Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-12, Trimaster 1/48

[AIRFIXER]

Gentlemen,

Even today I'm still in love with those Trimaster kits that have seen quite a few Dragon, Italeri or Revell reboxes over the years. With constantly declining quality and increasing wear from one release to the next.



Even by today standards, I'd rate them excellent kits. Compared to the current state-of-the-art and slightly over-engineerd Eduard "Langnasen", those Trimaster Doras built extremely well. Fit could be an issue, though. But nothing one couldn't handle.



I finished my D-12 in typical late-war RLM81/RLM82 camo using Gunze Aqueous acrylics.
And yes, it's a really old build of mine from 2002. This particular kit dates from 1990, by the way.



Only aftermarket addition: a pair of hollow Moskit (soldered red brass) exhaust stacks.



Cheers,
Erik

[AIRFIXER]

Thanks, Jim.

It's about time to get back to the bench to build kits ASAP..
By now, the basement walls have dried up again and the legal stuff has been sorted - sometimes newly buitl homes turn out to be "problematic".

<quick prayer>
I'm hoping to be back on track in early April, joining the Messerschmitt GB at last.
</quick prayer>

Erik

[mostrich]

Yeah, some vintage Airfixer stuff. Like it a lot!
Even 15 years old, it can't be called a youthful folly. You seem to have started into this hobby on a fairly high level. But I'm not envy (whispering: not envy, not envy...).
Even the model railway bushes and trees can't throw a shadow on your build.

[Fermis]

Very nice!

[AIRFIXER]

Thanks, guys.

@Torben
Well, I was im my early thirties and had just started using airbrushes. Back then I was using an Aztek A470 on my D-12. In general, passing on to airbrushes denoted a quantum leap in developing my modelling skills. Prior to that, I've been brush painting my models with Humbrol enamels for almost two decades.

The base was one of my first humble attempts in the mid-nineties.
When it comes to bases, my skills have somewhat improved over the years. But only slightly.
Bushes and trees are overrated...

[Stuart]

You know – when I see builds like those I really think I should just hang up my sanding stick...

They are both superb builds – I especially like the finish on the Dora – the painting is great and I like the little wreathing touches. You obviously got on very well with the airbrush (I’m still in the brush painting with enamels stage) – the 109 is great too, the figure is pretty slick too and I like the little touch of the strap over the sill).

I’m going to go out on a limb here – I actually like the base the Dora is on – I think flat grass can get a bit boring, and let’s face it - most aircraft during the war were probably parked at the edges of the airfield anyway, not out in the open. Ok so you may not be happy with how you did it now, but it still adds more life to the model – I especially like the planking.

Anyway – looks great! Thanks for sharing.

[Bish]

Couple of very nice builds there. I do like the look of the Dora. I like that base as well, did you make the wood planking yourself.

[AIRFIXER]

Thanks.

Yes, Bish. Balsa wood sheet cut into stripes and glued directly onto 420 x 297 x 5 mm plywood board.
Wooden coffee stirrers are a good alternative to balsa sheet.

[Bish]

Thanks. I was thinking balsa for doing that in 72nd scale. I did get a printed one a couple of years ago in the hope it might be nicely textured, but unfortunately it isn't, but I figured it would be a nice guide to do my own.