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Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11

 

 

ProModeler

 

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number and Description: 85-5969 Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11
Scale: 1/48
Price: USD$17.46 (from Squadron.com)
Contents and Media: Approx. 94 parts in grey injection moulded styrene; 5 clear styrene parts; 1  decal sheet with two options
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages: First kit release of D-11 variant; most D-11 characteristics accurately represented; good outline and detail; crisp panel lines; cowl flap position options; nice decal sheet.
Disadvantages: Mould-plug marks on fuselage and under wings; no "bulges" on engine cowling; may require some filler during construction; bizarre camouflage colour callouts..
Recommendation: Recommended 

 

Reviewed by Brett Green

 

Introduction

 

Most of Trimaster's original moulds have done the rounds in the last decade. DML, Italeri, Shanghai Dragon and ProModeler have all offered reboxings of various Trimaster originals.

It is therefore pleasing that, with some minor modifications to the kit moulds, we see the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11 for the first time as a mainstream model. 

 

 

First Look

 

ProModeler's 1/48 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11 is based on Trimaster's original Fw 190D-12 Torpedoflugzeug. Comparison of the two kits' sprues shows that the parts layout is similar except for the substitution of plastic parts for metal, and modifications that are unique to the D-11 variant.

The D-12 kit included the broad tail - a rare option even on this esoteric variant. The new D-11 kit has been modified to include the standard tail. Unfortunately, there is a small but noticeable step where the new tail has been grafted on to the old mould. This will require a little filler and careful sanding.

 

 

The D-11 and D-12 variants share the broad-bladed VS 10 propeller blades, large supercharger intake on the starboard side and flat cowling top. These are well represented in the kit.

The other major difference between the D-12 and D-11 is the omission of the coaxial 30mm MK 108 cannon, and addition of wing-mounted 30mm cannon. The wings have therefore been equipped with upper breech covers and shell ejection chutes on the lower wing. There is an obvious raised plug where the ejection chutes have been inserted in the lower wing. Filler and sanding will also take care of this blemish.

 

 

Otherwise, the surface detail is surprisingly good considering the age of the original moulds. Panel lines on my sample are crisp and consistent. The plastic is smooth although a little flash is present on smaller parts. Fabric detail on control surfaces looks great.

Kit options include open or closed cowl flaps, drop tank or bomb on the short ETC504 rack and a pilot figure. Only the flat canopy is supplied in this kit.

The only feature of the D-11 variant missing in the kit is the subtle bulge on each side of the cowling to accommodate the wider engine mount for the Jumo 213F powerplant. In reality, this bulge is difficult to see on photographs of the full-sized aircraft. However, this feature can be fairly easily added using your favourite two-part epoxy putty.

 

 

Instructions are in the form of a stapled 16 page booklet. Assembly is called out in 9 steps. 

Markings are supplied for two aircraft, "Red 4" and "White Chevron 61". The decals look quite nice, but there are plenty of after-market options for those so inclined (click the image to the right to view the decal sheet full-size).

Colour callouts in the instructions are nothing short of bizarre. The upper surfaces are described as "Flat Olive Gray RLM 81" and "Flat Light Gray RLM 74". Both of these well-documented aircraft are almost certainly finished in RLM 75 Grey Violet and RLM 83 Dark Green. Lower surfaces are most likely RLM 76 Light Blue.

There are a number of excellent references currently available for these aircraft. Jerry Crandall's "Dora's of the Galland Circus" (Eagle Editions 1999, ISBN 99-94772) describes "Red 4" in detail; and Classic Publications "JV44 the Galland Circus" (1996 ISBN 0-9526867-0-8) has several pictures of "White Chevron 61". 

Experten Decals No.3 publication (by Brown and Wadman, ISBN: 0-9696819-0-11) is another excellent source, with comprehensive discussion and photographs of "Red 4", although it may be difficult to find these days. The July/August 3/95 issue of the German Magazine Jet & Prop included an article by David Bown and Dave Wadman with numerous photos and Dennis Davison's 1/48 scale 4-side colour profiles (and scrap view) of Rote 4.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Previous experience with the Dragon Fw 190D-9 suggests that this kit will be trickier to assemble than a Tamiya kit. However, the modeller will be rewarded with an accurate nose shape, correct size wheels and appropriate length main gear legs straight from the box. 

The inclusion of good looking VS 10 prop blades, Ta 152 intake, flat cowl and 30mm outboard wing cannon will deliver a Fw 190D-11 without modification. Armed with a little patience and your favourite filler, ProModeler's kit should produce a great looking late Dora. 

If total accuracy is a priority, the addition of side cowl bulges should be within the skills of most moderately experienced modellers.

Recommended.

Thanks to Squadron for the review sample.

ProModeler's 1/48 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11 is available online from Squadron.com

Review Copyright © 2001 by Brett Green
Page Created 15 March, 2001
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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