Just a quick story,

A month ago, I ordered this very kit via eBay, needless to say it got lost in the mail.  Oh boy.  Getting upset is not part of my life anymore, especially over a model kit.  I was shocked, flabbergasted, but not angry.  Luckily, I had eBay and PayPal back me up and I received 100% of my funds back.  Then eBay contacted me and offered me another seller with the same item I had previously purchased, this very kit.  The Me 262.

I finally received the Me 262 earlier this week, while wondering about what this kit contained, I busied myself with my current, now completed build of the Tamiya 1:48 Douglas A-1J Sky Raider.  I figured I'd concentrate on one thing at a time and focus my energy the the A-1.  Since my accident, I'm unable to multitask at all.  It's one thing at a time for me. 

Now finally with this kit, I can tell you that it has 383 pcs. on 11 spruces, metal landing gears, and PE.  What's interesting about the decals are that, if you look closely, there are several odd designs that look like symbols.  It took me awhile to figure out that once you arrange these symbols, they are actually swastikas.  Taking this into context, Trumpeter is sold all over the world like any other commodity.  I do know living in Europe that the swastika symbol is illegal in Germany, hence the weird configuration symbol puzzle on the decal sheet.

Living in Japan for a few summers at a time to visit my grandmother, I saw swastikas all over Japanese temples.  It's a Buddhists symbol denoting the never ending circle of life.  How Nazi Germany turned such a holy symbol of peace into such a hated one throughout the world is disappointing.  As man can create such destruction, we also have the power to create life, love, music, and the arts.  Something to think about tonight.  

Toshi

Thank you for the story, Toshi. I like that. :D

I know it doesn't come across very well, but I try to tell a story as I build lol. I like your story method better.

I'll be following along, my friend.  :)

Well one thing I can say is, when you get back to Japan, dont forget to check out the hobby stores!  Japan is modeling heaven.  When the family went to Osaka last year I made sure the hobby shops were part of the itinerary. And boy was I rewarded.

Oh, and looking forward to this build.

I'm looking forward to this build. I'm half German (my mom is from Dortmund) and the evil acts commited by the Nazi party has cast a shadow on us Germans that will never go away. Two years ago when I went back to my ex-wife's country, her friends asked me what I thought of Hitler. Sorry ramble over, this will be nicely done by you. 

allan

Well one thing I can say is, when you get back to Japan, dont forget to check out the hobby stores!  Japan is modeling heaven.  When the family went to Osaka last year I made sure the hobby shops were part of the itinerary. And boy was I rewarded.

 

Oh, and looking forward to this build.

 

Toshi

7474

I'm looking forward to this build. I'm half German (my mom is from Dortmund) and the evil acts commited by the Nazi party has cast a shadow on us Germans that will never go away. Two years ago when I went back to my ex-wife's country, her friends asked me what I thought of Hitler. Sorry ramble over, this will be nicely done by you. 

 

Atrocities were created by man since the beginning of time, for me, by building models, I get to learn about the history and the culture of each country.  A great example would be this build.  If it weren't for the Me 262, the evolution of the jet age might have been completely different.  As destructive as the Me 262 was, only modelers and historians can appreciate it's contributions to mankind.  It's what it's used for, that's the irony of it all.  

As I mentioned above, we as man can destroy the world yet we have so much to give to it as well.  I will definately enjoy this build.  I'm always building American WWII aircraft.  So far, I've only made one Tamiya 1:32 Mitsubishi A6M2b Model 21 and a Donier Arrow.  I'm very excited to build this German ingenuity of a marvel.  

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences as well as the read and reply.  I look forward to more conversations between us to share with FSM Forum Members!

Toshi

Now this ought to be one sweet build to watch. Certainly an impressive undertaking.

JOE RIX

Now this ought to be one sweet build to watch. Certainly an impressive undertaking.

 

Toshi

This should be a very interesting build for you Toshi.Any thoughts on how you're going to assemble the clear fuselage halves? My big concern since both are clear would be fogging of the clear parts. Speaking of the 262,at the airshow in Houston last year I got to see the replica 262 flying in formation with a P-51. That was an awesome sight indeed!

This looks like a great build will follow it with great intrest. Japan is were I built my first model kits as a navy brat from 1979-1982. I was a great place to live.

Rob

roger_wilco

This should be a very interesting build for you Toshi.Any thoughts on how you're going to assemble the clear fuselage halves? My big concern since both are clear would be fogging of the clear parts. Speaking of the 262,at the airshow in Houston last year I got to see the replica 262 flying in formation with a P-51. That was an awesome sight indeed!

 

Toshi

Hi, Toshi -

First, I agree with the others, your 'Spad is your best yet. Loved it.

