MESSERSCHMITT P-1101 (1945) 

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 1986
Medium: Styrene
Kit Rarity: 3

About the Design

Conceived in 1944 as part of Germany's attempt to build a second-generation jet aircraft to replace the twin-engine Me262, the P-1101 was the world's first variable- or "swing-wing" aircraft.  However, the plane's wings could only sweep from 35 to 45 degrees, and then only when it was on the ground.  Captured by the Allies before the first prototype could be test-flown, the Messerschmitt P-1101 became the template for the American Bell X-5 swing-wing test plane that flew some 10 years later.

_

About the Kit

The Me P-1101 was an early model from Germany's Huma company, which was founded in 1984 by Phillip Huhn.  Bagged with no formal box art, the model was made from low-pressure injection molded plastic and lacked much surface detail.  Subsequent releases have been boxed with corresponding artwork (see below). 

This model was built from the original non-boxed kit.