14. Focke-Wulf Fw 190
Germany - 1939
Destined to become one of the greatest fighters of the war, the Fw 190 began life as merely a “supplement” to the already proven Bf 109. Its arrival over the English Channel in September 1941 shocked the RAF however, and its adaptable design allowed it to be equally effective whether attacking Allied bomber streams high over Germany or Soviet tank columns on the Eastern Front. Depicted here is an Fw 190A-4 flown by Hannes Trautloft, the popular CO of JG 54. While not the highest scoring of aces, he was responsible for saving the lives of some 160 Allied airmen who were slated for execution. More build notes down at the bottom.
Eduard #82142, 1/48 Fw 190A-4
- I used the decals that came with the kit with one bit of artistic license. The port-side engine panel that did not receive the winter paint - what to make of that? I assumed in reality it was taken from another aircraft to replace a damaged panel, but that the other side was left as is. Therefore the starboard side is in winter paint and has the JG 54 famous coat of arms. Maybe I'm wrong and both port and starboard panels had to be replaced! I couldn't find any pictures to show either way.
- The only aftermarket addition I made to the kit was HGW Models' fabric seat belts.
- This is a beautiful kit, maybe my new favorite of all time. Easy to build and Eduard has achieved a state of mastery when it comes to the surfaces. Restrained panel lines and rows of rivets that pop just the right amount. Eduard's 1/48 fighters keep getting better and better.