Second, I'm not 100% certain about the Testors Clear, but I think it may be for attaching parts like canopies. If that is the case, it would provide only a non agressive attachment of the surfaces, like Elmers would. For a permanent, strong bonding of the mating parts like the fuselage halves, the Tamiya Thin would indeed "melt" the surfaces together, in the manner of welding metal. 

If you wanted to, you could indeed airbrush the fuselage, either one half or the whole thing. You're quite accomplished at masking now, I think it would be well within your ability. Looking forward to seeing this one progress.

Thanks, Toshi

Patrick

Here we have the worlds first jet fighter seat, honestly, it looks very uncomfortable but, this is 1944.  Some resin parts, PE, MM Wood #4673, Tamiya Flat Earth XF-52, and a little bit of Testors Acrylic Wash Creatfx Basswood #79403, was able to give it a used look.  Now hopefully I can carry over this look into the rest of the cockpit of which half, is clear styrene.

Toshi

M. Brindos

Thank you for the story, Toshi. I like that. :D

I know it doesn't come across very well, but I try to tell a story as I build lol. I like your story method better.

I'll be following along, my friend.  :)

 

Toshi

Another photo, this build due to the clear parts must be done in a step by step procedure, time consuming but most inspiring!

Toshi

patrick206

Hi, Toshi -

First, I agree with the others, your 'Spad is your best yet. Loved it.

Second, I'm not 100% certain about the Testors Clear, but I think it may be for attaching parts like canopies. If that is the case, it would provide only a non agressive attachment of the surfaces, like Elmers would. For a permanent, strong bonding of the mating parts like the fuselage halves, the Tamiya Thin would indeed "melt" the surfaces together, in the manner of welding metal. 

If you wanted to, you could indeed airbrush the fuselage, either one half or the whole thing. You're quite accomplished at masking now, I think it would be well within your ability. Looking forward to seeing this one progress.

Thanks, Toshi

Patrick

 

 

Thank you for having the confidence in me in masking the fuesalage and painting the 262 halves.  I think due to it's unique nature, I will build it per Trumpeter's direction, I think it will be a cool build in that fashion.  Thanks Patrick206, your input and support are greatly appreciated and are of great value.

Toshi

Looks cool Toshi, I built the 1/32nd Hasegawa kit way back in the day. This looks a heck of a lot more detailed.

Gamera

Looks cool Toshi, I built the 1/32nd Hasegawa kit way back in the day. This looks a heck of a lot more detailed.

 

Do you still have your Hasegawa Me 262?  If you do, I sure would like to see a photo of it here.  Thank you Gamera for the read and reply!

Toshi

I stayed up until 2:00am finishing up on the cockpit.  I just couldn't stop, I had the history channel on, playing was the "Secret Weapons of Third Reich".  One of the topics was none other than this very aircraft, Me 262.  There were lots of great footage as well as information and technical data.  

So, as of 2:00am, here is the cockpit of the "Swallow".

OH WOW Toshi,

I guess you do your best work in the wee hours of the night.  Your pit looks fantastic my friend. I am vicariously enjoying this 262 as much as you are I think.

Jay Jay

OH WOW Toshi,

I guess you do your best work in the wee hours of the night.  Your pit looks fantastic my friend. I am vicariously enjoying this 262 as much as you are I think.

 

Toshi

This is where as of the assembly of the cockpit ceases.  Next up is the metal landing gear, machineguns in the nose, and engine assembly.  Up until that point, here is the finalization of the cockpit prior to the installation into the fuesalage.  I hope you like it.

Toshi

I now will leave with Mrs. Toshi to visit my son at his home.  We will be going to his neighborhood grocery store which is in an upscale area.  The grocery store is a brand new Giant Eagle.  I actually worked for them to set up a sushi program from 2001 of November up until 2002.  

We probably will have lunch at the Giant Eagle bar and cafe, do some minor shopping and it's back home to grill some Chinese Char Siu Chicken for dinner.  After dinner, it's back to assembling and building of the Me 262.  Until then, enjoy your beautiful Sunday afternoon with family and or friends.  Always remember to say I love you.  To my fellow forum members, I love you all especially for the support and allowing me to mature and grow here on FSM Forum.  Thank you!

Toshi

That is one fabulous cockpit Toshi. Very well done indeed.

JOE RIX

That is one fabulous cockpit Toshi. Very well done indeed.

 

Toshi

Looks great 

BlackTulip109

Hi Toshi Looks like another great build !! My cousin goes to Tokyo every year for the Flower Show and she will visit a couple of hobby shops. It is amazing how much the Japanese are into this hobby