Author Topic: Fw 190: Tribute to Gramp (Read 23296 times)

TRM · « **on:** 21 Aug , 2010, 15:19 »

Hello all,

A soldier in War

I begin my thread today as sort of a tribute to my Grandfather. Sadly he passed away the beginning of this month. Briefly, he was one of 13 brothers and sisters. There were seven brothers, Six all fought in WWII and one in Korea along with the husbands of the sisters as well. They ALL made it back. Sometimes the stories of the war would flow and other times it seems like the burden of war was to great to express in words and tears would just flow. Last month while talking with my Uncle Jimmy, a member of the 1st Army engineers that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day, he began talking about the war. I have learned when this generation is willing to talk, you let them go. Well he talked for over an hour, with story after story. At one point he began to cry, looking over at me and then saying "I'm sorry" (for crying)....I sternly looked at him and exclaimed, " don't ever, apologize to me for crying...after what you all have seen and been through, an apology is never needed"!

Great story about the brothers published in the local paper on Veteran's Day: Brothers in Arms

Two things before I get on to the build: 1 - It matters not what country they may come from, they were loved by someone and viewed as a hero by them and their country. 2 - Listen to as many stories while you can, because once they pass, the untold stories pass too.

The Build:

While looking through some old photo (of my Grandfather) I came across the 1st photo below. And with a little investigation, the plane turns out to be, to what I am told, a FW 190 (F or G). I love this picture! And after seeing some great diorama builds here and more importantly, recent aircraft builds (Sierra) and on a couple of other site, I have decided to give a Static Tribute an attempt.

I will attempt to come close to recreating the photo. I still have another box of photos to sort through. There is actually 2 angles shot of this plane that I have found so far. I walked down the aircraft isle today whilst picking up some brass rod, and it just jumped into my hands....at least that is what I will tell the wife when she asks, "ANOTHER MODEL!!!!!!".

Most of the kit will most likely end up in the debris field around the plane as well as some "creative license" used in placement. I am really looking forward to this build as it will also make a nice break here and there from the U-69. The kit is from Eduard and the scale is 1/48. One hurtle that needs to be over come, will be making the 1/48 version of my grandfather....I have some time here.

As for the kit, Eduard Fw 190F-8, is 186mm long & the wing span is 210mm. The kit has 325 parts, 2 photo etch sheets, 2 decal sheets. for the money ($29 USD) Eduard certainly makes a nice kit. I am tempted to make the kit OTB and not the mangled, dismembered wreck in the photo. ( Maybe if I sneak out later, they will have another one???). A little bit a scratch and a lot of help along the way (YOU GUYS), I think I will get through it.

Begin... p.s. - Someone really needs to explain how they embed the photos into the txt, I am sure it has something to do with the "insert image" button, just not sure how it goes yet.

Now I begin....

Siara · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Aug , 2010, 15:32 »

Good subject, and nice story. Builds with good story behind, with unique foto reference are always special.
Can you post more fotos of this bird, or/and other planes that may still be in that magic box of yours?

billp51d · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Aug , 2010, 15:53 »

TRM ... Hats off to your Gramps and the rest of the famly. A well written post by yourself and an excellant article.
Bill

TRM · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Aug , 2010, 09:06 »

Thank you Siara & Bill,

I have a few more I have scanned in. I will post them here for now. I would like to see a section created, solely to "personal Armament Photos" (maybe in the gallery). This section could be broken down into the major categories:

Watercraft: Ships, subs, etc.
Areal Craft: Fighters, Bombers, etc.
Armor: Tanks, artillery, support vehicles, etc.
Personnel:?,?

These would be solely photos we have personally taken on these items, or even better, photo we have in our possession through family albums and such. Nothing "off the net" per say, unless these are actually your photos. I myself have a lot of interesting shots from my Grandfather, Step Father, Father, Father-in-Law & more.....

Food-for-thought.

Attached are a couple of other shots of the Fw 190, a British Avro Anson, what I am guessing is some sort of glider?

More to come.....

Rokket · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 Aug , 2010, 08:37 »

As others have said, really good post, and really good link to builds (I think the choices are so important).

