{"product_id":"matchbox-pk-113-40113-messerschmitt-me-410-a-2-u4-b-1-hornisse-1-72-scale-plastic-model-kit","title":"Matchbox PK-113 \/ 40113 Messerschmitt Me 410 A-2\/U4 \u0026 B-1 Hornisse — 1\/72 Scale Plastic model kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer: Matchbox \/ Lesney\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Kit number: PK-113\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Later catalogue number: 40113\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Barcode: 035995421356\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Aircraft: Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Versions represented: A-2\/U4 and B-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Scale: 1\/72\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Original tooling\/release: 1976\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Parts: 54\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Plastic: Three colours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Status: Out of production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specialist Matchbox catalogue records the original PK-113 as a 1976 first edition, with 54 parts moulded in three colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the classic early Matchbox aircraft kits and is consequently quite different in character from later 1\/72 Me 410 kits.\n\u003cbr\u003eMatchbox and kit history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit dates from Matchbox's particularly productive 1970s period, when Lesney Products expanded the Matchbox brand beyond its famous die-cast vehicles into injection-moulded scale models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePK-113 appeared in 1976 in Matchbox's distinctive orange packaging. Its relatively low parts count was deliberate: Matchbox aimed to make the kits accessible to younger modellers while still providing recognisable representations of important aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original kit was moulded in three colours, a characteristic feature of the Matchbox range. The 54-piece construction is quite simple compared with contemporary specialist kits, but the model captures the distinctive twin-engine, twin-boom-looking appearance of the Me 410 and provides the large-calibre cannon configuration associated with the A-2\/U4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is still sufficiently well regarded that the Revell Community has featured it in a Matchbox group build, with modellers specifically identifying it as the Matchbox 1\/72 PK-113.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original PK-113 contains approximately 54 parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic contents comprise:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    two fuselage halves;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    port and starboard wings;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    engine nacelles;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    two Daimler-Benz engine representations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    propellers;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    cockpit;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    pilot's position;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    tail assembly;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    retractable undercarriage;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    wheels;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    external stores;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    defensive armament;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    large-calibre cannon installation;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    clear canopy;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    decals;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    assembly instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit represents the Me 410 A-2\/U4 and B-1 configurations. Specialist catalogue records identify the two variants on the original kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe A-2\/U4 is particularly interesting because it represents the famous 50 mm BK 5 cannon installation intended for attacking Allied heavy bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA contemporary modelling review describes the Matchbox kit as a typical vintage Matchbox product, moulded in multiple colours, and identifies the kit as an Me 410 A-2\/U4 with two decal options.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe real aircraft — Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse, or \"Hornet\", was a German twin-engine heavy fighter, bomber destroyer, reconnaissance aircraft and night-fighter developed during the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was essentially the successful development of the troubled Messerschmitt Me 210.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 210 had been intended to replace the Bf 110, but suffered severe aerodynamic and handling problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMesserschmitt redesigned the aircraft extensively. The resulting Me 410 received:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    a lengthened fuselage;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    redesigned outer wing panels;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    more powerful engines;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    revised aerodynamic surfaces;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    improved handling;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    greater speed;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    increased weapons-carrying capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting aircraft looked very similar to the Me 210, but was a substantially improved machine.\n\u003cbr\u003eDevelopment from the Me 210\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 210 programme had become a serious problem for the Luftwaffe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original aircraft was difficult to fly and suffered from instability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410's revised outer wing panels changed the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. The wing sweep of the outer panels was brought into line with the inner panels, improving the aircraft's handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSix incomplete Me 210 aircraft were converted to Me 410 standard during late 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Me 410 prototype subsequently flew toward the end of 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Luftwaffe accepted the improved aircraft and ordered it into production.\n\u003cbr\u003eEntry into service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeliveries of production Me 410s began in January 1943.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduction continued until September 1944, when the worsening German military situation and changing fighter requirements brought the programme to an end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 1,160 Me 410s of all versions were produced by Messerschmitt's Augsburg works and the Dornier plant at Munich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the Me 410 substantially less numerous than the Bf 110 it was intended to replace.\n\u003cbr\u003eEngines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 A-series was powered by two Daimler-Benz DB 603 liquid-cooled V-12 engines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe engines provided substantially more power than the DB 601s of the earlier Me 210.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe additional power was essential because the aircraft was large and heavily armed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor an A-series aircraft, representative power was approximately 1,750 hp per engine, depending upon the exact DB 603 installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe engines drove three-bladed propellers and were mounted in streamlined nacelles beneath the wings.\n\u003cbr\u003ePerformance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative Me 410 A-series figures are approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engines: 2 × Daimler-Benz DB 603\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: around 620–625 km\/h \/ 385–388 mph\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: approximately 12.4 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Wingspan: approximately 16.4 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Role: heavy fighter, bomber destroyer, reconnaissance and night fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Typical armament: 20 mm cannon, machine guns and optional heavy weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePublished specifications vary according to the exact sub-variant and equipment fit. A representative A-1\/U2 configuration is listed at about 624 km\/h maximum speed.