Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “Red 13”

Aircraft

Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “Red 13”

Pilot & Markings

Oberstleutnant Heinz “Pritzl” Bär — III./JG 2, Lechfeld, March 1945

Scale & Kit

1/48 Scale Tamiya Model

History

In the early summer of 1944 the Messerschmitt Me 262 featured in this model airplane became the world’s first operational jet aircraft. With a top speed of 900 km/h (559 mph), it easily outperformed any Allied aircraft of WWII. This remarkable feat of technology went on to revolutionize aerial warfare and influenced the design of several post-war aircraft, such as the North American F-86 Sabre.

The particulars of this model airplane belong to the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “Red 13” (W.Nr. 110559) flown by top Luftwaffe ace, Heinz “Pritzl” Bär. Pritzl, who acquired the nickname because of his affection for Pritzl candy bars, was known to high command as an insubordinate that lacked military discipline, traits that often landed him in trouble. He was transferred, demoted and even denied military achievement honours. Despite of this, the combat skills of Heinz Bar could not be overlooked. On February of 1942, during the Defence of the Reich, Pritzl accepted his assignment as commander of the Me 262 equipped Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2). During his time with this unit, Bars tally continued to grow. He added 13 victories, many of which were heavy bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator. Heinz Bar finished his career with 220 confirmed aerial victories, 16 of which were achieved while flying the Me 262 jet. These totals place Heinz Bar as eighth on the all time list of Experten.

A 1/48 Tamiya scale model airplane kit was used to replicate the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a “Red 13” flown by Heinz Bar during his assignment with JG 2. This is an excellent kit that was made with exceptional fitting and detail.

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