I hope it is a lovely build.

Pat · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Aug , 2010, 07:42 »

Quote from: TRM on 21 Aug , 2010, 15:19

Two things before I get on to the build: 1 - It matters not what country they may come from, they were loved by someone and viewed as a hero by them and their country. 2 - Listen to as many stories while you can, because once they pass, the untold stories pass too.

That puts me in mind of something that my father told me many years ago. He was a Lancaster / Halifax pilot and was shot down one night in Feb '44 and spent the rest of the war as a "guest of the German government", mostly in Stalag Luft III (when he wasn't escaping).

In the mid 70's, he went to an Air Force reunion in Winnipeg, and among the Canadian, American, British and other aircrew there were a msattering of German pilots too. Dad struck up a conversation with the pilot of af an Me 110 night fighter, who it turned out was operational in the same area that Dad was shot down in and who shot down a couple of bombers the same night that Dad's plane went down. Sinc ethere were 4 RAF planes downed that same night there, there was a 50% chance that this was the guy who shot Dad's plane down.

Dad's reply to that was "I'm so glad we both surbived the war intact. Can I buy you a beer?"

No animosity. They were both just doing a job protecting their countries. Comrades in arms, even if on different sides.

Siara · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 Aug , 2010, 15:30 »

Good story Pat. Love stories like this.
TRM- are this photos from the "personal" album?
Ill join your shout for special place on this forum for such pictures. I for one am interested to see more shots like this.
I dodnt suppose theres any pictures of Bf109 E in that album?

TRM · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 Aug , 2010, 18:00 »

Pat,

Great story yourself. I have heard a couple of times way back of combatants becoming best of comrades. Amazing, if you take the politics and the big business out of most of the wars, you probably (hopefully) end up with a bunch hanging out in a field drinking beers.

Life will through some curves at you sometimes, it what you do when they reach the plate!

Siara,

Yes, these photos are from my Grandfather's photos. No, I have not found and 109's...yet. I spoke with my Aunt, she has an entire box that she mentioned letting me have as well. I will work to get over there in the next week or so. Maybe something in there.

I hope. I will keep you posted.

Thought I would add a couple of gems I found...As for the build, I am still making sketches of diorama and plotting the base.

my step father's collection of "official photo" in the Pacific campaign

Family friends album, he served on the USS Boxer

Taken by my step father on Iwo Jima

Step father's pictures, Iwo Jima

Siara · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 Aug , 2010, 14:31 »

Love every single one of them.

TRM · « **Reply #9 on:** 02 Sep , 2010, 20:11 »

They are evocative! I want to blow up the one of the guy laying in the blacks sands of Iwo Jima. Could look at that one all night.

TRM · « **Reply #10 on:** 04 Sep , 2010, 17:22 »

Hello All,

I have a meager update, but, it is still an update. I was able to cut the beginnings of the base. I started with 3/4" AC plywood and will be building it up with polyisocyanate

. This is a big word for foam insulation. I was going to use EPS (Styrofoam) but the "ISO" is much more dence. I will be able to hopefully carve sections a little to give an uneven ground appearance, plus, EPS is highly flammable (another thing that gets burned where I work in testing, like a pool of gasoline). Anyway, If time permits I will attempt to affix the sheets together this weekend and start cutting the band molding for around the edges.

Also, below the base pictures is the first of hopefully 3 gems in my collection. This is a (what I think) a German Airman's hat. My Grandfather brought it back with him from the war. I would like to think that he acquired it somewhere around where the pictures of him on the planes were taken, but this cannot be a proven certainty. If anyone has any knowledge of it, please let me know. Also, my German translation, well who am I kidding....feel free to translate.

The pins were on the hat when my Grandfather gave it to me years ago and it has been in a double plastic bag in storage with me for years.. He didn't speak from where it came from. I figured it may finally be fitting to display with the diorama when complete, we'll see.

Plywood and Polyisocyanate (roofing insulation board)

Hat brought back from WWII by my Grandfather

Please feel free to help with any information regarding the hat, pins or just about anything else. Thank you.

