Released around 2010, Eduard's Fw 190D series included this not released before Junkers Jumo 213E engine "smooth cowl" D-13 variant with the Ta-152 propeller. Very nicely detailed with finely scribed panel details, this "Dora" builds into a fine replica of this late WWII fighter.
Notable Kit Features:
Seemingly accurate version of the Fw 190D-13 type
Very nicely detailed cockpit, with instrument decals (and photo etch in ProfiPACK boxings)
Excellent surface details with recessed panel lines, rivets and fabric ribbing on control surfaces
Proper see-through wheel well features with wing-spar and ribbings provided
Rear portion of the engine provided (not the full engine as per the A/F series)
Optional open/closed cowl and wing gun bays
Open and closed cowl flaps provided
Ailerons and the rudder parts are separate
Two types of main and tail wheels provided
Canopy parts, with blown and flat hoods provided, are crystal clear and thin
Build Inspiration:
Fw 190D-13 “Yellow 10” was the personal mount of Major Franz Götz, Geschwader Kommodore of JG26. On May 5th 1945 this aircraft was surrendered to the RAF at Flensburg, Germany providing a rare close look at this late WWII Focke-Wulf. The aircraft's history is thoroughly documented in the book “Yellow 10: The story of the ultra-rare Fw.190D-13” by Jerry Crandall. Excellent wartime and restoration photographs are included, along with some highlights of "Black 2" Bf 109 G-10 W. Nr. 610824 found with the D-13; a rare D-12 prototype, a Yellow-tailed D-9 and a D-11.
Heads-Up Report:
While not on the finicky scale of Eduard's Fw 190 "A" series, the kit is somewhat fiddly and some effort is required to get parts to fit right before applying glue (especially in the wing details)
Upper wing covers for the inboard cannons are really designed to be posed open (If you want them closed be prepared for a lot of extra work fitting these parts)
As I recall, the upper cowl part fit would have been a bit of a challenge posed closed as well (hence the open panels on my kit)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
This kit was built straight from the Eduard box contents
Finishing:
The paint scheme for this aircraft was the point of interest for me (as is typical with many of the Luftwaffe types). I applied the factory camouflage scheme of RLM 81/82/83 over RLM 76 and then proceeded to add an overspray of RLM 82 & 83 to the sides and top surfaces. In hindsight, it would seem my overspray is slightly overdone on the build here however it was a good learning experience. I didn’t wrap the top camouflage around to the underwing, as the the instructions showed, because photos I had at the time didn't suggest it, however I suspect Crandall's book would have come in handy here. Application of weathering was kept light because these airplanes didn’t get a lot of use in the few weeks they were in active service.
The After-Build Report:
While this Eduard Fw 190D isn't an easy build, due to the amount of detail provided in the kit, it will remain on my recommended list for the end result it produces straight from the box. For experienced model makers with some patience for detail, this will be a good kit. After building one I would still tackle another if the opportunity arose to purchase one at a good price (possibly for a D-9 build). So many kits - So little time... and space :)
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers