From Ashes to Art: Messerschmitt Me 163 S Komet Trainer

Here is my Messerschmitt Me 163 S.

For those interested in history, here is a short rundown of what's known about the somewhat elusive training version of the Komet, the"S", based on the 163 B Komet (no need to present the latter, too much has been said already elsewhere):

The highlights:

- All in all about a dozen 163 S were produced by converting B's.

- The S never became operational and of the few flights made with it none were actual training flights.

- No engine was installed in the S, its purpose being to train pilots in the gliding phase, the trickiest. A second cockpit was installed in the space normally occupied by the engine.

- Pilots' opinions about the S as a trainer vary, from "well designed as a trainer" to "too dangerous." Per reports from two experienced pilots, the one in the instructor's seat could not land the plane without the help of the pilot in the front seat due to an obstructed field of view from the back.

- The Russians captured several samples of the 163 S, which they tested both in wind tunnels and in flight during 1946/47.

- Germans pilots nicknamed the S the "dromedary."

This is the 1/72 Academy kit, arguably the best in any scale. More details about the kit and build later.