Tamiya He-162 Salamander
Here is my latest completed project, my only build for the year sadly, Tamiya's He-162 in 1/48 scale.
It's a great kit but not one of Tamiya's best in my opinion. It comes with the option of interchangeable open and closed engine cowls but this seems a little gimmicky, especially as the open cowl is fragile and wouldn't survive being removed and replaced repeatedly. I opted to build it with the engine permanently on display.
The kit engine is nice, and provided a good base from which to add detail with copper wire. I also used wire in the cockpit, landing gear bays and for antennas. I replaced the gun barrels with pieces of the metal applicator from and old bottle of Revell contacta glue. The obligatory PE belts were added too. The flag on the pitot tube was made from masking tape.
Paints are a combo of Gunze and Tamiya. I used the kit decals which were thick even by Tamiya's standards. Weathering was kept to a minimum as these aircraft weren't in service long. I limited it to a panel line wash and just enough oil work to subtly break up the dark green a little.
It's a bit rough in places but it looks good in the cabinet so I'm happy with it. Thanks for checking it out.
Well done, Ben!
I found this to be a fun kit to build. Someday I'd like to do another.
Thanks Gary
Excellent job, Ben!
Have built the 1/72 petite Dragon offering, also being gimmicky. Looks like it has to do with the He-162 type? 🙂
Awesome result, love your extras too!
Thank you kindly Spiros
Looks good, Ben, really like your copper wire detailing.
Thanks George
I like that! Very well done, Ben @popeofchillitown! 👏
Cheers Gary
Well done - looks great!
Thank you Greg
Having been around The Real One out at Planes of Fame - where there was an occasion about 10 years ago that they had it outside and opened the cowling - you have gotten a very realistic result with this project. Great work.
Thank you Tom
That's a lovely build. @popeofchillitown
Cheers John
Wonderful build, Ben. Your page is bookmarked for reference if I ever get around to building my kit. The decals and wiring look top of the line to me, and the overall finish is admirable.
Thanks Christopher @brummbaer The air and space museum website has some photos of an unrestored BMW 003, they are an excellent reference.
Very nicely done, Ben @popeofchillitown
After seeing a real one at Duxford, I can ensure you that yours looks exactly like it.
Love the idea to use the glue applicator as gun barrels.
Cheers John
Excellent Ben (@popeofchillitown). Very nicely done. This aircraft always struck me as something out of one of those 19430 - 40s science fiction magazines.
Thank you Carl.
Very attractive build! Great job!
Thanks Keith
Hey Ben Walmsley (@popeofchillitown)
Fantastic build mate. Love the engine detail. Good work!
Cheers Scott
Sharp looking 162. Engine detail is well done.
Thank you kindly Dale
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
Well done model of the He-162 Salamander.
The paint work gives it a clean, crisp look and that engine detail is a big positive on your build.
Very nice work and modeling Ben.
Thank you very much
Nicely done, Ben (@popeofchillitown). What you don't have in quantity for the year you certainly have in quality.
Thanks George, very kind
Ben Walmsley (@popeofchillitown)
I'm going to chime in here and add my compliments as well. It looks superb ! I especially like all of the little extras you have added. Well done ... 🙂
Thanks Louis, much appreciated mate.
Ben, Very nice little He-162 especially with the engine detail. Having built this kit awhile back, I have to say your opinion is pretty much right on. Its a fun little kit, and with a little added detail as you've done here, you can come up with a very nice and interesting looking model.
If you'll excuse me now, I'm going to have to go pull mine off the shelf and clean up my engine detail, as yours is definitely better looking than mine !
Too kind Terry, thanks mate
I am not a fan of the Luftwaffe, however your build is beautiful. I especially like how you did the engine, Ben.
Cheers Felix
What a wonderful build!
Really like how you upgraded the looks of the engine by adding wiring, great job.
@popeofchillitown
Thanks Alfred
Nicely done Salamander. That engine looks like it's ready to light up!
That's a beautiful job, and the engine bay looks great. I agree with you about how some of the features seem gimmicky on some of these kits. Definitely a good call on permanently opening the cowling.