Fw 190 D-9sEagleCals sheet EC#60 comes in a re-sealable plastic bag and though this review focuses on the 1:48 scale reference, it is available in 1:72 scale and 1:32 scale as well. Below is a list of the four marking options present on the sheet:
- "Black 1", W.Nr. 201003, 14./JG 26 (IV. Gruppe), Varrelbusch, Germany, March 1945.
- "Black 11", W.Nr. Unknown, JG 4, Bayreuth-Bindlach, Germany, Summer 1945.
- "Blue 12", W.Nr. 500570, II./JG 6, Fürth, Germany, 8 May 1945.
- "White 11", W.Nr.213007, 13./JG 51, Flensburg, Germany, May 1945.

The quality of the decals is very good with good density and printing in perfect register. I experienced no problems when applying the bigger ones on the glossy surface of the model which was prepared with Klir (Future). I only noticed some slight silvering on the smaller stencils after I've sprayed a coat of Mr. Hobby H20 Flat varnish. A good thing is that the sheet provides many alternative stencils so you will have the choice here, provided you have good photos of the original aircraft to help you to choose the right ones. Placards for the landing gear are present as well and are a nice touch.

I chose to do aircraft "Blue 12" and I must say that I found the number 12 and the bar to be very dark indeed. I wish the blue would have been a little lighter since it appears almost black on the finished model. It is also to note that the E9 markings on the left side of the engine cowling seems to be wrong. Jerry Crandall, famous Fw190 Dora specialist, found new pictures of the plane which indicate that it is rather an oil stencil. On my model I've made it using spare decals from the Eduard sheet since nothing similar is present on the EagleCals sheet.

A response from Eagle Editions

Judy Crandall has kindly supplied this additional information concerning Blue 12:

"...the E9 markings that we have on these decals have been replaced with the oil stencil and Eduard got their information from Jerry's Dora book. Our new Dora decals have this oil stencil. Ah, the ever-evolving study and research on the Doras....Also, the number '12' is Very Dark, we had a special color made up for this darker color as it is almost Black."

Instructions

The instructions are amongst the best I've seen for a decal sheet. They are printed in color on high quality glossy paper. They provide photos of the original aircraft (especially "Blue 12" is well covered) as well as very nice profiles, stencil markings and top and bottom views. Some historical backgrounds are present as well for each machine.

Precise RLM color indications are given for each aircraft but there are no paint references and no Federal Standard numbers to help the modeler. One will have to use one's own RLM color chart or mixes.

Conclusion

The Fw190 D-9 is a fascinating subject with endless camouflage and marking possibilities and the ones provided in this decal sheet are very interesting. The quality of the product is excellent and the instructions are really top class! I can highly recommended this reference to you if you search for alternative markings for your Eduard or Tamiya 1:48 scale Dora kit.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.