http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1221
343.
Erprobungsstelle Rechlin-Lärz, south of Muritz Lake, was the Luftwaffe's main "proving grounds" for testing advanced German aircraft. This is Me 262 A-1a W.Nr. 170095 "KD+EA" (not a
stammkenzeichen, see O'Connell, p. 59) at Rechlin, probably in February-March 1945. It has just been towed to its preflight position to start its engines. Note that while it has no white gun rectangles, the muzzles can be seen on this photograph.
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1222
344. In this photo, a portable electrical generator is being hooked into the power system of "KD+EA" to start its engines. On page 318 of Smith & Creek,
Me 262 Volume Two (Clasic, 1998), is a better view of the Me 262 in the background left. It is Me 262 V8, W.Nr. 130003 that Walter Ballerstadt tested at Rechlin between 15 February and 17 March 1945.
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1223
345. This picture shows the pilot wearing his helmet with headphones and a loose harness strap over his shoulder. The mechanic has removed both engine access hatches, perhaps to adjust the engines.
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1224
346. This view shows how the power cord plugged into the fuselage as well as the towing cables attached to the main landing gear lying on the ground. W.Nr. 170095 "KD+EA" was listed in a document, B.Nr. 22140/45 dated 15 January 1945 as one of the aircraft at Rechlin. The final entry for the tests by this aircraft is
"Nachtjagd-Einsatz erprobung", operational nightfighting trials, see Smith & Creek,
Vol 2, p 319. This is possibly the aircraft that Kurt Welter, ex. 10./JG 300, used at Lärz. For the connection between 10./JG 300, II./NJG 11 and
Kommando Welter, see RL 2-III/65 p.0017, RL 2-III/66 p. 0090 and RL 2-III/66 p. 0198.
In this picture note a similar stylized "
L" on the nose wheel door as was seen on W.Nr 13008, perhaps standing for
Lärz.