Oh yes, the forgotten Butcher Bird

I sometimes go through the computer archives for images for the blog or eBay, or just because I like to look. I go back a couple of years just to refresh my memory on past projects - see I can use the computer, I'm not really a Luddite!
Just recently I discovered evidence that I had built the Eduard Focke Wulf 190. Quite a revelation. Maybe it's just my age affecting my memory....Anyway, here, after almost eighteen months, are the photos.


A subject as popular as this has had many incarnations over the years. Remember when we thought that the Monogram and later the Fujimi FW190's were good?
Much later, Tamiya introduced their rendition which eclipsed them all. Next came Hasegawa's A3/A4 series. As good as that one was, it was shoved rudely out of the way by the all-singing, all-dancing Eduard kit.


So what's so special about the Eduard offering? Is it the engraved panel detail? Or the multiple choice decal sheet? You can get that with Tamiya or Hasegawa. No, it's the colour etched parts, the engine and the weapons detail. The fit of the parts is not always wonderful, especially around the nose area, and the instructions are not always as clear as you'd like. So what's the attraction? Maybe it's the challenge. As brilliant as Tamiya is, it's too clinical and quick. With Eduard, it's a real project. It feels as though you are building the real aircraft in miniature. It's a tough, tricky little kit of your favourite airplane which you have to work on. So when you've completed it, a pat on the back is due. A big well-done is appropriate. Especially from yourself.

More from Japan

Regular readers will spot that I have not previously mentioned anything about a Japanese warship, but I have in fact been building one for some time.

It has been the most engrossing forty-odd hours I have spent in a while, and I was too intent even to pick up the camera. This one probably counts as a leisure build, although it will go on sale soon. I've been working on it in the evenings and weekends, and I'm sorry it has come to an end. The build went really well, in spite of one or two perceived inaccuracies, but it was a terrific experience. What is it? It's the 'Nagato' of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Made in Japan

A friend of ours is a pilot for American Airlines, and this week he shared with us some photos, taken from the cockpit, of the approach to Japan. They are lovely photos and he was happy for me to post them here for readers to enjoy. Many thanks, David.

Completing the 'Dinah'

The next stage in the completion of the 'Dinah':

With sun bleached panels added, I moved on to the exhaust stains and sooty deposits. I streaked these along the wings and engine nacelles. This instantly gives the plane a well-traveled look. So, going the whole hog, I lightened each area behind panel lines and wing leading edges.



The result of all this work makes the model look a bit too bold. As we'll see later, this will work out. An even coat of gloss varnish later and the decals can now be applied. Although Tamiya decals are of good quality, they are a bit on the thick side. This translates to either replacing them or getting out lots of decal setting solution and determination.


Several hours later, I realised that with only partial success with my Super Sol, determination had to take a different direction. A section coat of gloss allowed me to find the decal-hidden panel lines with my finger nails. No sniggering - they are perfectly valid tools, and they do the job.


The panel lines are now filled in and the model can all be matted down - a very important stage since all the various tones used are now drawn together. These shades are muted, toned down slightly, and the model looks properly in scale.


The model can now take its final additions - landing gear, engines, props and a host of minor parts. To finish, I dry brushed the ailerons, elevators and so on in a yellow-tan shade simulating the fabric covering and the stone chips, especially around the engine cowlings.

This is probably my fifth 'Dinah', and there's something iconic about it for me. It's an elegant aircraft, a beaut right out of the box. I hope you have enjoyed this build as much as I have.

Progress on the 'Dinah'

I thought it might be interesting to show a build in progress. I am building the Shitei III 'Dinah' from Tamiya in 1/48 scale. It's not just that the Tamiya kit is superb, but the aircraft lends itself so well to a good weathering job. Its twin-engined, twin-cockpit layout serves to make the most of a classic piece of aviation.


Views of the cockpit reveal how much nice detail there is to be realised; a light and dark overall paint job accentuating the ribs, and fine precise painting for the instruments and switchgear. Re-mixing certain colours such as black for consoles and instrument panels and greens for cockpit interiors can make for subtle but eye catching finishes.


Only fine gaps here and there remain after main assembly. Krystal Kleer is an excellent filler for this.
In my view a good quality masking tape and a fine, sharp blade are better than any pre-packaged masking set. With the glazing all masked up and the model rubbed down to a glass-like finish and the panel lines replaced from said rubbing down, the model is ready for its undercoat.


Some views from my rather chilly paint room.

Undercoat, pre-shading and a top coat of paint, all done. We are now ready for some very subtle panel fading. I add mid-stone to the standard colour to start, then a few drops of custard yellow - this makes for a very vibrant colour. So, with the airbrush turned right down, I proceed to add a very patchy look. You can see the difference in the fifty/fifty photo


It doesn't matter if the model at this stage looks a little larger than life. As the project progresses this will recede and add to the authenticity of the finished piece.

More on this very enjoyable project soon.

Resurrection Shuffle

I suppose it must get a little tedious when someone keeps getting out their old kits, referring to them as good friends and then putting them back on the shelf. Well, sometimes life is like that. We are lured to a project that promises wonderful things, but due to time constraints, missing parts and pressure of other work, we are limited to a few loving minutes in which we caress the parts, whisper sweet nothings into the box and reluctantly put it back.

On the other hand, there are times when a promise is totally fulfilled. A few months ago I posted about the Revell S-Boot in 1/72 scale, and I was particularly aggrieved about missing parts. Well, dear reader, the Boot is back. And construction is almost finished. How did I manage this, you ask? Quite simply; a recent trip to Model Zone in Manchester revealed a big pile of this very same kit at a vastly reduced price, check the photo.

Check out the replacement parts.

So, by making use of No. 2 Model Room (the lounge) I have been able to get most of it together. I must say, apart from a little flash and some ambiguous instructions, it's an excellent, well-detailed and accurate kit which builds into a lovely model more than 48cm in length. Check out THIS photo.


Also note, in the background is the conning tower for Mr Gato, the huge sub. Another resurrection only suffering from the constraint of time, or lack of it.

More on these projects later. For now it's back to the aeroplanes of which there are plenty in the pipeline.

The Shipping News

I felt it may be interesting to post something on the Gneisenau. It's a very welcome break from aeroplanes, of which I have several on the go. The Tamiya 1/700 scale kit is getting on a bit, but it goes together well.
The opening stages, the deck sections and the main and aft superstructure build up very quickly. The deck fittings, AA guns, searchlights and so on do need some cleaning up. A steady hand and a sharp blade are what's required here.
With most parts fitted, I applied the first undercoat. I left the forward superstructure and funnel assemblies loose. This has really helped while spraying and painting was going on.


The picture above shows the model mostly built, mostly painted and now waiting for the wash to dry. The main and secondary turrets are painted and are drying separately from the model. More on this interesting little build later.

With ony the sea planes to attach and a few last bits and pieces, the build is complete. This is the first capital ship I have built for years - very enjoyable it was too.

And finally, not only was the Gneisenau famous for the 'Channel Dash' but also for appearing on my blog that is supposed to be about aircraft. That's fame!