Me410B-6/R-2 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5990 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20160519*
Me410B-6/R-2 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5990 Review

Review and Photos by Kevin Lawton

The Messerschmitt Me-410 Hornisse is the final development of the Me-210. Development of the Me-210 began in 1939 and was intended to replace the Me-110 in the role of heavy fighter. The Me-210 was underpowered and airframe problems led serious problems of stability in flight.  Luftwaffe test pilots considered it unsafe.  The chief test pilot remarked that the Me 210 had “all the least desirable attributes an aeroplane could possess”.  Designers then lengthened the fuselage, added new automatic leading edge slats, and upgraded the engines to the Daimler-Benz DB 603A engines, which increased power to 1,750 PS (1,730 hp, 1,290 kW) compared to the 1,475 PS DB 605s used on the Me 210C.  The new airframe was given the designation Me-410 in order to differentiate it from the dismal failure of the Me-210. The Me-410 was used as a heavy fighter/ fast bomber (Schnell bomber).

In total 1,160 Me-410s of all variant’s were built. In order to detect Allied shipping it was equipped with the FuG 200 Hohentwiel 550 MHz UHF-band maritime patrol radar in the nose.  In order for the radar unit to fit, the two forward firing 7.92mm machine guns were removed.  The Me-410B-6 still carried two 13mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine guns with 500 rpg, each firing rearward from two FDSL 131/1B remote-operated turret, one on each side and two 20mm MG 151/20 cannons with 350 rpg, firing forward.  It could also carry up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) of bombs in an internal bomb bay.  Some Me-410s were also equipped with shackles allowing it to carry a torpedo.

 

For the Modeler: This review covers the Me410B-6/R-2 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5990. As one of the Pro-Modeler Series of kits, this kit represents an Me-410B-6 used in short range coastal anti-shipping roles. This is a reissue of the kit # 85-5264 for released in 1997. It is recommended for ages 12 and up but I think that it might be a little too difficult for that age group. This kit’s contents are; 124 grey plastic parts on 3 sprues, 13 clear parts on a single sprue, and 2 frets of photo-etched pieces.  One photo etch fret contains pre-painted instruments, handles, levers, etc for the cockpit and the other fret contains parts for the FuG 200 radar.  The etched frets are labeled Revell & Czech Republic and their exquisite rendering suggests to me that they are manufactured by Eduard.  Finished dimensions are: Length: 11¼”, Wingspan: 13½” and Height: 3″.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; motor/cowl construction sequence and detailing; using floor wax to make crystal clear windows; applying photo etch parts; copyright script identification and repair discussed; instrument panel installation; cowl and fuselage seam identification and repair; replacing fragile/broken parts with scratch built ones; how to make surface preparations for photo etch applications; identifying and repairing molding errors; cockpit frame masking with an aftermarket masking set; using putty “sausage” to paint soft camouflage; using decal setting solution for that “painted on” look; masking methods for camouflage paint; affixing parts in place with temporary glue points; adding additional glue points for the canopy; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; wheel detailing; radar frame construction and holding jig; discussing decal registry; removing part flash; canopy frame painting; cockpit detailing and finishing; crewmen finishing; gluing contact points identified; tips for cutting, bending, and handling photo etch parts; inner/outer canopy frame detailing; rigging material application and sourcing; and an expanded aircraft history, are all fully examined in this extensive pictorial 34 page, full-color Step-by-Step tutorial review in PDF format.

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