Franklin Mint B11B301 1:48 Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a/U4 V083 W.Nr.170083 Pulkzerstörer 50mm Cannon 1945

An imposing and particularly unusual 1:48 scale diecast representation of Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a/U4 V083, Werknummer 170083, one of only two experimental Me 262 jet fighters converted to carry a massive 50 mm cannon for use against Allied bomber formations. Released within the Franklin Mint Armour Collection under model code B11B301, also catalogued as 98154, this substantial collector model represents one of the most extraordinary experimental developments of the world's first operational jet fighter.

By the closing months of the Second World War, the Luftwaffe faced increasingly large formations of heavily armed Allied bombers. One proposed solution was the development of a specialised Me 262 capable of destroying a heavy bomber with only a small number of accurately placed cannon rounds. The resulting aircraft became known as the Me 262A-1a/U4, or Pulkzerstörer, meaning formation destroyer.

Only two Me 262 airframes were converted to the U4 configuration, Werknummer 111899 and Werknummer 170083. The latter aircraft, represented by this Franklin Mint release, carried the test identification V083 and was fitted with an enormous 50 mm Mauser MK 214 cannon firing through an extensively modified nose.

Installation of such a large weapon required considerable alteration to the standard Me 262. The conventional four 30 mm MK 108 cannon installation was removed and the forward fuselage redesigned around the long cannon barrel, while the nose landing gear arrangement also required modification to provide sufficient internal clearance.

The result gave V083 one of the most distinctive appearances of any Me 262 variant. The 50 mm cannon projected prominently from the nose of the otherwise sleek jet fighter, producing an aircraft specifically intended to attack tightly grouped formations of Allied heavy bombers from beyond the effective range of their defensive machine guns.

Franklin Mint and some surviving collector catalogues associate B11B301 with Major Wilhelm “Willi” Herget and Jagdverband 44. Historical accounts indicate that this attribution combines the histories of the two Me 262A-1a/U4 prototypes. Herget carried out operational trials with the other prototype, Werknummer 111899/V899, while the aircraft represented here is Werknummer 170083/V083.

V083 was captured by American forces in Germany at the end of the war before being selected for evaluation. After capture it was given the name “Wilma Jeanne” and was later renamed “Happy Hunter II”. The aircraft was ultimately lost during a transfer flight from Melun to Cherbourg in July 1945 when its pilot was forced to abandon the aircraft.

The standard Messerschmitt Me 262 was powered by two Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet engines and represented a dramatic advance in fighter performance. Although its operational impact was restricted by fuel shortages, engine reliability, Allied attacks and Germany's deteriorating military position, its speed demonstrated the enormous potential of jet-powered combat aircraft.

This retired Franklin Mint Armour Collection release has considerable display presence in 1:48 scale. Heavyweight diecast construction is combined with a detailed cockpit, authentic late-war camouflage and V083 markings, twin jet-engine nacelles, detailed undercarriage and the exceptionally prominent 50 mm cannon installation which distinguishes the experimental U4 from conventional Me 262 fighters.

Fact Sheet

Dimensions

Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)

• The model is in very good condition overall.
• A different coloured grey compound is present on the underside of one engine, although there does not appear to have been a repair made in this area.
• The undercarriage doors are relatively loose and have some glue residue around them. It is difficult to confirm whether this is from manufacture or a previous repair.
• Two scratch marks are present behind the screw point towards the tail section.
• The model remains screwed into the display base, keeping it secure.
• Despite the noted imperfections, the model still displays very well overall.

Box condition - Excellent (8/10)

• The box is in excellent condition for its age, with some light wear present to the edges.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.