Black 12 (W.Nr.500570) Fw 190D-9

Before surrender at Furth Germany in 1945.

I chose this scheme as a good representation of a late war "hodge podge" camo scheme.

The kit is typical Tamiya, great fit, accurate for the most part, so on and so on..  That's why I decided to hack it up and do my best to make it difficult.  I almost succeeded, but the FM detail set was flawless, and fell right into place. All of the FM castings were perfect, as well they should be for a fifty dollar detail set.

The only part that gave me any trouble at all was mounting the engine to the firewall, and that was just a matter of getting 5 things to line up at once, using one hand.  Other surgery preformed on the airframe were cutting the flaps and positioning them in the down position, and cutting open the tail inspection door.

I had at first wanted to depict the aircraft after surrender with the Allies inspecting the various parts of the plane, but I decided on doing it as if it were getting ready to leave on that fateful flight, with the pilot looking nervously skyward whilst the groundcrew perform their duties.    

I scratchbuilt the wood planked hardstand before the new resin ones came out, such is the way with most things right?  Although given the choice, I probably would do the same again. I like being able to push the planks into the moist groundwork so the blades of grass poke through. 

The airfield carts are the old Verlinden ones, still very good for any Luftwaffe diorama. I used brass tubing soldered together instead of the Photoetch for the frame on the dark green starter cart.  

Overall I had allot of fun building this diorama, and it holds a special place for me, as the first Aircraft dio I have ever built (usually do armor),  and it is featured in the new Mastercon book by Letterman publications (also another first).  I know there are a few things I can improve on next time, and as soon as I get the next one done, I'll be sure to get it to ARC A.S.A.P.

Greg