1:72 He 162S-2 „Trainer Jet“

He 162S-2 in 1:72 scale – the trainer version

The He 162S-2 kit from the Czech maker AZ model is an injection-molded plastic model in 1:72 scale. The boxing is devoted to the trainer version of the He 162 type, which is designated by the S series. For this aircraft AZ model covers an unusually broad range of versions — beside the production machines also developmental and projected ones, so a collector can build the whole family side by side.

The real subject

The Heinkel He 162 was a single-seat jet fighter from the end of the Second World War, built around a single BMW 003 jet engine mounted on the spine of the fuselage. The structure was designed for rapid and undemanding production, with a large proportion of wood, and carried a pair of vertical surfaces at the tips of the horizontal tail. The training version was meant to let pilots convert to jet aircraft, which were an outright novelty at the time and made different demands on flying than piston machines.

Building and painting tips

This is a small model with a modest number of parts. The cockpit and the joint between the engine nacelle and the spine of the fuselage deserve the most attention — test-fit the parts dry and sand the mating surfaces as needed. Finish the interior before you close the fuselage. The canopy is best masked with foil or liquid mask. Apply the paints with an airbrush in thin coats, use a gloss coat compatible with the paint under the decals, and finally tie the surface together with a matte varnish.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of early jet aircraft in 1:72 scale.
• Modelers who build whole families of versions of one type.
• Anyone interested in trainer and less usual variants of well-known machines.
• Builders looking for a quick build for a display cabinet.

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