REVELL 1:72 MESSERSCHMITT ME-262 A-1a
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: John Lacey  (elric@johnsmail.com)

Revell's Me-262A-1a like their Fw-190 has been released in various forms consisting of the standard A-1a fighter, A-1a/U3 Aufklarer recon bird and B-1a night fighter.  Standard components are used along with appropriate detail additions to create the version supplied for each kit, however, Revell's very economical pricing means that they represent value for money, unlike those mainstream Japanese kits who follow similar moulding techniques, but insist on exorbitant prices or constantly re-release the same tired kits with new decal options.

Instructions are of the new 'vertical paged' variety, with history, warnings, paint callouts and parts breakdown, followed by the construction diagrams and full page alternate painting & decaling guides.  Alternate parts include two drop tanks (more associated with the Nachtjager), two R4M rockets and an optional undercarriage format.

The kit's mouldings are superb with recessed panel lines and beautiful surface detail, a nicely detailed cockpit, boxed in landing gear bays, clear single piece canopy and fine antenna fit, once again, proving that scale thickness and contour can be produced in injection plastic without resorting to brass.  The moulding caters for multiple use but do not compromise airframe accuracy.

Decals are by Revell Germany thank god, and as such are quite serviceable catering for a III/JG 7 machine at Lechfeld in 1945 or a III/EJG 2 machine, also at Lechfeld in 1945.  A mass of stencils and appropriate codes are supplied as are unit badges & RVD bands for the JG 7 machine and a yellow fuselage band for the EJG 2 'Schwable'.  Naturally, no swastikas are supplied.

Painting options have English callouts, RLM numbers and another numbering system identified on the box as Revell Paints.  The RLM numbers are concoctions of percentage based paints, RLM 76 noted as 50%, 30% and 20% of Light Green, White and Grey, for example.  Few, if any, will take these suggestions on board.  One interesting diversion is the detail painting supplied for the patches of aluminium on the lower fuselage and engine nacelles, with the EJG 2 machine being particularly interesting with an RLM 81 upper fuselage, 81/82 splinter over upper wings, 76 lowers with aforementioned patches and a 76/82 mottled fin.

In conclusion, I can recommend the kit wholeheartedly to anyone wanting a 'Schwable' or three, given the amount of aftermarket decal sheets and conversions available for this beautiful aircraft and the reasonable price of the kit itself.  I'll buy half a dozen.

 

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