Cheers!

Rokket · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Sep , 2010, 16:29 »

Wow!

processing...

TRM · « **Reply #12 on:** 09 Oct , 2010, 14:04 »

Been slowing down here and there on the U-69 and gearing up in the FW 190 category.

Came to the sad realization about the Eduard model I was going to chop up for the diorama....I like the kit! So much so, I went out and purchased an Accurate Models kit.

This is a FW 190 A version, but I think it will do nicely. Ironically, from what I understand, Accurate uses Eduard molds. She has nice panel lines (even though the wings are pretty much it with this build)

Started buy removing the bottom cowl...wasn't needed.....yet.

Began working on the landing gear, what will be left of it and removing the rear of the fuselage from the bottom segment. In the photos, these appear to have been blasted away in to a scattering of burn fragments of twisted refuse. (I'm working on my literary styles.

)

I have bent them forward slightly and flattened the tire. I am working on finding some interior framing shots I will need for the top section when the engine goes in.

Cheers!

Rokket · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Oct , 2010, 01:01 »

Interesting on flattening tire (to show weight? or flat -flat?) - I was just at the Pacific Aviation Museum, and a couple real planes show flattened tires to almost "too much" degree - ie., if it wasn't real, I'd say the modeller slightly overdid it! Weird stuff! That's weight I'm talking about, not a pucntured tire...

Siara · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Oct , 2010, 02:37 »

Fletening the tires is a nice touch on the model. It shows the weight of the plane. When done correctly it can add the extra touch to the subject.
Im surprised that you started work on the landing gear, before fixing the wings to the fuselage TRM.

TRM · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Oct , 2010, 08:47 »

I guess one reasoning before the other...the fuselage will be all but non-existent in this project, at least as part of the wing set-up for now. I am attempting to re-create this photo.

The destroyed plane will be the easy part...I have never done the diorama stuff before. So when I ask a lot of stupid questions about grass, dirt and trees...please be kind.

Second part of my reasoning was, as part of the impact one wheel was blown off and the other "could" be flat. As seen in this photo, I cannot quite make out the very base of the tire. I "could assume it is flat and with some transfer of weight, with the leaning of the remains of the aircraft, that the tire may not sit completely flat. I thought it would also be a nice touch. If it doesn't end up looking completely right when I am done, the kit had 4 tires with it and I am not opposed to changing it if need be.

Cheers!

Rokket · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 Oct , 2010, 19:18 »

Very cool. the engine details will be a highlight.

LE BOSCO · « **Reply #17 on:** 16 Oct , 2010, 03:39 »

Quote from: rokket on 15 Oct , 2010, 19:18

Very cool. the engine details will be a highlight.

the rest Also!

Good courrage Mister T!!
a plus
Nicolas

TRM · « **Reply #18 on:** 16 Oct , 2010, 15:36 »

Thanks Guys!

Continuation....

Some engine work...

Getting ready to paint...

TRM · « **Reply #19 on:** 16 Oct , 2010, 15:39 »

A little more...

Rokket · « **Reply #20 on:** 16 Oct , 2010, 20:16 »

excellent damage!

LE BOSCO · « **Reply #21 on:** 17 Oct , 2010, 06:04 »

Hi T

That really takes shape ,"beau travail"
cheer
Nico

TRM · « **Reply #22 on:** 17 Oct , 2010, 11:44 »

Thanks Wink! Merci Nicolas!

A little more....

I don't have any of the long grass and such yet, but could not resist doing something on the base...

Going to be winging the ground work, never done this before.

Cheers!

Greif · « **Reply #23 on:** 18 Oct , 2010, 01:26 »

Hi TRM, really nice build so far. The engine is exceptional! And you have done a first rate job simulating the heavy damage. I also like the wartime photos you posted. Photos like that breath life into our models.

Cheers,
Ernest

Rokket · « **Reply #24 on:** 23 Oct , 2010, 17:20 »

You're achieving hat i love, duplicating a photo/reality, fun and rewarding.

