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This
is my first entry to the ARC with my model of the Hasegawa 1:32 Scale Me 163 B.
Before
assembling it I did some research on Rob de Bie’s impressing Me 163 Komet
–site (http://www.sml.lr.tudelft.nl/~home/rob/me163.htm). There you can find
everything you need as reference.
The
model was basically built o.o.B.. In addition I used most of the parts of the
Eduard photo-etched-set. The parts included in this set allow refining of the
cockpit, the landing-skid, starter dolly, tail wheel and rocket engine exhaust.
The
fit of the model is o.k. except the trailing edge, which is cutting the flaps
and their fabric covering.I decided not to glue the tail-part to the fuselage to
be able to show the rocket engine. Therefore
I improved the fit of these parts with plastic-sheet. Where
sanding led to destruction of the raised panel-lines I rescribed them (gun-bay
doors, covers for C- and T-Stoff-filler-caps on upper fuselage, etc.).
The
Eduard –set – especially regarding the cockpit and the skid – is a real
improvement of detail. You only have to be used to photo-etched parts. Don’t
forget to dry-fit the cockpit inside the fuselage before gluing. Otherwise you
may have a lot of work.
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There
are some details that are even not provided by Eduard (steering mechanism of the
tail wheel, handle for closing the canopy) which I scratch-built. I also did not use some parts of the set
(e.g. FuG 25a iff whip antenna, small parts on top of wing), which easily can be
scratch-build out of sprue and look better than the photo-etched parts.
Painting
was done with a badger 150 airbrush using Hannants Xtracolors. This is the first
model
I airbrushed and personally I am pleased with the result. My Model represents the “White 54”, a Me
163 B of 6./ JG 400 based at Husum, May 1945. Colours
are RLM 76 (overall), RLM 81 and RLM 82 (top of the wing) and RLM 75 (spots on
the fuselage).
Decals
were used from the kit and from Revell’s 1:48 kit, since some of the stencils
offered by
Hasegawa are not correct or even missing. The Hasegawa decals are a little bit
thick but their appearance is o.k. when using Mr. Mark Softer.
Weathering
was applied with a small brush using mat black enamel colour, which I thinned in
different ratios. Last step was a coat of flat varnish.
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I
enjoyed building this model and I can highly recommend the Eduard-set to improve
its detail.
Kai
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