Me 163 rocket powered plane taking off

[cobraman]

The plane. Rocket powered fighter aircraft. 1 st. flight Aug. 13 th. 1941. Top speed was around 600 mph. 370 were built. There was several variations. Took off on wheels and wheels were then released. It was equiped with a retractable skid which was used for landing. Many were damaged by the wheels as they would sometimes bounce up and hit the plane. Fuel time was about 7 1/2 minutes. The plane was not very effective.

The kit. Heller 1/72 ME 163 Komet. Rear fin and underside is light blue. Top side is Olive Drab and green. Plane was given a coat of satin clear to even out paint and decaled.

The diorama. Used a base from Hobby Lobby which was stained and cleared. Used some styrofoam covered with Celuclay to form the hill. Sheet plastic was used to make water section. It was painted blue and then covered with Vallejo water effects. Ground work was painted and dry brushed. Some grass was applied and some small bushes. Cotton was used for the smoke and the ditched wheels are in the water.

[Jim B]

Neat looking Komet diorama. Don't know how many were launched over water, but it's a cool idea. Makes retreaving the wheels a little more difficult, though. Did they test the Komet at Peenemünde?

Edited April 30, 2014 by Jim B

[cobraman]

Thanks Jim. Not sure where they were tested and I did find one photo where one was launched over water. That's where I got the idea. I think it was a test to counter the bouce back of the wheel assembly.

[slusher]

Awesome diorama Ray. Real creative...

[cobraman]

Thank you Carl !