Messerschmitt
Me 163B
Model
by Academy
&
Brass Accessories by PART
S
u m m a r y
|
| Catalogue Number
and Price: |
Academy 1673 - Me 163B/S Komet
US$7.25
PART S72-121 - Detail Set for Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet US$9.00 |
| Scale: |
1/72 |
| Contents and Media: |
See Review |
| Review Type: |
First Look |
| Advantages: |
Great plastic kit from Academy with
fine recessed detail; options for single seat or two-seat trainer;
includes tractor and trolley; PART accessories supply amazing detail;
much of the detail is usable and relevant (not brass for brass' sake!) |
| Disadvantages: |
Some fiddly assembly of tiny brass
pieces; no jet pipe in rear fuselage of kit. |
| Recommendation: |
Highly recommended as the road to
the ultimate Komet in 1/72 |
Reviewed by
Brett Green
This recent addition to Academy's growing range of 1/72 scale
models is one of the "new generation" Academy kits. It is accurate,
beautifully moulded and supplies many useful options.
The Me 163 is supplied on three light-grey coloured sprues plus one clear
sprue.
The plastic is typical of Academy - slightly brittle but with very sharp,
fine engraved detail. The only ejector pin mark in a visible place is on a flat
section of the tailwheel fairing. This will be very simple to fill. There are no
other sinkmarks or moulding imperfections.
18 parts on a dedicated sprue comprise a tractor and trailer for the Komet,
making a diorama an instant possibility.
The remaining 35 grey and five clear parts supply all the components
to build either the single seater, rocket powered operational Komet; or the
unpowered two seater trainer.
Thankfully, the options are not achieved using inserts and add-ons. Two
complete upper fuselages, and two optional cockpits, are provided. This will
ensure simple construction and will minimise join lines and cleanup. In addition
to the choice of version, other options include positionable slats, landing skid
and tailwheel with or without fairing.
There is no jetpipe in the rear fuselage. There is simply a hole opening to a
void to the interior of the kit. Some modellers may choose to insert an
appropriate diameter brass or styrene tube to avoid this problem.
 Detail
is as good as one can expect in this small scale. The seats and some of
the tractor detail is a little thick, but most of the detail is
creditable. The clear parts are free of distortion and reasonably thin (click
thumbnail to left to view full-sized).
Instructions are straightforward and well laid out using diagrams in
nine numbered steps. The painting diagrams are small but adequate,
although there are no model paint references in the RLM colour callouts.
Markings are supplied for two operational machines and one trainer. All
are attached to JG 400.
This is a very appealing little kit. The addition of the tractor and
the skid make it a real gem.
|
"Part"
Detail Set for 1/72 Komet
|
 If
you are the sort of modeller with (a) an insatiable desire for the best
possible detail and (b) good eyesight, the brass etched detail set offered
for this model will be terrific interest to you.
A single brass fret plus a small acetate sheet add a myriad of details
to the Komet and the tractor.
The most useful (and simplest to apply) details include harnesses,
brass/acetate instrument panel, cockpit details; and replacement fender/
seat /front panel for the tractor. The chronic detailaholic may also
attempt the air brakes, skid bay, skid struts, replacement tail-wheel
assembly and individual leaf springs for the tractor!
 Don't
be daunted by the amount of tiny parts. The detail set is more than
worthwhile even if only the major parts are used on the Academy kit.
This is a good value, high quality detail set that addresses the few
minor quibbles with the otherwise excellent Academy kit. They will make a
great combination!
Highly Recommended Together.
|
Thanks to Roll Models
for the review samples
PART brand brass accessories are
available from Roll Models' Website
Review and Images Copyright © 2000 by Brett
Green
Page Created 21 December, 2000
Last updated 22 July, 2003
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