1/48 Tamiya Fw 190D-9 - Final Flight of Chevron Dot (Complete)

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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Continuing on my Dora theme, I found another interesting scheme to attempt, this time using Tamiya’s kit. This aircraft, W.Nr. 211934, was one of three Fw 190D-9’s that flew to Fürth, Germany to surrender on May 8, 1945.

It’s exceptionally well documented in both black & white and color photos as well as some movie film of the “surrender” scene, where an unidentified pilot exits the plane into the custody of US troops.

The camo scheme is unique, particularly on the wings, with unusually shaped areas of RLM 75, 81 and 82. Previous markings are painted out with markings for the Stab II./JG 6 Technical Officer applied.

Compared to the Eduard kit, the Tamiya model builds itself. Although there are a few well-documented inaccuracies, it still looks fine and is fun to build, especially for a 25-year-old kit. It’s OOB with the addition of brass tubes for gun barrels, Eduard seat belts and decals from Eagle Editions.

Here’s the office - not very detailed, but not very visible either.

Mr. Color paints were used for the main camo. Mr. Finishing Surfacer was used for primer.

I’ve attempted a number of new techniques for me on this build. First, convinced by lawdog’s results, I took a crack at AK worn effects fluid over silver paint on the wing roots to simulate chips and scratches. I’m impressed with how this turned out. More photos later.

Second, I used some scotch brite as a template for randomized pre-shading. I’m happy with how this worked but I think it was most effective for the lighter colors and not the darker colors.

Third, I tried the “salt” shading technique to weather the prop and think it came out OK. I could have been more bold with the contrast, but it’s a good start. I’ll put some photos in a later post.

Since there are so many photos of this aircraft from many angles, I’ve tried to replicate the coloring and camo pattern as closely as possible. I’ve had to rework the camo details quite a bit on the fuselage sides and tail, but i think it’s fairly close at this point. I’ll post some comparison shots from various angles when it’s complete.

The main camo for the wings was applied using paper templates and the fuselage was all freehand. Gloss coat is now on and decals are next.

Thanks for following along.

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Chevron Dot has completed its final flight from my workbench to the photos.

The decals went on with no problem followed by a gloss coat. For the first time I tried an oil wash for the panel lines instead of the usual Flory wash. The drying time is longer, but I liked the effect with bolder colors. I also did some panel fading with oils to experiment in changing the color slightly.

After a matte coat, I applied a number of weathering techniques - black-brown mix, pencils, pastels, more oils, a light mist of deck tan and light earth over the entire airframe, etc.

The original photos show the plane was particularly dirty and muddy when it landed and I tried to capture that by spending quite of bit weathering focus underneath the wings and fuselage.

I also tried Infini Aero rigging for the antenna cable and it’s a winner. EZLine is out becuase it’s thicker and actually has a flat profile.

Here are some comparison photos vs. the originals.

The Tamiya kit looks good but it’s not nearly as detailed as the Eduard kit as far as surface detail, riveting, etc. Still pretty good for a 25-year old kit.

I like the various areas with red oxide primer. They give the airframe some character.

The interesting photo below shows Chevron Dot (right) meeting its demise on the trash heap. The primed areas and unique wing pattern and coloration are clear.

I used a combination of Eagle Cals and Kommandeur decal profiles for the camo pattern.

I decided to close the canopy on this one to show the lines of the Dora and give some tension to the antenna cable.

Overall, it was a fun project to test out some new weathering techniques.

I’m happy with how it turned out and think the overall rendition hits the mark. However, I think I could have dirtied it up a bit more after looking more closely at the photos. I find it’s always a challenge to have just “enough” weathering applied and I usually tend to go lightly to avoid overdoing it.

Thanks for looking. Comments and critique always welcome.

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Very nicely done Hoss. [t$t] [t$t] [t$t] Even the photos are outstanding. My “tests” never turned out looking that good.[;)]

Jim [cptn]

Stay Safe.

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Very well done!

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You certainly did an excellent job on your work, Hoss. Thanks for sharing it.

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Thanks Jim. Much appreciated.

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Thanks jeaton.

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Thanks Flight Line. Much appreciated.

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Hoss you mastered this one. Camo and weathering are great.

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Thanks Tempest. I had fun with this one.

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Masterful paint job you’ve done there. Very nice [:D[

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Thanks cbaltrin. Much appreciated.