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I was initially going to treat this as a stretch goal, but with the new Airfix range imminent I decided the wisest course of action was to build it rather than risk returning it to the shed. I need that space for a couple of newly tooled 1/72 Javelins! I’d wanted an Axis twin to accompany the Mitchell, and this was an immediate draw when I saw it on the shelf. The box art looks fantastic and I was ready to build that one, but then read the blurb on the colour guide for the other scheme. I tend to search out ANZAC subjects whenever I can, and this one ended up in Canberra, after surrendering at Fassberg, in The Netherlands. There’s an excellent overview here, including photographs of the original paint it still displays. Werk Nummer 500200 was built as the Jabo fighter bomber, and served with JG51. I rather prefer that I can build the aircraft as it was when surrendered and in Allied hands, somewhat diminishing the association with the evil from whence it came. I won’t be trying anything too clever here, so it will be fully out-of-box.

Me 262A-1a Photo Etched Set, Paint Masks and Resin Upgrades for Airfix Kit 1:72 Eduard Airfix's new Me-262 is now available and, judging by the builds in our Ready for Inspection forum, it's an absolute cracker. Eduard have been characteristically quick of the mark with their usual slew of photo etched and resin upgrades, the first of which we now have for review. Me 262A-1a Photo Etched Set This set comprises two frets of photo etched parts. The first fret contains pre-painted parts for detailing the cockpit and includes harnesses for the seat, details for the instrument panels, cockpit sidewalls, gun sight and rudder pedals. Also included is a large, folding part which lines the cockpit tub, creating extra detail as well as acting as a platform for the side consoles. The second fret is unpainted and contains details for the rest of the airframe. The main landing gear bay benefits from an almost complete replacements, which necessitates cutting away a great deal of plastic in order to fit the brass replacement parts. The replacement parts extend to the landing gear doors, hydraulic lines and torque links for the main landing gear legs. The nose gear receives similar treatment, with parts for the landing gear bay, leg and doors all included. The canopy also gets a fair amount of added detail. Me 262 Paint Masks This set provides pre-cut paint masks for the canopy and main wheels, should you choose not to purchase Eduard's own resin replacements. If you've used Eduard's pre-cut masks before, you'll know that they are a real time saver. Me 262 Resin Wheels This set provides replacement resin wheels for the Airfix kit, complete with paint masks to make life a little easier. The wheels themselves are beautifully finished, with excellent, sharp details and flawless casting. I see no reason why these wheels could not be adapted for any of the other 262s available, such as those from Academy, Hasegawa or Revell. Conclusion These sets are a handy upgrade for the new Airfix kit. The parts of the photo etched set designed for the main landing gear bay are on the challenging side of things as they require so much plastic to be cut away. The resin wheels are far more straightforward to use, however. Overall, this looks like a great upgrade and I can't wait to use mine. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of