This is one of Unicraft’s earlier kits and on first sight the casting looks a little rough, but all main parts clean up well to reveal good panel lines and detail. Some of the smaller parts may need a bit of careful attention to make them look presentable.
The cockpit is tiny and therefore not much will be seen, but a few items i.e. seat, fascia and stick should be sourced to add that little extra detail rather than retain just an empty space. A buck is provided for making extra copies of the canopy.
Overall this kit needs a fair bit of work, but the extra effort should make this a fine little model.
CLEAR PARTS
The vac canopy provided looks clear and is very thin.
DECALS
Look ok and are reasonably extensive.
INSTRUCTIONS
There are no assembly instructions, but you do get a camo illustration and as the kit is so simple it is not much of a problem. However as this kit does not give many picture opportunities I’ve done a few camouflage suggestions to illustrate a couple of possibilities
VALUE
For a resin limited-run kit this is good value.
CONCLUSIONS
This is a kit for the more experienced modeller. Some extra work is needed, but a good result should be possible.
SUMMARY
The Messerschmitt Schwalbe (Swallow) was designed during the late stages of WW2 and did not receive a Project number. The wings had a 31.5 degree sweep and held most of the fuel supply. It is thought the wings were based on the Me 163 or 263 wing design, as there is remarkable similarity. Two turbojets provided the power, one located above the fuselage and one below. The design utilised a tricycle landing gear design, with the nose wheel retracting to the rear and the two main gear retracting forward and inboard. The cockpit was located between and ahead of the upper air intakes. No armament seems to have been planned at this design stage. The design also incorporated a device at the rear of the fuselage that is thought to be a form of dive brakes or a thrust reversal mechanism. (References based on those from Dan Johnson’s Luft 46 site).
About Peter Allen (flitzer) FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
Greetings to all.
My real name is Peter Allen and I have recently returned to UK from working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a creative director in an advertising agency.
My home town is Wigan in the north of England.
I’m married to Emily, a Polish lass who tolerates my modelling well.
I’ve wor...
