Me-410 Hornisse from Fine Molds (OOB)

[Faust]

While many of my built WWII Luftwaffe planes are, in fact, “What-Ifs” or Luft ‘46ers, I do have a goodly number of actual Luftwaffe hardware in my stash as well. One type that I’d been eager to get a nice kit of was the Me-410, since it’s an unusual looking plane, as well as having something of a loser heritage that I just can’t resist.

I had a 1/48 Monogram years ago, but it was so big that I sold it to make some room. Since then, I’ve not seen a small kit of the -410 that I’ve wanted to get. That was until I ran into the Fine Molds one at a local show. For the price, I figured I could treat myself and get a nice kit of a cool, and real(!) plane.

Check out my out of box review below in case you’re thinking of snagging one yourself. However, just like the Luftwaffe, I wouldn’t get your expectations unjustifiably high…

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/fine-molds-me-410-a-1-b-1-out-of-box/

[Mike999]

Thanks for another great review.  The development of the Me-210/410 is a fascinating story, with all the political infighting between Fieldmarshal Erhard Milch, Hermann Goering and Willi Messerschmitt. Goering even joked that his epitaph would be:  "He Would Have Lived Longer Had The Me-210 Not Been Produced."

I'll probably pass on the kit itself.  Not long ago I got the Pro Modeler 1/48 kit for a low price.  And after building a Fine Molds kit years ago, I decided that the company should change its name to "Mediocre Molds."
 

[Faust]

I think the Me-210/410 story, and the apathy of the Luftwaffe to the excellent He-100 family and He-280 are really excellent case studies in how political infighting can really cause havoc with real consequences for a nation's security.  Of course, if you add in the blind adherence to the He-177 and the inability until the very end for the industry to focus on a few key projects, and you have a basketful of lessons that ought to be taken to heart by everyone in the military-industrial complex.

The ProModeller 1/48 is AWESOME. I had the non-PM version of that kit, and was astounded how good it was. I sold it for a good deal more than I paid, but I kinda wish I hadn't, although in 1/48 a Hornisse takes up more space than I have to give it...