Focke Wulf Fw 189 A-2

Painting and weathering

The winter camouflage finish was achieved with the "hairspray technique":
- The model was painted first in RLM 65/70/71.
- Then it was protected with several coats of Klir (Future).
- The markings were applied and protected with Maskol.
- A coat of hairspray was sprayed all over the upper surfaces.
- A coat of Tamiya white acrylic (XF-2) was randomly sprayed next.
- With a moistened hard brush the white paint was removed in places.
- Another coat of Klir, some flat varnish (Gunze H20) et voilà!

Conclusion

Overall, the Great Wall Hobby Fw 189 is a very nice first effort from this "new" manufacturer in the field of aviation. The surface details and overall fit are excellent and only the original design of the aircraft (twin boom an central nacelle) can cause some serious head scratching sometimes. But with some careful planning during the build an experienced modeler shouldn't have to much problems with the kit.

There are a few points to watch out for though:
- The frames of the forward transparencies are a tad heavy.
- The masks included in the kit don't fit and don't stick very well.
- There are seams that will need to be filled on the wing roots.
- The decals work well but are somewhat on the thick side.

The Great Wall Hobby kit also includes some nice bonuses (a pilot figure, a pair of wheeled inspection platforms and a set of wheel chocks) so it represents a good starting point for an interesting Luftwaffe maintenance diorama.

I want to say a big thank you to Guido Hopp for having arranged an early sample of the kit for this build article. Thanks also to Mark58 (http://www.mark58.oxatis.com) for the custom made display base