Feature article by Ralph Riese
A note from Geoff
I have for a long time been a fan of Ralph’s work, his Luftwaffe subjects in particular are simply stunning, capturing the weathering and attention to detail that stand out above so many other models. The opportunity arose to ‘meet’ Ralph and discuss this project that he not only took on but has finished to such a superb standard. Everything from riveting to that final, highly effective weathering is captured in this full feature article and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. Thanks again Ralph for a project right out of the top drawer!
Kit: 1:32 Hasegawa Focke Wulf Fw190 D-9 (Item 08155)
Modelled as: Focke-Wulf Fw190 D-9, “<1”, W.Nr. 600150
Geschwaderstab, JG 4, Frankfurt airfield, March 1945
Construction
The model was constructed out-of-the-box as per kit instructions, with a number of minor enhancements.
Enhancements:
- Added rivet detail to the airframe
- Added RB Productions “1/32 Luftwaffe Seatbelts (RB-P32006) to the pilot’s seat
- Added undercarriage position indicators from stretched sprue
- Added aerial wires from monofilament mending thread
- Added canopy hood bracing from painted optic fibre
- Replaced the MG151/20 mm wing cannons with plastic tubing
- Replaced kit exhaust parts with Quickboost “Focke Wulf Fw 190D Exhaust” (QB 21 012).
Painting: The model was painted and glossed using Tamiya acrylic paints thinned with Tamiya lacquer thinner. Vallejo Model Colour paints were used for detail painting, and AK Interactive enamel washes were used to highlight recessed detail. Testors Dullcote lacquer was used for the final flat coats.
Eduard’s “Fw 190D 1/32” (JX005) and “Spinner spirals Fw 190D 1/32” (JX505 were used for masking the canopy clear parts and the propeller spinner.
Markings: EagleCals “Fw190 Doras” (EC#110)
References:
- Hasegawa kit instructions
- EagleCals EC#110 decal instructions
- Crandall J (2007). “The Focke-Wulf fw 190 Dora. Volume One Fw 190 D-9”. Eagle Editions Ltd. ISBN 0-9761034-5-1
- Deboeck M, larger E, Poruba T (2007). “Focke-Wulf Fw 190D. Camouflage & Markings Part II”. JaPo.
- Brown Ryle E & Laing M (1997). “Walkaround Fw 190D Number 10”. Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-89747-374-4
- 1:32 scale plans – thought to be from a Kagero publication