model Me262, as evidenced by the oleo strut on the front wheel gear leg (this was later left off) and the larger taillight on the lower rear of the rudder.

I built the model nearly out of the box with the only additions being PE seat belts from the Dragon 262, the canopy-holding string, antenna wire and two syringe needles replacing the plastic pitot tube. Nearly forgot to mention the brake pipes on all gear legs made from thin wire.

This version interestingly has two booster rockets (RATO) mounted behind the main wheel well.

The only shortcoming of this kit in my opinion is the missing choice to build the wing spoilers in the open position. So none of my 262s has this typical on-the-ground feature of the Me 262.
 

The camouflage scheme is RAL 82 with a pattern in RAL 83 over RAL 76 undersides. All sprayed with Xtracolor and masked with blu-tack for the dividing line between upper and lower camouflage. The white Balkenkreuze were sprayed on with Humbrol flat white and a template made from adhesive foil. A little weathering was done too, starting with a wash in very dark gray and a few spots of chipped or worn off paint here and there.

The decals are from Tamiya and various decal sheets to make 9K + BK.

A flat coat of Humbrol Flat cote covers all that and the finishing touch was added by a few streaks of soot from the guns and the rockets made from pastel chalk powder.
 

So building is much the same as the other two models and so is the base plate – made for an abandoned 1/72 armour scene and therefore a little small for the 262. But yet too nice to waste. The spare wheels are the Dragon rubber wheels for the Me 262 and the figures and cart are Verlinden.

Notes:

The following literature (besides the www.) was used for the building of this model:

• Waffenarsenal No. 90, Band 2 “Me262 – Das Vielzweckflugzeug”

• Me 262 „Stormbird rising“ by Hugh Morgan

• “Me 262 Sturmvogel “ by Dennis R. Jenkins

The Diorama plate was originally intended for an abandoned 1/72 armour scene and therefore may appear a little small for the Me262 but as I do not plan to build anything much smaller than this used it anyway, because it is too nice to be wasted. It was made by Bodo Degenhardt and adds a touch of family business to the diorama.
 

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model and Text Copyright © 2006 by Ingo Degenhardt
Images Copyright © 2006 by Lutz Degenhardt
Page Created 11 September, 2006
Last Updated 21 February, 2007

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