Dirk's 1/72 Revell Me 262 v1 kitbash

[Dirkpitt289]

For this build I'm going to go with one of the truly early jets. i'm going with the ME 262 v1 in its 1942 configuration. That is the mostly traditional 262 body shape with the early BMW003 engines along with a 750HP Jumo 210A piston driven motor and a 2 blade wooden prop. As I'm sure most of you also know the earlier prototypes were tail draggers. It has recently come to my attention that I don't have a 2 bladed prop for this build but the search has begun. Not a lot of attention will be paid to the interior as the focal point is the exterior.

Here's an idea of what the 3 engine v1 looked like. not many photos exist of this aircraft so if anyone has any please feel free to post them.


As there are no Me 262 v1 kits to the best of my knowledge I'll have to create my own. Here are the kits I will be using. using for this build


I decided to star with the wigs for now as they are one of the biggest differences in the prototypes to the production models. If you look at the photo below comparing the kit wings to the v1 diagram you will see the differences in the wings. The production wings are more forward on the fuselage and sweep back at a steeper angle. The prototype was not so tapered.



Much better



Next it was time to address the wheel wells. If you look at the picture below and compare the differences in the location of the wheel wells. The v1 landing gear was more forward then in the production models. Time for the real surgery to begin.



I started by cutting out the kits wheel wells and put them aside for the time being.



Next I cut out the area where I want the wheel wells to go



Next I trimmed out the hole a bit and moved the wheel wells forward



Using my good friend Evergreen plastic I back filled the area behind the wheel wells





Well that's all for now. Time to hit the sheets for some well deserved zzzzzzzz's.

Till next time thanks for looking

[Dirkpitt289]

I stand corrected. It turns out High Planes has a v1 kit. Might have to get me one of these to do the non-jet engine attached version.

[Jagewa]

Woohoo, big job here Dirk, be cheering you along on this one.

Are you going to do anything about the canopy? The prototypes seem to be quite different.

Have you seen this one http://www.albentley-drawings.com/me262.htm; some good three views of the V1.. is the tail fin a different shape too?

Cheers
Jim

[MerlinJones]

Strange bird...good scratching and not a jet.

Regards,
Bruce

[Dirkpitt289]

@ Jim, For the most part the tail on the Stage2 v1 is basically (To my failing eyes) the same with the earlier production models. I would be doing more rework to the tail if this was the Stage1 v1 with the camera in it. As for this one all I think I'll be doing is changing the angle of the rudder a bit. Make it less vertical. I can't get too radical or I'll never finish on time.



As for the canopy I don't have the tools to make a new canopy so I will most likely just try to replicate the frame work the best i can. Suggestions on a better approach would be welcome.

[Dirkpitt289]

painting frames on the Revell canopy can only improve its appearance

I was just looking at the revell canopy and except for the front there are no molded frame work. That will make it much easier to do.

[Old_Tonto]

You have set yourself quite a challange there mate. Good luck.

[Dirkpitt289]

Thanks OT.

[splash]

Nice one Dirk, I look forward to this build.

Will this be the three engine version?

Regards
Splash

[Dirkpitt289]

Yup, 2 BMW003 engines along with a 750HP Jumo 210A piston driven motor

[Dirkpitt289]

Here is the production tail



Now here it is after some rework with a file



Assembled the nose section and filled n the gear doors as this is a tail dragger



Also filled in the gun ports on the nose.



Engines assembled

[kruaxi]

Seems an incredible job, Dirk !

[Dirkpitt289]

Lots and lots of sanding

[Ian]

You're a brave man, Dirk! Looking good so far.

[Martin R]

You're a brave man, Dirk! Looking good so far.

You're a loonie, more like!

Watching with interest - and admiration.

regards,

Martin