This model will represent Red 8, WNr 110305, one of the few Me262 nightfighters to serve with 10/NJG 11 in the last few days of the war. Red 8 survived the war and is now displayed at the South African National Museum of Military History. This aircraft underwent a detailed analysis of the actual camouflage scheme before being repainted for display. The details can be found here:
Me262B Night Fighter Camouflage
I picked up the old Dragon kit some time ago and had it lined up for the upcoming Night War GB but, having seen John (JKim) start his, I got the itch to start mine as well, though it is from a different manufacturer.
Here are some sprue shots of the kit that I will start shortly. The quality of the moldings is good with no sink marks. The wings have fine recessed panel lines but, unfortunately, none of the control surfaces are separate. This is especially a disadvantage for the leading edge slats which were always deployed when the aircraft was parked. The rudder, however, is separate and features the wider trim tab that was present on these planes.
Detail is good as can be seen by the bulkhead and wheel hubs.
Though cannons are provided on this detail sprue, they will not be seen as no open gun bay doors are provided.
The fuselage, like the wings, has fine recessed panel lines, though these would have been puttied and smoothed on the actual aircarft. I may end up filing all these in. The only option for the cannon arrangement is for the two-gun setup, though Red 8 appeared to have all 4 MK108s present.
3 smaller sprues contain the engine nacelles, fuel tanks, and additional cockpit details
The instrument panel is well detailed. It will need to be since no instrument decals are provided.
A bonus is that the kit includes some added PE parts which include various levers for the cockpit, details for the wheel wells and an attempt to represent the fine radar antennae which will not be convincing enough to my eye. I won't be using these but will replace these with fine brass rod. A second PE fret contains painted seat belts.
The biggest downside of this kit are the silly vinyl tires. Though I've not used these before, reviews that I have read recommend that these be chucked out and replaced with some after market ones. I must admit that they don't look too bad to me and might scrub up nicely with a realistic paint job. However, word has it that they deteriorate over time so I may need to hunt for a set of replacements.
That's it for now. See you at the bench.