The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter. Its turbojet engines gave it a distinct advantage over the piston-powered fighters of the time. The Me 262 was conceived in 1938, but its development was delayed due to various factors, including engine reliability issues and the ongoing war effort. Eventually, it entered service in 1944. Its superior speed surprised the Allies, and it claimed severalvictories in air-to-air combat.
While the Me 262 was a technological marvel, its impact on the course of the war was limited. Production numbers were relatively low due to factors such as Allied bombing raids on German factories and the rapid collapse of the Third Reich. Nevertheless, the Me 262 remains a landmark in the history of aviation.
The Me 262 B-1a/U1 was a specialized variant of the Me 262 designed for night fighter duties. It was in fact a modification of the B-1a 2-seat trainer version, developed to counter the growing threat posed by Allied night bombers. It was equipped with the FuG 217 Lichtenstein radar system, to detect and track enemy aircraft. Some of them were additionally equipped with the FuG 350 Naxos Z radar detector system, allowing them to home-in on the H2S radars carried by RAF Bombers.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the Me 262 B-1a/U1’s impact was limited, due to factors such as limited production and the approaching end of the war.
The model
HobbyBoss released their first Me 262, 1/48 kit in 2010.
Inside the hard cardboard box there are:
- x plastic frames with parts in hard grey plastic.
- 1 transparent plastic frame.
- 1 decal sheets with marking and labels.
- 1 black and white 20-page instruction manual.
The work in progress
The finished model
Products Used
| Kit | Box | Scale | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| HobbyBoss Messerschmitt Me 262 B-1a/U1 Model kit |  | 1/48 | 80379 |
| Eduard Me 262 B-1a/U1 for HobbyBoss PE details set |  | 1/48 | 49768 |
| Eduard Me 262 B-1a/U1 for HobbyBoss Masks |  | 1/48 | EX507 |
| Master Model FuG 218 ‘NEPTUN’ Radar Antenna |  | 1/48 | AM-48-028 |
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