\n\u003cbr\u003eArmament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 could carry a formidable collection of weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA standard fighter\/bomber-destroyer configuration could include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    2 × 20 mm MG 151\/20 cannon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    2 × 13 mm MG 131 machine guns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    additional weapons depending on the conversion kit;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    bombs;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    rockets;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    heavy cannon installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's fixed forward armament was supplemented by remotely operated defensive gun turrets mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese distinctive Ferngerichtete Drehlafette mounts gave the rear gunner substantial defensive firepower.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe 50 mm BK 5 — A-2\/U4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most spectacular weapon associated with the Me 410 is the 50 mm BK 5 cannon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis weapon was installed in the A-2\/U4 and other specialised bomber-destroyer configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe cannon was derived from the 50 mm KwK 39 tank gun and was adapted for aircraft use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts purpose was straightforward: allow the Me 410 to attack Allied heavy bombers from outside the effective range of many defensive guns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe gun could fire a very powerful projectile capable of inflicting severe damage with a single hit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matchbox PK-113 specifically depicts this distinctive configuration, making the large cannon an important identifying feature of the kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe gun installation carried a limited ammunition supply. Later B-2\/U4 information records 22 rounds for the BK 5, illustrating the fundamental trade-off between weapon size and ammunition capacity.\n\u003cbr\u003eBomber destroyer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 became particularly important during the Allied strategic bombing campaign over Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts combination of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    speed;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    heavy armament;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    long range;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    two engines;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    substantial ammunition capacity;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003emade it potentially dangerous to formations of heavy bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAgainst relatively unescorted bomber formations, the aircraft could be highly effective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matchbox's A-2\/U4 subject therefore represents one of the Me 410's most heavily armed roles.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe problem of fighter escorts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410's greatest weakness was its vulnerability to single-engine Allied fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the Allies increasingly provided long-range fighter escorts for their bomber formations, the Me 410's situation became much more difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft could not turn with fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt, and its size made it comparatively conspicuous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 could still inflict damage when it reached the bomber formations, but surviving the encounter with escorting fighters became increasingly difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eContemporary historical summaries note that although crews appreciated the Me 410, its performance was ultimately insufficient against the high-performance Allied fighters encountered later in the war.\n\u003cbr\u003eOther roles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 was not restricted to bomber interception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVariants were developed for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    light bombing;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    reconnaissance;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    night fighting;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    maritime attack;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    bomber destruction;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    ground attack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe A-3 reconnaissance version had a deeper fuselage to accommodate cameras and additional fuel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome aircraft were fitted with radar for night operations or maritime missions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe design's ability to carry large external loads made it a flexible platform.\n\u003cbr\u003eNight fighting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome Me 410s were used as night fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe type's speed and endurance were useful for intercepting Allied bombers, although dedicated night fighters such as the Messerschmitt Bf 110, Junkers Ju 88 and Heinkel He 219 filled this role more extensively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome Me 410 variants received radar equipment and additional equipment for night operations.\n\u003cbr\u003eMaritime operations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 was also adapted for maritime attack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe B-5 was developed for maritime operations and could carry radar and specialised anti-shipping weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProposed and tested loads included torpedoes and large bombs, demonstrating the considerable payload potential of the airframe.\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction and cancellation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduction continued through 1944, but the changing strategic situation increasingly favoured single-engine fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy September 1944, production had ceased after approximately 1,160 aircraft had been completed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Me 410 therefore had a relatively short operational career, lasting roughly from 1943 to 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was not an unsuccessful aircraft in absolute terms; rather, its usefulness became increasingly constrained by the changing air war.\n\u003cbr\u003eSurviving aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVery few original Me 410s survive today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most significant survivors is preserved at the Royal Air Force Museum, where an Me 410 is displayed as an important example of the German heavy-fighter programme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause surviving complete examples are museum aircraft rather than normally traded warbirds, there is no meaningful open-market selling price comparable with an airworthy Spitfire or Mustang.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistorical full-size aircraft price\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA reliable contemporary retail or unit procurement price for the Me 410 is difficult to establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGerman wartime aircraft procurement was conducted through government contracts, and published figures can include engines, equipment, armament and production costs in different ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI would therefore not assign a fabricated historical unit price to this aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor catalogue purposes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical selling\/procurement price: No sufficiently reliable standalone figure located.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCurrent full-size selling price: No normal open-market price; surviving Me 410s are museum\/heritage aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat is preferable to converting a wartime production-cost estimate into a supposed \"selling price\", which would give a misleading valuation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matchbox","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57512972255612,"sku":"Matchbox-PK-113","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/1C25B04F-EBF3-4602-A945-246AC2351456.jpg?v=1790663231","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/matchbox-pk-113-40113-messerschmitt-me-410-a-2-u4-b-1-hornisse-1-72-scale-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}