Messerschmitt Me 262
Main & Nose Wheels

BarracudaCast, 1/32 scale

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According to the BarracudaCast instruction sheet, these sets of resin 1/32 Messerschmitt Me 262 wheels are intended to ‘directly replace the wheels found in the Trumpeter Me 262 kit, and can also be easily adapted to fit the Hasegawa and Revell kits’.  I don’t have these kits to hand, but given that the last two are from the early 1970s while Trumpeter’s wheels are vinyl, I think it is safe to say that the BarracudaCast wheels will enhance any models built from these kits.

The two sets use a minimum number of parts to deliver a maximum range of configurations.  The mainwheels in both sets are identical, and accurately depict the hub detail and tread pattern of their full-size equivalents.  The sidewalls are finely detailed, with raised ribbing and legible numbers.

Also common to both sets are the mainwheel pressure fittings.  Tiny even in 1/32 scale, these are prime carpet monster fodder so thankfully two spares are provided.  When combined with the length of black wire that BarracudaCast has thoughtfully included, these fittings will add a further touch of realism to the already impressive mainwheels.

The nose wheels are the difference between the two sets.  Four styles are supplied:  ribbed hub with untreaded tyre and ribbed hub with treaded tyre (BR32066), and smooth hub with untreaded tyre and smooth hub with treaded tyre (BR32067).  Check your references to see which type of wheel was fitted to the aircraft you are modelling.  As with the mainwheels, details are exemplary and will look even better after careful painting and weathering.

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All of the wheels are attached to their casting blocks via rebates that will be quick and easy to remove with a sharp razor saw.  After this all that will be required is a little cleanup with sandpaper and deepening of the holes inside the axle shafts, and the wheels will be ready for painting.  Casting quality is excellent throughout, with no imperfections noted in any of the parts in either set.

The one page instruction sheet includes useful cleanup, assembly and painting advice, which is provided through a combination of text and full colour photographs.

Both of these sets have been produced to BarracudaStudios’ usual high standards of accuracy and casting quality, and can be highly recommended to anyone building a 1/32 Me 262 model.

Highly recommended.

Reference

Richard A. Franks, ‘Messerschmitt Me 262 – A guide to the Luftwaffe’s First Jet Fighter’ (Valiant Wings Publishing, 2010)

Thanks to Barracuda Studios for sample

Barracuda Studio products are available online from their website

Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 21 January, 2014
Last updated 21 January, 2014

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