Grass - never done it, but I understand fake fur from a fabric shop can be used with great results - also, ask Siara what he does.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/fur_grass/

Siara · « **Reply #25 on:** 23 Oct , 2010, 17:39 »

I use mix of naturals, along with artificial grass tufts from Green Line, Woodland Scenics, and static grass from Noch.

Pepper-mint · « **Reply #26 on:** 26 Oct , 2010, 04:19 »

Awesome !

A great "hommage" to your Gramp and his legacy. Respect.

TRM · « **Reply #27 on:** 16 Nov , 2010, 18:08 »

Thanks for the help guys. I finally received an order of some grasses...have not been able to play around yet but am getting excited to.

Thank you for the kind words Pepper-mint!

I played around a little while waiting for some "other" Items to arrive that will be added to the diorama. The tail section. I thought of placing it somewhere in the scene as there are bits and sections of other planes strewn around in the photos. I need to dirty it up a little. I am sure it will fit somewhere.

Still working on some misc. wiring, trying to add "something" to the emptiness behind the engine.

Cheers!

Rokket · « **Reply #28 on:** 18 Nov , 2010, 04:11 »

The engine and damage look GREAT!

Greif · « **Reply #29 on:** 19 Nov , 2010, 10:27 »

Very nice work TRM. I'm sure you will have no problems with the grass. Standing by for more photos.

Ernest

TRM · « **Reply #30 on:** 19 Dec , 2010, 17:24 »

Thanks guys! In between doing the holiday thing and sanding the U-69, I began to start some more ground cover and one of the add-ons to be added to the diorama.

Light buff to add some fill for the grassy area. Will tone it down a bit after with the airbrush. Not shown hear is some of the tall grass that has begun to go down as well....I will get to that.

The add-on kit....Has a bunch of goodies I can use. 9 figures to choose from (not using all), a 1/48 jeep, barrels, gas cans and more. Started messing with the jeep a little.

Laying the grass is tedious but interesting. The jeep and other stuff will make for nice breaks....

Cheers!

Greif · « **Reply #31 on:** 22 Dec , 2010, 11:33 »

The groundwork is coming along nicely TRM. And the add-on kit looks like you will have some fun with it.

Ernest

Rokket · « **Reply #32 on:** 25 Dec , 2010, 17:12 »

love the add-ons

TRM · « **Reply #33 on:** 26 Dec , 2010, 16:11 »

Jeep update...waiting of our Blizzard of 2010 to start,

The first photo is one from the few I got from my Grandfather's collection. Since, I have a jeep for the diorama now, well, the rest is self explanatory.

The kit supplies two sets of numbers and with combining the two, I can make the identification number right.

color inverted...

The decal for the star on the hood however is different. The kit supplies a standard star within the circle. I the photo the start breaks the circle. From what I understand the stars were painted with different stencils. This particular version I read is called an "invasion style". I think it depended on who was actually painting the vehicles at the time. Not worried about this yet....

I started with the bustle rack (back) or the ten or so other definitions of the steel rack at the rear of the jeep.

The rack first appeared to be angled on the sides, but, after closer examination of a faint line near my grandfather's right arm and searching through a number of pictures online, I am fairly confident that it has a basket shape.

.75mm rod, leftover PE mesh and straps

Brass rod and some more leftovers for the plates

Canopy as seen folded down in the 1st picture, aluminum foil for the cover and brass rod for the rails

Loose fitting of the spare and gas can. Other junk will follow.

Cheers!

Rokket · « **Reply #34 on:** 27 Dec , 2010, 20:34 »

looking nice, excellent scratch work

Greif · « **Reply #35 on:** 28 Dec , 2010, 01:44 »

I agree with Wink, your scratchwork is outstanding.

Ernest

TRM · « **Reply #36 on:** 31 Dec , 2010, 15:43 »

Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

Onward...

Replaced hood on light with scrap PE

Added some levers, pedals and gauge lights (two posts in the middle top of dash)

Brackets for the removable roof

Wire will be the vacuum line for the wipers on the windscreen

Raised the rear seat to it's upright position, added ribbing and a tire pump....

TBC...

Cheers!

