1/32 Revell He 162A-2

by Zafer Yilmaz

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Hello!
 
 This is my second 1:32 Revell He 162A-2.. First one was in captured RAF colors and for the second one I decided to build in original Luftwaffe markings..
 
 If we take a short look to he 162's history;  it is an milestone in whole aviation history.  The idea was building a second  jet with simple materials (such as wood, plywood etc.) to assist Me 262.  In September 1944 RLM asked Heinkel built that jet.  In 10 days, the first air tunnel tests was conducted. Then Heinkel did a really amazing thing; the plane was ready to fly less than in 3 months!  At 6th December it made its first flight but due to weak glue on wings, flight wasn't completed; plane landed immediately...The glue on wings had failed.  Just four days later second flight was done, but Pilot Peter Gotthard was't lucky this time.  Aileron separated from wing and plane crashed and the pilot Gotthard lost his life.
 Heinkel reduced the plane's speed to 500km/h and asked technical advisory from Proffessor Lippisch.  He added aluminium wing tips to the Salamander to make the plane safer. (Also, I believe they used a stronger type of glue!)  After technical improvements were done, the He 162's speed could rise up to 900km/h.  

The He 162A-2 Salamander was powered by a BMW 003 jet engine and equipped with 2 x 20mm. MG 131.Its small airframe, jet engine and fire power turned it into a great fighter.  About 120 He-162s delivered to units till end of war.  The project was called  'Salamander' and many officers and Heinkel workers called it as 'volksjager'  (means people's fighter.)  But the offical name was  'Spatz' which means Sparrow..
 
About the kit;
Well, the only word can be told for kit is; great!  The only 2 points that needed extra attention; nose cone and landing gear.  Nose cone  needed some filling and landing gear gets a bit delicate after nose weight.  The panels are engraved and nice. Cockpit details are pretty good; I believed Eduard's colored seat belts would be enough for interior.  Also I  admit  landing gear and jet engine details are much better than I expected from Revell.
 
Construction;
The parts gone well together.  Just the nose seemed to  rebel a little, but Tamiya putty tamed it.  I used modelmaster RLM series; 66 for cockpit, 02 for landing gears and wheel bays and 76/81/82 for exterior.  On the engine I used Tamiya XF-16 and tried to give it burnt a look with Tamiya smoke.  The red on the jet intakes is from Gunze.
 For aftermarket I added Eduard's colored seat belts (connected to the seat with Tamiya tape) and Cutting edge's Volksjager decals (32065) I chose the profile  that belongs JG.1;t he Red 1.  The black eagle in red batch was very attractive.  Before the matt coat, I applied a bit of Tamiya smoke to panel lines.
 
End of all, I can say it was fun to build and I liked what I have seen on my shelf.  Revell did a great job  for modellers who likes Lufwaffe stuff.
 
By the way, I would like to pass thanks to my modeller bro Emad Tabsh for being there when I needed.. :) 
 
Happy modelling...
 
Zafer

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Photos and text © by Zafer Yilmaz