1:72 Me 262A Schwalbe

Photo-etched parts for the Me 262 in a small scale

This photo-etched metal accessory set belongs to a model of the Me 262A in 1:72 scale. In this scale the model has a span of only about 18 cm, so detail is measured in tenths of a millimeter. That is exactly where etched metal is strongest: thin sheet holds its shape even where a plastic part would have to be several times thicker than the real thing for production reasons.

The real subject

The Me 262A is a German jet fighter from the end of the Second World War and the first jet fighter put into series production. It was powered by a pair of turbojet engines slung in nacelles under the wing, the fuselage had a triangular cross-section and the aircraft had a nosewheel landing gear. The nickname Schwalbe, meaning swallow, belonged to the fighter version.

Working with small photo-etched parts

Work over a mat with a light-colored surface, because a small part disappears on a dark table. Cut it out with a sharp blade, hold it with tweezers and file the remains of the tab flush. Make the bends along the scored lines in a single movement. Bond with a minute amount of super glue, best applied with the tip of a wire; a drop straight from the tube will drown a small part. Degrease the surfaces before painting and lay down a primer so the color holds on smooth metal.

• 1:72 scale
• photo-etched metal parts for a model of the Me 262A
• a thin wall where plastic would have to be thicker
• bonded with a minute amount of super glue
• the extent of the set and the position of the parts as given in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The aircraft kit, the paints and the glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.