1/72 Messerschmitt Me 163A

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet represented one of Germany's boldest and most technologically advanced attempts to break Allied air superiority during World War II. As the first and only mass-produced missile fighter in history, the Me 163 was capable of speeds in excess of 900 km/h, making it the fastest operational aircraft of its time. The Me 163A version served primarily as a test and training variant on which pilots gained experience with an entirely new type of propulsion and flight characteristics. Thanks to the Walter HWK 509 rocket engine, the Me 163A was able to climb rapidly to an altitude where it could attack Allied bombers, and, moreHowever, its extremely short flight time (only a few minutes of active propulsion) and dangerous fuel limited its combat deployment. Yet the Me 163 remains a fascinating example of technological courage and desperate efforts to revolutionize aerial combat.

The 1:72 scale Special Hobby kit is a reissue of a previously sold-out model, offering a combination of classic injection-moulded parts with premium accessories. The resin interior parts provide a higher level of detail in the cockpit, featuring the distinctive layout of the instrument panel and pilot's seat. Photo-etched parts (etchings) further enhance the model's fidelity and allow the addition of subtle features such as seat belts, bowmachine frames or structural details that would be difficult to realise with plastic parts alone. The decals for the three variants of the Me 163A designation provide a choice based on historical context or personal preference - typically machines from different test or training units.

For modellers, the Me 163A is interesting not only for its historical significance, but also for its characteristic hullless design with beautifulwing stubs and the absence of a conventional landing gear (the aircraft took off from a mobile trolley and landed on a retractable ski). The paintwork was usually simple camouflage in shades of RLM 70/71 on the upper surfaces and RLM 76 or white on the lower surfaces, with the possibility of highlighting panels and service tracks. The kit is suitable for more advanced modellers who appreciate working with different materials (plastic, resin, etchings) and want to build an unusual and technologically pioneering type of aircraft. The package does not contain the paints or glues needed for assembly.