1/32 Me 163 B-0 recommended for Meng / Hasegawa

The Messerschmitt Me 163 "Komet" was a revolutionary rocket fighter aircraft that represented a technological leap forward and a risky experiment at the same time. As the world's first and only mass-produced missile fighter, it reached speeds in excess of 900 km/h, making it the fastest operational aircraft of World War II. Powered by the Walter HWK 109-509 rocket engine, the Me 163 was tasked with intercepting Allied bombers at high altitudes where conventional fighters were losing effectiveness. The B-0 version was a pre-production variant used to verify the design before full production began. In practice, the Me 163 faced a number of problems - extremely short flight time (only 7-8 minutes under power), unsafe fuel, difficult landing on skis, and high demand on pilots. Yet it remains a fascinating example of the lengths to which the wartime design bureau was willing to go in the pursuit of technical superiority.

This photo-etched dashboard from Yahu Models is a detailed accessory designed for the 1:32 scale Messerschmitt Me-163B-0 kits from Meng and Hasegawa. It replaces the plastic plate from the original kit and adds a significantly higher level of detail - the individual instruments are depicted in colour, with realistic dials, hands and labels. JustStick technology means that the board is self-adhesive coated, so there is no need to use glue or complexly bend the photo-etch; simply detach it from the backing and stick it directly to its destination in the cockpit. This approach greatly simplifies installation and minimizes the risk of damage to delicate details.

The product is designed primarily for Meng Model kits, but is also compatible with corresponding versions from Hasegawa. The colour scheme allows for immediate use without the need for painting, saving time while ensuring a consistent appearance of the instruments. For modelers who want to achieve a higher level of detail in the cockpit without having to work with conventional photo-etched metal, this accessory is ideal. The package includes the instrument panel only; the aircraft kit itself is not included.