Here I present my latest build, the relatively new mold Great Wall FW 189 recon/bomber version. This build is also for a friend, but I’ve always been intrigued by the Uhu (OWL) so I was excited to try it. Furthermore, their new P-61 is next on my agenda, so I wanted to see what I was in for with this company. The Uhu was the eye of the Luftwaffe and was very successful in that role. It was extremely manueverable and could out turn just about everything. It was also reportedly rugged and hard to shoot down. The owl was used primarily on the Russian front, who called it “Rama” (frame) due to the strange design.

I started with the cockpit. My reference said these could be either RLM 02 or 66, depending when it was built. This will be a 1943 machine so I went with the latter. It’s nicely detailed but has a two part assembly that leaves a seam line on the side walls. It sits low so I suspect it will be invisible once everything is added and closed up, so I didn’t mess with it. I added a color Eduard PE set and made flares from styrene rod. I added wiring to the back of the instrument panel as I suspect it will be seen from the front HE 111 style.
Great Wall is unchartered territory for me, so I followed the instructions. After I assembled the centre pod, I attached the wings to the booms. The wheel wells were painted RLM 02. The wing boom joints were far from perfect. I had a step on the starboard lower side…weird…but I muddled through and sanded what I could…that’s what putty is for. I also assembled the engines as they are need to attach the props, but the access doors will be closed so I just painted them black (unless it’s a radial it’s not my thing)…[:D]
People have raved about this kit’s fit, but I’ve had nothing but problems. The wing root joints needed lots of putty. I buckled down and got it done. The kit does have poseable control surfaces which is nice, but some genius thought it was a good idea to make you install the landing gears as you close up the booms…so it will be a pain to paint. Also, ejector marks everywhere in the bay. I’ve heard this is their first endeavor into aircraft models so I’m inclined to give them a Mulligan. Hopefully get made improvements on the P-61.
This turkey is a great candidate for Eduard masks. These are God send. My friend wanted the canopies closed, so I attached them before paint. I used a combination of Tenax and white glue. Any gaps were filled with white glue.
The canopies were then sprayed RLM 66 then everything was preshaded in XF-1 Flat Black.
As I said, this one will be a machine from the Russian front in 1943 which carried RLM 70, 71 over 65. It had yellow identification markings on booms and under wing tips. I sprayed XF-3 flat yellow with a touch of XF-7 flat red. These will get taped off before paint. It’s almost time to start the scheme.
That’s a nice looking bird you got going there. I like (love) your techniques and enjoy watching you take us along for the ride. Thanks.
On a side note unrelated to your build. Is it just me or do these twin engine German birds look sexy as all get out until you attach the canopy? Then they look like they have a tumor growing on them. I can only imagine how awesome these would look with smooth canopies.
What paint scheme is this going to have? Looking forward to it no matter what it is.
Well, I’ve been absent for a while due to work but it seems I’ve popped back on just in time. =] It’s always a pleasure to see your front offices Joe. Superb. The owl is an interesting subject as well. I hope the rest of the build goes a little better for you. Looking forward.
I built this kit not too long ago. It fought me in the places you mention, particularly in the boom attachments to the wing. Also watch out for the main landing gear, as I recall them to be delicate and finicky - once I got the gear together with the tires in place (which are molded with a flat spot on the bottom), I noticed to my dismay that I did not get the flat spot exactly facing downward, so the tires ended up looking, well, wrong.
you seem to have this dude under control. Looks good.
Thanks everyone. I’m sorry, but I just havent had much time lately for a more indepth WIP. I hope to improve that with my next build. Anyways, I finished this one up last night which is actually a commission build. I unfortunately dont know much about the unit that flew this plane, other than it was on the Russian front in 1943.
This thing fought me pretty good, but I’m overall happy with the final result. The greenhouse glass fit great. I used Eduard masks which performed flawlessly. Whoever invented these…Thank you! Paint is Gunze RLM 70/71 and 65. The decals were horrible so I sourced most of them from spare decal sheets. The pilot came with the kit. Detail was soft so I added masking tape parachute straps and painted it up. I think it looks passible. I still find the pilot’s pose strange and your pretty much limited to what I did.
Next I will have a go at the Great Wall P-61. We’ll see how the two compare.
Another great build! A lot of glass done well is real eye candy. I especially like the dude trying to decide if he wants to get in or go hide somewhere. Thanks for posting.
Poor guy probably can’t figure out how to get in, no obvious handle on that folding glass entry. BTW, I’m the guy that torments LD with projects like this. Hey I’m happy with the way it came out but don’t blame me for the P-61, I wouldn’t do that to you, who will build my stuff if you’re in a psych ward?
Wow, what a fantastic finish, absolutely amazing. I still admire the way you pros are able to highlight the panel lines even on a dark camouflage motif. How do you guys do that? Thank you for sharing!
Fantastic Joe. Glad to see you back. Looks like you tamed this one into submission. The pilot is a bit different. I find I’m pretty fond of it though. Anything that isn’t such a repeat is a warm welcome in my book. =] Nicely done!!
That came out great! I really like th epaint, and that greenhouse canopy looks fantastic. I agree the pilot’s pose looks weird - almost like, “Did I leave my cellphone in the center console?” but I think it still adds to the overall life of the setup.
