1/48 Me-262 Trio

Monogram, Dragon, Tamiya

by Bob Aikens

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This article is sort of a 1/48 Me 262 timeline-I hope it will make a bit of sense to those modelers who have attempted a few 262s over the years. The Monogram kit, although now quite scarce has been with us, I think, since the early 70s.  The Dragon releases -single and 2-seat versions- came out in the early 80s, a welcomed addition with nice detail and panel engraving that looked just right.  And then, in near perfect beat with these 10-year increments came the Tamiya offering.  Although not really any more highly detailed than Dragon, it was 'Tamiya', and offered precision engineering
and a less complicated build. As always, in modeling, the "De Gustibus non est  Dispudadem" nostrum should be applied.  Our present era, however seems to be exemplified  by very rarefied personal tastes.  And that's OK, as long as one doesn't become silly. 

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The Tamiya model was built strictly straight from the box, using the kit decals.  White B is an A-2a  of 1./KG51. The Monogram model was finished using Xperten Decals  ED-2A, Gelbe 3, and is an A-1a.  The Dragon kit, re-released by Italeri is an A-1a of 11./JG8-Nowatny's White 8.  The markings come from a SuperScale sheet.

The models pictured here were built in over a space of about 5 years beginning in 1998.  Luftwaffe aficionados will readily see I've mistakenly done the cockpits on RLM 02- the interior cockpit of White B is, however RLM 66.  All 3 models  were painted topsides with ModelMaster paints.  Undersides are in AeroMaster 76 Lichtblau, of which I had accumulated a stash.  Topsides for White B are Lichtgrun and Olivgrun; for White 8 Lichtgrun and Braunviolett; for Yellow 3  Olivgrun.

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The Dragon and the Tamiya kits are straightforward builds, the only additions being Eduard harnesses. The only remarkable thing about the Monogram is that it was built and painted in components-  wings, nacelles and fuselage- and then fitted together  in a final assembly. This, of  course, took quite a bit of preparation, especially at the nacelles. It was an experiment, but it's fun when something more or less works! The glaring  joints at wing-fuselage and underbelly were covered with extremely  thin, appropriately painted tape. Ah, well; I had to try it! 
All these models were fun in their own way, but I do wish I had a few more of the Monograms to mess around with.

Bob

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Photos and text © by Bob Aikens