I love the me 262 and from what I have read the Trumpeter 1/32 kits are very very nice with no problems.
Conclusion after scrutinizing this kit...well Its not Eduard/Hasegawa/Tamyia class mouldings.
Its crisp, but not THAT crisp. Its overall ok and fine, but there are flash and ejector pin marks to take care of on many parts and in many places.
If we ignore that, since its not a problem, just some extra work, Im sure this will build up to a very impressive model.
From all the builds and Reviews I have read there are no issues with building.
Trumpeter are Trumpeter, their quality is all over the Place. Some kits are superb, some are a disaster.
This reflects also in this kit...they have gone to great lenghts to package things nicely. The PE, metal undercarriage, rubber tires, and clear parts are in a separate box. So far so god. But in this box 1. the clear parts are just in bags, no foam or other protection. 2. two of Three clear sprues are in one bag.
Result, clear parts rub against other stuff in ittle box and against eachother. So instead of perfect parts, they are a Little scratched. Probably fixable with polishing compounds and spunges, but again, unescessary extra work. And extra box? for nothing...
Also one canopy part has a moulding fault or Deep scratch I was sorry to see. Not fixable.
Other than that they are crystal clear.
Im also in doubt regarding decals...they seem to have a strange film/defect. Dont know if it will go away once wet? (see pic below)
The kit:
Price around 60£/€ + shipping. (reasonable price for a massive 1/32 i Think)
Its +400 parts and a big Project, not a kit I would recommend if your new to modelling.
On the plus side:
-Optional metal gear (its quite big and Heavy, styrene legs might sag with time)
-Two complete Engines to build with good detail
-Optional to build both Engines visible (all covers clear)
-Nicely detailed with huge scratch potential if you want to really go to Town and super detail.
(I have seen some kits that are amazing)
-Nicely molded detail parts, no need for aftermarket. (again, huge potential if you want to add) Including radar antennas up front.
-Detailed gun bay optional to be open.
-Detailed Wheel bays.
-Detailed aft interior and inspection hatch optional to be open.
-Internal fuel tanks included.
-Detailed cockpit which will look stunning open, with PE belts included.
-Nice paint guide in color!
-BIG!! This will be a very impressive model to display...
-Even screw heads are molded in the Surface detail, Yeah baby!
On the minus side:
-Dissapointing packaging of clear parts! (I tiny bit of foam wrapping would have done it...)
-Totally irritating and unesscesary scratches on clear parts.
-One canopy part defect. (Deep, not fixable)
-No option to the rubber tires. (I prefer molded)
-Extra work needed since many parts have flash. (again +400 parts)
-Decals...? Suspect, but might be fine? (Anyone that have experience and can shed some light?)
-Instructions are in typical Trumpeter fashion, quite crammed. Not bad, not the best.
As You see, no major biggies on the minus side and the plus outweighs by far! Overall this is a nice big 262!
I love love love the 262 and look very much forward to build this kit. Will see if I can get my clear part replaced since I will go to Town on this one when the time comes.
(As I do the 1/48 Tamiya and HobbyBoss ones I have, see coming review/comparison)
Here You go!
