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Focke-Wulf Fw Flitzer

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This is Planet Models' Focke-Wulf Flitzer. Construction was basically straightforward, but the wing roots didn't quite match the fuselage stubbs, so a little work was needed blending them in. The tail booms are probably the most critical part of the build to get right - they have no locating pins, so I added short lengths of brass rod to give some support.

The cockpit was dressed up with a few etched details and I replaced the telescopic sight with a rough approximation of a EZ-42 gyro gunsight. The canopy was a bit of a problem, as it's definitely started to yellow while in the Stash, and I think this is likely to get worse with the model on display. I made a cast of the original before fitting it, so there is the option to mould a new canopy one day, if necessary.

The wheel covers were very thick as supplied, so I thinned the nosegear ones considerably and made new mainwheel covers from styrene sheet, with a few internal details added to all of them. For an extra bit of fun I decided to go for a varnished wood effect, like some Fw 190 flaps, to represent components constructed without critical raw materials. In retrospect, I should also have added brass pins to the undercarriage legs, because the joints proved very weak and have needed repairing on numerous occasions.

Camouflage was painted with WEM Colourcoats using an Iwata TR-O. I based the camouflage and markings loosely on German desert schemes, but with a "Luftwaffe '46" twist to things I used RLM 83 for the mottle. Decals were scrounged from a variety of spare sheets - the Flitzer's long nose seemed to invite a chevron.

I couldn't resist a bit of digital fun, using the model for my first attempt at compositing over a stock royalty free background photo from FreeDigitalPhotos.net., all blurred slightly to look "in action".
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About the Author

About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...


Comments

Great build! Cool shape and colour scheme
MAR 12, 2010 - 10:05 PM
Hi Rowan, Excellent feature of an excellent model! The header picture looks great as well. Maybe you could also do an article explaining how you did it. Jean-Luc
MAR 13, 2010 - 06:55 AM
Excellent build with a very nice camouflage scheme. The "in action" photograph looks great as well. Thanks for sharing
MAR 13, 2010 - 10:34 AM
Rowan, what's your next project? Your Flitzer looks absolutely great! Good work there. Russell
MAR 13, 2010 - 11:20 AM
Hi there Thanks for the kind words everyone. Peter Allen wrote a very useful article on making a digital montage with the full version of Photoshop. I've only got a cut-down version but the principles are the same, and can also be applied to other graphics software. What's next? Well, the Fw 190D is well on the way to being finished, and I must then get back to work on the Spitfire and Seagull. New stuff? A Bf 109 V-13 and something tasty from Wingnut Wings, among other things... All the best Rowan
MAR 13, 2010 - 09:44 PM
Really really lovely job Rowan. Both the model and the digital image. Had to love my namesake Now you have got back in the saddle, I'm also keen to see samples of your what's on next list? (What's next? Well, the Fw 190D is well on the way to being finished, and I must then get back to work on the Spitfire and Seagull. New stuff? A Bf 109 V-13 and something tasty from Wingnut Wings, ) I'm very busy with a new set of German profiles. It's taking ages this time but it should be a biggie. Best wishes Peter
MAR 15, 2010 - 08:32 PM
Cheers Peter As you can imagine, your work was a great inspiration for this build! I'm looking forward to seeing your next collection of profiles. All the best Rowan
MAR 15, 2010 - 09:23 PM