I am preparing to do Erich Hartmann’s Canadair Mk.6 from JG71. His plane was JA-111. Does anyone know if, while he was flying it, it was in natural metal, or a camo scheme? I’ve seen it in both config’s (see pics below). One pic is from a museum, the other is the box art from Hasegawa. I’d like to do it in the camo scheme, but as always, I try to make my builds accurate.
I am working on building three of Hartmann’s A/C: Bf109G-6, F104G, and the Canadair Mk.6.
I’ll be watching this thread with great interest, my wife got me that kit for Christmas and I was planning on doing the BMF, but I like that camo job as well! [8D]
Hey Scott - I figured I’d see you in this thread as we talked about this a while back. I got myself a 1/72 mk6 on ebay this last weekend (that’s my scale of choice). I’ve also found a couple more pics that I’ll send to you, but I have to sort them out first. I’m thinking that the museums painted the camo to make them look more attractive. Hopefully, someone can shed some light on this topic.
Scott - What a great Christmas gift!! You are indeed a lucky man in more ways than one! I wish I had room for bigger models, but 72nd seems to fit well with my needs.
I’ll keep looking for more pics and info. I’ve even put the question out to other forums, but have yet to get an answer, and meanwhile, as I said, i’ll forward on to you any new pics that I find.
Scott - I see that you have a Bf109G-14 on your bench. My very next build is Hartmann’s G6. How much info on his A/C do you have? I have a couple of specific questions, but I will PM or email them to you.
Milan - At the end of WW2 Hartmann surrendered to the US, but he was then turned over to the Red Army and spent the next ten years in prison. After he was finally released he was given command of the newly formed JG71 “Richtofen” squadron of the modern German Luftwaffe. He also flew F-104G’s.
Just to add to what Stinger already said the Soviets tried to get Hartmann to be a part of the East German Air Force, which he refused. They also tried to get him to become a spy for them by threatening to kill his wife and child, which he also refused to do. He went on to a distinguished career with the German Air Force flying Sabres and Starfighters (He was not a fan of the Starfighter… though it was too dangerous in the hands of inexperienced pilots.).
