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Rafi Ben-Shahar
377 articles

Dragon 1/48 Me-262A-1a/U2 (V056)

November 10, 2024 · in Aviation · · 20 · 293

The model depicts a Messerschmitt jet that was used as a test bed for experiments on the FuG 218 'Neptune' 158-185 Mhz radar set and antennas. The results were later used for the development of the Me 262B night fighter variant.

It was one of the few Schwalbe photographed in color during the War. However, the photographs only increased the controversy around the true colors used for the camouflage scheme. After cross referencing a number of photographs I opted for the early RLM74/75 over RLM76 scheme.

Reader reactions:
9  Awesome 2  2 

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.


20 responses

  1. Awesome, Rafi!
    Fantastic camo rendition!

  2. Wow! The tufting for the air test! I've never seen anyone recreate those on a model.

  3. Absolutely impressive, Rafi @blackmopane
    Never seen this 262 development aircraft before, very interesting.

  4. That is most impressive, and marvelous scale modeling, Rafi @blackmopane! 👍

  5. I agree with the prior comments. The tail alone sets this build apart from any I have ever seen. Excellent

  6. very well done, congratulations!

  7. Now that’s a unique model, Rafi! I’ve never seen the test tufting done before.

  8. Rafi, @blackmopane, it seems once again that we have built the same bird, and I have to say I love that you did it with the wind tufts on the tail. I couldn't figure out a satisfactory way to do it, but it looks like you did! Very nice build with great results.

    I did mine after the wind tufts had been removed and the black overpainted. You are right there are lots and lots of pictures of this particular bird.

  9. wow - what a unique model! You really went to great lengths to bring the realism up to a high level!

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