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Description
The Messerschmitt Me 163 K ('K' for Kriegsmarine) was a point defence fighter used by Trägergruppe 11 aboard the second German aircraft-carrier, the "Graf Wahnsinn", stationed off occupied Greenland in 1946. Pictured here is a piston-powered prototype, used solely for carrier take-off and landing testing. Take-offs were done with the catapult connected to the dolly under the landing skid. The pilot no longer has to release this dolly manually. (A great improvement over the hazardous take-offs in earlier years where the dolly had a tendency to bounce back up after release and hit the aircraft, usually with disastrous consequences.) The production version would use a revised Walter HWK 109–509C rocket engine powered by newer, more stable and less corrosive versions of the infamous C and T-stoff rocket fuels.

Main differences with the more familiar Me 163 B are the folding wings and tail section, an arrestor hook and a revised cockpit, with a canopy that hinges up instead of to the right.

The prototype pictured does away with the armoured glass in front and behind the pilot. In this particular case the cockpit is test fitted with a possible alternative for the Revi bomb sight: a telescopic night sight, a convenience for those months were the sun doesn't reach the pole.

Revell's 1:48 Me 163 B1-a Komet and CMK's German Pilot and groundcrew (minus the groundcrew), modifications scratchbuild or kitbashed. Decals from the sparesbox, all paint Vallejo Air.

And before anyone mentions it: No, it will not be able to land with those prop blades

Description
The Messerschmitt Me 163 K ('K' for Kriegsmarine) was a point defence fighter used by Trägergruppe 11 aboard the second German aircraft-carrier, the "Graf Wahnsinn", stationed off occupied Greenland in 1946. Pictured here is a piston-powered prototype, used solely for carrier take-off and landing testing. Take-offs were done with the catapult connected to the dolly under the landing skid. The pilot no longer has to release this dolly manually. (A great improvement over the hazardous take-offs in earlier years where the dolly had a tendency to bounce back up after release and hit the aircraft, usually with disastrous consequences.) The production version would use a revised Walter HWK 109–509C rocket engine powered by newer, more stable and less corrosive versions of the infamous C and T-stoff rocket fuels.

Main differences with the more familiar Me 163 B are the folding wings and tail section, an arrestor hook and a revised cockpit, with a canopy that hinges up instead of to the right.

The prototype pictured does away with the armoured glass in front and behind the pilot. In this particular case the cockpit is test fitted with a possible alternative for the Revi bomb sight: a telescopic night sight, a convenience for those months were the sun doesn't reach the pole.

Revell's 1:48 Me 163 B1-a Komet and CMK's German Pilot and groundcrew (minus the groundcrew), modifications scratchbuild or kitbashed. Decals from the sparesbox, all paint Vallejo Air.

And before anyone mentions it: No, it will not be able to land with those prop blades