Messerschmitt
Me 262W-3 Conversion

Antares Models

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Reviewed by Mike Swinburne

The Me 262 W3 was another Luftwaffe '46 modification that never materialized. It was to have been powered by four Argus As 044 pulsejets (same as on V-1), a step down from the proposed W1, which was to be powered by eight As 044 jets. The conversion contains 14 parts cast in a dark tan resin; two engine mounts, and three parts for each engine. Overall, the parts are very nicely cast, with recessed panel lines that are a little bit heavier than the industry leaders, but still very nice.

The Argus Jet bodies have hollow tail pipes about a half inch deep, the rest is solid.

The separate intakes for the engines look like they will fit perfectly flush, although the profile of them looks to be more tapered and less rounded than on V-1 models in the scale. The third engine piece is the shutter assembly for the intake, which fits nicely into the intake from the back before being glued onto the pulsejet body. The shutters are depicted on the insert as a raised grille with three larger vertical supports, which looks quite nice unpainted, I'm sure they will look even better after a tiny bit of dry brushing.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Two As 044's fit well to each engine mount with minimal filling required if at all. The mounts fit over the Jumo engine mounts with little modification (depending on which kit is being used), but the step on the mounts where they meet the trailing edges will probably need to be sanded down for proper fit.

In all, this is a very simple and effective conversion to make a one of a kind model, and although I still feel that it may not be worth the $35 US, I am very happy with the set, I already have an ME 262 HG-1 conversion in my possession. I am leaning towards the W-1 conversion and the Lorin-engined ME262 conversion in 1/48 when it is released in the near future.

Mike Swinburne
 

The set sells for $35 US plus shipping from Buenos Aires where they are located, details and better quality pics available at www.antaresmodels.com . The set is designed to work with any 1/48 Me 262.

Review and Images Copyright © 2002 by Mike Swinburne
Page Created 07 October, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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