I have ordered (at a really good price) Hobbyboss’ new 1/18 Me 262.
Having looked at the parts on their website it is very much like a giant 1/72 detail kit and nothing like Tamiya and Zoukei Mura detail.
There will be the opportunity to add wiring myself etc but it is the paint job which will bring it to life.
I could go with the standard late war paint jobs but then I wondered about maybe an alternate timeline or 1946 paint job and put the jet in an Africa setting with a luftwaffe 2 tone splinter pattern for africa using masks for all the paintwork and insignia etc with the Afrika Korps tree in white added.
There used to be a participant here who did some pretty cool what-if’s, including a modern jet (F-16, F-15, I forget) in WWII Luftwaffe markings.
For discussion, your Afrika Korps idea sounds great, I can see it. Just for fun, why not a Me 262 in early USA or RAF as if the Allies took over production instead of developing the early F-100’s and Vampires. Or perhaps a flight demo scheme to celebrate Germany’s victory in 1945.
I know, you’re thinking maybe I should do one of those. So where did you find the smokin’ deal on the kit?
Why not go with what was worn in theater in 1941-1943? Perhaps RLM 79 over the standard green Europe splinter scheme? Or one of the RLM 78/79/80 schemes seen on 109s. Along with the JG badges worn and the white theater ID marks.
If you’re doing the bomber version, perhaps the snake artwork seen on the one Stuka…
I’ve found if I trace a couple outlines of the subject and then ‘paint’ them with coloured pencil it gives me an idea of how I like the results and decide on a final scheme.
That kit is ripe with opportunity for superdetailing! You could always stick with the factory all aluminum pre-painted look. On such a large subject that would look pretty impressive.