1/48 Dragon Me 262A-1a/U3

by Rafi Ben-Shahar

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Here is a conversion of Dragon's Jabo model using CMK's kit. I used reference photographs from a crashed aircraft of an unknown unit that suggested a random mixture of RLM 82 & 83 spray over RLM 76. In addition to the conversion kit, I included the RB 20/30 cameras scavenged from Hasegawa's Arado 234 kit. Since the CMK kit is not meant to be displayed in open cowl position, the mounting of the cameras was tricky. Nonetheless, thanks to the availability of technical drawings describing the position and angle of cameras within the fuselage, you can actually see the lenses through the portholes.

Other features included dropping the slats in a "cut & paste" manner that works better than any aftermarket kit available, cockpit enhancement and wrapping wood from tooth picks around the Fug 16 metal mast. One big mistake that I did not want to deal with was the hollowing out of the conversion covers. The original Dragon kit is not up to scratch. It would be a mistake to pay so much for this rare kit because nothing is provided other than the fuselage bulges and appropriate decals whereas the photo etched parts were discarded and camera portholes are improvised.

Rafi

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Photos and text © by Rafi Ben-Shahar