A Pair of 1:18 Fw-190s

I have really fond memories of the 1/18 "toy" aircraft models by 21st Century Toys from my teenage years. Their size really made up for not being 100% accurate or detailed. Many of mine were taken apart and customized, but I always dreamed that they would release them in true "kit form".

This project is (hopefully) what I wish I would have been able to do to my 21st Century 1/18 airplanes when I was younger. I am looking to correct some inaccuracies and add some extra detail here and there, but not splitting hairs by going for 100% accuracy. 

The Magic Scale Modeling set will be used on one of the Fw-190s to provide a spinning propeller, lights, and sounds during an engine run sequence. The other 190 will be a static model. 

Aftermarket 

Hobby boss designed the propeller backwards. It causes a very awkward look if left uncorrected.

Uncorrected (left) vs corrected (right) 

Correcting the propeller is pretty easy.. just cut this piece off and glue it on the opposite side 

Spinner comparison

The kit spinner is too long and the propeller cutouts should be squared-off at the bottom 

The spinner was sanded down 

The propeller cutouts were shortened and squared-off by using a photo-etch saw on top of a feeler gauge (to ensure equal length cuts) 

The hole at the front was drilled out 

Hobbyboss did not design the cooling fan to be attached to the propeller. I glued it to the base of the spinner, so it will spin when the propeller spins (like on the real Fw-190). 

The finished (modified) propeller/spinner assembly 

Sturmstaffel 1 spinner progress (part 1)

I started using some Tamiya "masking tape for curves", but it didn't work towards the tip. I used it as a guide for placement of thin strips of regular masking tape. 

Sturmstaffel 1 spinner progress (part 2)

I thought the black part of the spiral turned out a little too thin after the first attempt. I decided to attempt re-masking and paint again. Luckily, it turned out like I hoped. 

Sturmstaffel 1 spinner vs. reference photo

Some touchups are still required, but overall I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. 

JG3 spinner progress 

JG3 spinner vs. reference photo 

Propeller painted Mr. Color RLM70 

Tonal variation was added using 90% RLM70 + 10% white sprayed through a scrubbing pad 

Propeller wear vs. reference photo

I wish I would have done an additional layer with another lighter shade, but I was worried about over-doing it and ruining the effect. 

propeller blades masked 

propeller hub painted white aluminum (AK Xtreme Metal) and sealed with a gloss clear (Tamiya X-22) 

oil wash applied using Abteilung shadow brown 

Magic Scale Modeling electric motor installed 

Engine detailing progress

Hobby Boss apparently just gave up on the engine lol. The cylinder heads (which aren't very visible) are there. The rest had to be scratch built. I wasn't going for 100% accuracy so a lot of artistic license was used. 

The real BMW801 had aluminum cylinder heads. I used a darker shade to hopefully create a sense of "shadow" from being inside the cowling with little direct sunlight. 

The engine was painted, an oil wash was heavily applied, and then everything sealed in a clear coat 

I think I achieved the desired look that I was after. The engine is visible, but the dark color does not make it stand out at most viewing angles. 

Engine detail on close-inspection 

The JG3 propeller assembly will be held on with a magnet. The kit's propeller shaft fit is a little loose.