COBI 5543 Messerschmitt ME 262A – Speed Build Review

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The jet-powered ME 262A, called the Schwalbe, was one of the most advanced combat aircraft of its time. Such a model should of course not be missing in any collection.

Manufacturer: Cobi
Set-Number: 5543
Theme: Military
Release: 2018
Parts: 315
Figures: 1
Dimensions:
Scale:
Age: 8
Building Time ca.: 2 Hours 30 Minutes

Instructions

Since the Schwalbe is an older model that is no longer in production, the instructions have not been adapted to the latest specifications. There is no parts list on the last few pages. The rest, however, does not differ from the current assembly instructions. Parts that have already been built are completely grayed out and new components are shown in color. After 2 construction phases with a total of 77 construction steps, the model of the jet aircraft is ready.

Construction

The wings of the ME 262A are built in one piece with numerous plates. After 2 layers, first the top is tiled and then the bottom is reinforced. The chassis is already being built and attached to the model.

In the next steps, the rear and front will be built. Anyone who has already built one or two COBI aircraft models will hardly discover anything new here. The fuselage is created with a lot of direction reversal and at the end the rear wings, which consist of molded parts, are inserted.

Both parts are now attached to the wing construction. The side parts are built separately from many small slopes and wedges and then attached to the rest of the construction. Before the cockpit is built and closed, we build the pilot and place it in its place.

The next steps are withheld from jet engines. These consist of large molded parts. Two bombs are placed below the wings. These probably represent the 250kg bombs that the “Blitzbomber” carried. Contrary to its original design as a fighter, it was misused as a bomber by order of the Führer.

The base with a printed nameplate forms the end. Newer models have a different shape and are also slightly smaller than this old version.

Conclusion:

Basically, the model is well done. However, the jet engines do not correspond to the original. But they can also be placed further inside and then look more faithful to the original. What looks really bad are the stickers. These go over several parts and are clearly recognizable as such. Fortunately, the new models all have prints. Maybe there will be an upgrade of this model in the near future.

This post is also available in Deutsch.

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