| Hasegawa 1:32 scale Focke-Wulf 190D-9 The fw D series are some of my favorite Axis planes. The story behind their development and service is quite interesting. I wanted to attempt another detailed project with this kit. So, I set out to get the PE set, masks, and complete resin engine set. Some modification had to be done to the front end. The required kit panels were removed to accommodate the firewall and gun mount. The remainder of the actual kit build was pretty straightforward. The finish is Model Master acrylics with post shading and pastel weathering. Resin details: The Aires resin kit was pricey but is a superb kit. It's a complete model in itself. The construction is tedious and, at times, frustrating. Plus, there are no color call outs so you ought to have reference shots as a guide. Much time is involved in removing and cleaning the parts to fit flush and correctly. However, once completed, it's well worth it. The fit of the engine to the engine mounts is good and aligns well. The fit of the engine mounts to the firewall is good as well. Make sure the glue joints of the firewall/engine mounts is secure to hold the weight of the engine, radiator and prop. The wiring/tubing for the engine is from scratch using thin copper wire, solder and filament line. There was some reference for the wiring, but I had to take artistic liberties with most of it. The radiator fits well to the cowl and prop. I had to make sure that each of these were in line and level with the centerline of the a/c. If one of them is off, then you have that 'bent' look to the overall line of the plane. The firewall pieces fit well to the kit parts and little work is required to fill and smooth the seams. The guns and ammo cans fit and sit well. I had to make sure that the guns were lined up evenly and level with the centerline of the a/c before securing them. The detail of the resin guns is top notch. However, the barrels are thin and delicate. The kit supplies extras. Additional details: *PE cockpit set *Scratch built seat belts *Brass cannon barrels *solder brake lines *Antenna wiring *Cowl flap actuators Colors used: RLM 21 (White), RLM 23 (Red), RLM 76, RLM 82, RLM 83, RLM 02 (Gray), RLM 66, Alclad Duraluminum, RLM 70, Yellow |