Roy Sutherland has recently added two sets of 1:32 Messerschmitt Me 262 resin wheels to his BarracudaCast range. They are designed for the Trumpeter kit, but can equally be used with the Revell or Hasegawa models. Not only do the resin versions provide greater accuracy and detail, but in the case of the Trumpeter kit, will replace the "rubber" tyres which are not to every taste.

Each set arrives in a zip-lock bag with a full set of instructions and comprises:

8 x beige resin parts
1 x length of wire

The casting and finishing in the sample sets is basically perfect, with not a bubble or any other flaw in evidence. The level of detail offered is simply astounding, with a degree of finesse on hubs and the raised lines and lettering on the sidewalls of the tyres that I cannot imagine ever being surpassed. Two styles of nosewheel are provided in each set, with "plain" or "treaded" tyres. The difference between the two sets lies in the nosewheel hubs: those in BR32066 have a ribbed circumference to the hubs, while BR32067's have plain hubs

Each set also includes four pressure fittings for the mainwheels (two are spare, in case of accidents) along with a short length of fine wire for the brake cables.

Roy's instructions are very clear, with a step-by-step guide to preparing the parts, painting suggestions and clear colour photos of each stage. The assembly looks very straightforward and the sets sets should pose no problems for modellers with a little experience of working with resin - just be aware that those pressure fittings REALLY are tiny.

Conclusion

It's often hard to find sufficient superlatives when describing Roy Sutherland's work, and these Me 262 wheels are no exception. His combined approach of CAD precision and master craftsman finishing is second to none. Unreservedly recommended.

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