Normandy FW 190A-8 - Hans Dortenmann

Jim J
So I decided it was time to build a 1:32 scale FW 190. I found this kit on ebay for $35 and snapped it up. It's the mount of Lt Hans Dortenmann of 2./JG 54. This is a popular subject because of the cool marking scheme and I'm looking forward to it. I plan to build it largely OOB but will add metal gun barrels and will use EagleCals for the decals. Interestingly, this plane was only operational for a couple of weeks before Lt. Dortenmann was shot down and had to bale out over Paris.

I just completed the office and engine. I thought the included pilot figure was actually pretty good so for the first time I will include the pilot. I used some PE parts and masking tape for the harness. The IP was hand painted this time since the dial detail was actually pretty good.

I'll button up the fuselage and start on the wings next.

Jim J
Build and main painting work is now complete. Unfortunately I didn't do a good job aligning the wing root during assembly so I had some extra filling and sanding work to do.
After priming with Mision Models gray primer, the plane was preshaded with black. Next, the blue JG 54 RV band and yellow undercowl panels were painted with Mission Models for the blue and AK real colors for the yellow. Next, the main colors went down -- RLM 74, 75, and 76 -- all AK real colors. For some panel variation I added some white to the base color and highlighted the panel centers, then blended in again with the base color. The wing camo pattern was masked using the EagleCals profile as a guide. The fuselage camo was freehand. Mottles were applied in RLM 74 and 75 and then lightly oversprayed with RLM 76 to soften them.
Some basic weathering and gloss coat next.

Jim J
Fine tuned the mottling a bit, added some paint chips and scratches and gave it 2x coats of Tamiya X-22 clear gloss.

Jim J
Finished Hans Dortenmann's Fw 190A-8. This is one of my favorite Fw marking schemes and I enjoyed the build.

Nathan Dempsey
Beautiful work there Jim. Along with all your great work I do agree the markings are very eye catching.

Patrick Hagelstein
Wow, this is a real crisp build! 👍

Jim J
Thanks Nathan and Patrick for the comments. Much appreciated.

Neuling
Top notch build and painting, presentation as well!

Slavo Hazucha
Great build and top photos, those saturated summer pictures really look great 👍 Big scale at it´s best!

Jim J
Neuling and Slavo - thank you for your warm and encouraging comments!

Stephan Ryll
Very nice build and presentation 👍

Jim J
Thanks James and Stephan! Much appreciated.