1/72 Tamiya Fw190D-9

by Joe Youngerman

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   I won't put you to sleep with the history of the Fw190D-9 as most folks are well acquainted with this fighter's background. I will just make the comment that this model depicts an early build 190D-9 with the flat topped canopy and the tensioner for the radio wire fitted...hence the taught line. I built this little gem straight from the box and encountered no problems along the way though the landing gear attachment points are a bit flimsy and care must be taken to achieve proper alignment. I added only the radio wire from stainless steel and some seat belts made from Tamiya tape. The gun barrel tips and exhausts were drilled out as well.

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I used a home mix of enamels to replicate the RLM 82 and Pollyscale RLM 83 acrylic for the topsides with Aeromaster RLM 76 being tapped for the belly. The interior was finished in Aeromaster RLM 66 while the wheel wells and main gear were finished in Aeromaster RLM 02. Alclad II was used for the nose radiator inlet and Gunze RLM 70 utilized for the propellor. Weathering was achieved by pre and post shading, with chalk pastels and Prismacolor Pastel pencils being used for the paint wear on the inboard wing areas. The exhaust stains are a mix of pastels and a very diluted mix of Pollyscale black and rust...about 80/20 paint mix diluted about 50/50. The fuselage band was painted on using Pollyscale colors. The decals are from an excellent Eagle Editions sheet for the Fw190 and went on without difficulty after a good coat of Future. The model was a joy to build and finish and looks great sitting next to my earlier model Fw190's in the display case.

I was suprised and pleased to have this model win Best OOB Aircraft at the BugCon05 show in Charlotte NC back in March!  That probably says more about the kit than my abilities however! :)

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It is a great kit and unlike the Hasegawa offering, needs no cockpit replacement or upgrades to look presentable with the canopy open. For that reason I would probably give this kit the nod over Hasegawa's. I hope you enjoy it!

Joe

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Photos and text © by Joe Youngerman