Tamiya Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a W/Kettenkraftrad 25215 1/48

Tamiya Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a W/Kettenkraftrad 25215 1/48 Scale

Experience aviation history with the Tamiya 25215 1/48 Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a w/Kettenkraftrad limited-edition plastic assembly kit! This exceptional set pairs the world's first operational jet fighter with a specialized towing vehicle, specifically recreating the A-2a fighter-bomber variant utilized during the later stages of World War II. The Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a with Kettenkraftrad ground vehicle has returned for a limited time only!

About the Messerschmitt Me262 A-2a

The Me262 A-2a was the fighter/bomber version of the Me262. When Allied bombing raids on the German homeland were rapidly intensifying, the Luftwaffe proposed the hastened deployment of the revolutionary Me262 A-1a jet fighter/interceptor. However, Hitler issued strict contrary orders prioritizing the deployment of the A-2a fighter/bomber version of the Me262. In June 1944, the deployment of the A-2a fighter/bomber began. The A-2a was equipped with only two 30mm MK108 guns (compared to the A-1a's four guns) but it had an extra fuel tank in the rear part of its fuselage and could carry up to a 1-ton payload of bombs. The Me262 A-2a would see active service up until the end of World War II.

Aircraft Features

• Historical Accuracy: Includes two 30mm MK108 cannons in the nose, single-seat cockpit, and recessed panel lines for authentic detail
• Flexible Assembly: Canopy and cannon inspection hatches can be assembled in either open or closed positions
• Multiple Ordnance Options: Two types of bomb racks available for assembly
• Complete Armament: Replicas of two 250kg bombs and two take-off assistance booster rockets included
• Weighted Construction: Front landing gear bay made of die-cast aluminum, providing necessary counterweight to prevent tail-sitting
• Three Marking Options: Decals provided to recreate three different aircraft, including units from KG51 "Edelweiss"

About the Kettenkraftrad

The German Army produced a unique half-track motorcycle deployed to the front lines, known as the NSU Kettenkraftrad. Originally intended to be used by airborne units, this vehicle went into production on a massive scale and was used for a variety of functions, such as providing a power source as well as for transportation, communications, and towing. One of the Kettenkraftrad highlights was its three forward gears and one reverse gear, which each had high and low gears, permitting the half-track to take on rugged terrain. Due to fuel shortages at the end of the war, the Me262 was restricted from self-propelled ground movement when positioning for takeoff. As such, the Kettenkraftrad and other ground vehicles were used to pull the Me262 to the runway.

Kettenkraftrad Features

• First 1/48 Scale Military Ground Vehicle: Tamiya's first ever 1/48 scale military ground vehicle
• Highly Detailed: Accurate recreation of the Sd.Kfz. 2 Kettenkraftrad half-track motorcycle
• Functional Towing: Includes specialized tow bar for connecting the vehicle to the aircraft
• Historical Context: Represents the fuel-saving measures used at German airfields during the war's final stages

Model Specifications

• Scale: 1/48
• Aircraft Wingspan: Approximately 264mm (10.4 inches)
• Aircraft Length: Approximately 221mm (8.7 inches)
• Kettenkraftrad Length: 65mm
• Kettenkraftrad Height: 21mm
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Assembly Required: Yes (glue and paint required for completion)

What's Included

• Complete Me262 A-2a aircraft parts
• Complete Kettenkraftrad half-track motorcycle parts
• Die-cast aluminum front landing gear bay
• Two 250kg bomb replicas
• Two take-off assistance booster rockets
• Specialized tow bar
• Three figures (one pilot and two ground crew members)
• Decals for three different aircraft markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Complementary Products

Enhance your aircraft modeling experience with these related products from MPM Hobbies:

• 1/48 Scale Model Aircraft
• Tamiya Model Kits
• Military Figures
• Model Paints and Finishing Supplies
• Model Building Tools
• Photo-Etch Detail Sets

For more information about Tamiya products, visit https://www.tamiyausa.com/