Messerschmitt Me 262A

detail set

1/48 scale

Aires

This latest compilation from Aires really is an extravaganza. It combines many of the individual sets to create a “one stop shop” for detailing Tamiya’s 1/48 scale release of the Messerschmitt Me 262.

The quality of the casting is excellent and there was no sign of an air bubble anywhere. With some of the longer items in the kit, one could expect the odd piece to be warped. This was not the case here and all items were fault free.

Click thumbnails below to view larger images:

The instructions are of the usual “exploded view” type and gave a good indication of where everything should go. Despite this, it is fair to say that the modeller is expected to have access to some additional references.

This is born out by the lack of colour notes which can be frustrating when there is such a wealth of detail to bring to life.

There are eight main areas covered by this set.

1. Slats

The biggest complaint levelled at the Tamiya offering has always been the omission of these items as separate parts. They were extended when the aircraft was on the ground so having them moulded as part of the wing is not good.

The instructions clearly show which areas are to be cut away so that the replacement parts fall into place. Inevitably a slat extension rail or two will be broken due to the packaging but this is easily glued back on with CA glue.

2. Flaps

This welcome accessory allows the model to have a bit of animation. Not only is the flap itself provided, but also the inner blanking plate. The quality of these matches the kit parts and so do not stand out unnecessarily when viewed against the rest of the model.

Again, the instructions make it obvious were to place the scalpel.

3. Control surfaces

The ailerons, rudder and elevators all get a similar treatment to those items above. The latter items are lucky enough to get a new set of tailplanes to attach to. The reason for this is to save the modeller from making a mess trying to separate the kit parts. The slot for the mass balance comes to mind here!

4. Cockpit

Moving on to the fuselage area, Aires gives the cockpit a complete “make over”. None of the existing kit parts are used, these being substituted with resin and photo-etched elements.

A superbly detailed tub contains the pilots’ office and this is meticulously detailed both inside and out, as the exterior can be seen through the wheel well. Into this go the resin pieces such as seat, rudder bar, control column and instrument panel. This last item contains rearward detail and is enhanced further with an instrument film sandwiched between photo etched dials.

Photo etched parts also take care of the various levers as well as the rudder pedals, seat belts, canopy grip, and locking handle.

5. Wheel bays

Both main and nose wheel wells get the treatment here. More excellent detail abounds with additional pieces making up the side walls and surrounding bulkheads. Resin wheel well covers are provided which will allow a more scale like appearance.

6. Wheels

Although the detail is very nice on these parts, I found the simulated appearance of weight to be overdone. If they were on the aircraft I was flying, my mechanic would be getting a reprimand!

7. Jumo 004 engines

These are the icing on the cake if you want to display your pride and joy with exposed powerplants. The detail of these items has to be seen to be believed. Amazingly, Aires supplies two of these complete engines.

Photo etched parts and additional wiring will be added and the instructions are quite good in describing their whereabouts.

8. Engine mounts and covers

Naturally a naked engine needs support and the modeller is not disappointed here. The covers that surround the engine come as resin accessories with photo etched latches to add a bit of finesse. Not forgotten are the fuel lines and cabling that link the powerplants with the fuel tanks and relevant cockpit instrumentation.

This is one very impressive package and the amount of detail that it contains is breathtaking.

By combining various individual detail sets, the manufacturers have given the modeller the opportunity to collect everything they need in one hit.

Of course not all of the sections need to be utilized on the one airframe which allows this offering to last over several builds. Dioramas possibilities abound…

Highly Recommended