Hobbyboss 1/18 ME-262 A-1a fighter

[CasualModel98]

For all the ME262 enthusiasts, I think this is the largest ME262 model on the market at 1:18 scale. I built their 1/48 scale and enjoyed it.  The level of detail and accessories is great. However don;t think I have space for a 1/18 scale!

 

[CasualModel98]

Here is the body, its almost 60cm length. Looks like they are making allowance for releasing a two seater version in the future by modifying the spine and the cockpit sprues.

 

 

[CasualModel98]

It comes with takeoff rockets and a more detailed cockpit.

 

 

 

 

[CasualModel98]

Its so heavy it needs screws to hold the parts in place I guess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CasualModel98]

I wish they made the engines with more detail and have the option of open engine panels.  There is so much more they could have done with a kit this size other than just make it larger than the 1/48 version.

 

[CasualModel98]

The website has more sprue pictures.

[CasualModel98]

Selling for about £45-50 in China on Taobao before shipping.

[ckw]

3 hours ago, CasualModel98 said:

I wish they made the engines with more detail and have the option of open engine panels.  There is so much more they could have done with a kit this size other than just make it larger than the 1/48 version.

This is my 2nd biggest issue with large scale models (after the space they require). In my opinion, the larger the scale, the more detail required to make a convincing replica. In my favoured 1/72 much of the time details can be "suggested" to give a reasonable impression of the full scale item (e.g. a flick of a silver pencil for cockpit switch gear). As you go to larger scales, the reproduction needs to be more literal to be convincing ... at 1/18th I think you'd pretty much have to build the thing as it was with scaled down materials to avoid it looking like a large toy. Of course, there are some skilled modellers who will take this as a basis and then modify/scratch build 90% of the kit for a stunning result!

 

Cheers,

 

Colin

[Work In Progress]

9 hours ago, CasualModel98 said:

I wish they made the engines with more detail and have the option of open engine panels.  There is so much more they could have done with a kit this size other than just make it larger than the 1/48 version.

They could, but then it would be £250 or £300 instead of £50.  Same sort of market position that caused Revell to do a new tool 1/32 Spitfire IX for £30 versus the £120 to £150 it costs for a Tamiya one, and much the same sort of trade-off.

Edited June 29, 2020 by Work In Progress

[Work In Progress]

5 hours ago, ckw said:

Of course, there are some skilled modellers who will take this as a basis and then modify/scratch build 90% of the kit for a stunning result!

Yes. The market for these is two segments. 1: (the smaller segment) exactly those people, and 2: (the larger segment) people who have large houses and large bedrooms and want something they can put together fairly quickly and painlessly at modest cost which looks impressive in a case or on a shelf from five or six feet away.  Either way they offer huge perceived (and indeed actual) value. given the current market rate for a state of the art 1/48 twin-engined fighter a small fraction of the size.

[torqueofthedevil]

10 hours ago, CasualModel98 said:

For all the ME262 enthusiasts, I think this is the largest ME262 model on the market at 1:18 scale. I built their 1/48 scale and enjoyed it.  The level of detail and accessories is great. However don;t think I have space for a 1/18 scale!

 

I have one on order and am very much looking forward to getting it! I have nearly finished the 1:18 Fw 190A-5 in JG1 markings, and I'm going to do the A-8 as a late-war F-8

[Lewis95]

It baffles me how people can build and paint aircraft of this size. You'd be using most of my diecast collection for just nose weight! 

 

When the kids finally move out in 20 years, I'll undoubtedly probably maybe if SWMBO agrees.... Hang one from the ceiling. 

[CasualModel98]

13 hours ago, Lewis95 said:

It baffles me how people can build and paint aircraft of this size. You'd be using most of my diecast collection for just nose weight! 

 

When the kids finally move out in 20 years, I'll undoubtedly probably maybe if SWMBO agrees.... Hang one from the ceiling. 

The kit comes with their own nose weights! 

 

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

14 hours ago, Lewis95 said:

When the kids finally move out in 20 years, I'll undoubtedly probably maybe if SWMBO agrees.... Hang one from the ceiling. 

Dont forget to reinforce the cieling joists ! 😉