1:72 Me-262 A-1a

Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a 1:72, Smer

An injection-molded plastic kit of the world's first jet fighter to enter operational service, the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a, in 1:72 scale from the Czech maker Smer. It is a classic kit of older cut that captures the main shapes of the aircraft. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted, with a decal sheet and instructions.

The real subject

The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe, meaning swallow, was a German twin-engine jet fighter deployed in the closing stages of the Second World War. It was the world's first mass-produced jet combat aircraft, and its speed was far beyond that of the piston fighters of the day. The A-1a version was the basic fighter variant, armed with four cannons in the nose. Characteristic features are the triangular cross-section of the fuselage and the two jet engine nacelles under the swept wing.

Building and painting tips

With kits of older cut, expect to spend more care on cleaning up the parts and lining up the joints. Glue the parts with a liquid plastic cement, fill any gaps and sand them smooth. Apply a primer; German camouflage of the period is built on shades of gray and green with characteristic mottling. Pick out the engraved and raised lines with a wash and even out the surface with a matte varnish.

Who the model is for

• For fans of the Luftwaffe of the Second World War
• For anyone interested in the early days of jet aviation
• For collectors of aircraft in 1:72 scale
• For modelers who do not mind a classic kit of older cut

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.