Greif · « **Reply #37 on:** 01 Jan , 2011, 02:53 »

Verrrry nice TRM! Makes the jeep look much more accurate.

Ernest

TRM · « **Reply #38 on:** 01 Jan , 2011, 21:20 »

Thank you Ernest!

Added front bumper light and tried working on a couple of figures...Still wondering why I chose 1/48??

Had to cut a few apart and mix and match to get close to the right pose...

I decided to use the guy sitting in the front of the jeep in my posted pic from earlier. Thought I could give him a camera, like he took the shot of the picture I am trying to recreate...

Added small case...

Started painting, this is were I realize how small they really are. Can't wait to get to the crew of the U-69!

In looking at the picture (jeep pic) The man sitting has sun glasses. Wish they came out as nice as Siara's, but, they will have to do...

Still a little touch up...

Basic "plot"...

As you can see, my Grandfather here looks more like the Joker from Batman. I need to fix something with the head....also, still working on ground cover. This will take a while!

Cheers!

Rokket · « **Reply #39 on:** 02 Jan , 2011, 01:34 »

VERY cool IDEA, VERY WELL executed, VERY WELL done scratch work...so cool

Greif · « **Reply #40 on:** 05 Jan , 2011, 00:13 »

Great work TRM. The build is looking really first rate. Yep, 1/48 scale figures can be a challenge to paint, especially the faces. I often have to redo mine once or twice to get them right.

Ernest

TRM · « **Reply #41 on:** 22 Jan , 2011, 20:46 »

Thank you both!

Ernest, I am beginning to find all this out! I am thinking spraying the faces next time, then shading. Real hard to get the eyes to look good!

Began some work on some peripherals.

Got rid of Gramps green hair too

Greif · « **Reply #42 on:** 23 Jan , 2011, 01:54 »

Nice work painting and weathering the small stuff TRM. The figure's face looks just fine. If you are interested I can describe who I paint faces, not that I am an expert at that particulair skill.

Ernest

Pepper-mint · « **Reply #43 on:** 24 Jan , 2011, 02:06 »

I love the jerry C...

TRM · « **Reply #44 on:** 24 Jan , 2011, 04:16 »

Thanks Guys!

Ernest, Of course! Firgures are not a strong suite for me. I know myself and I am sure a few of us would beifit from a brief tutorial.

As for expert....excuse me, I needed to go back to your Heinkel HE.....I thought they looked damn good!

Rokket · « **Reply #45 on:** 26 Jan , 2011, 01:32 »

shovel and jerry can = tops! great stuff

TRM · « **Reply #46 on:** 30 Jan , 2011, 19:14 »

Thank you Wink!

A little update

If you look at the last couple of pics, you can see my matte finish mishap. In an effort to not pull out the airbrush, I went for the can.

After test firing, I went to spray and got a nice peppering of white dots. still cleaning and touching up.

Live-N-Learn!

Cheers!

Greif · « **Reply #47 on:** 30 Jan , 2011, 23:24 »

Nice painting and weathering of the jeep TRM. Rattle cans do tend to bite the hand that feeds them, sorry to hear about the mishap, but I am sure you can right it.

Ernest

Rokket · « **Reply #48 on:** 03 Feb , 2011, 03:45 »

airbrushes can be a lot of work and a pain, but they are the only way...still looks awesome

TRM · « **Reply #49 on:** 03 Feb , 2011, 04:33 »

Thanks for the encouragement guys! Pickin away! Worst case, the Anchor Simon found online might fit nicely in the back seat!

Pepper-mint · « **Reply #50 on:** 03 Feb , 2011, 06:20 »

Great job TRM, your dio is going on very nicely (is this english ?).

The jeep is awesome, after all that tiny scratchB. a lovely painting and peppering (looks more like salting)... sorry, weathering.

Pepper

TRM · « **Reply #51 on:** 03 Feb , 2011, 18:40 »

Thanks Pepper! Looks like there is salt still on it. Does not come off like salt though. Pick, pick, pick! I hope to pick away this weekend.....we have been bombarded by snow! seems I sleep, I work and I shovel!
Maybe time for "my" stuff soon.

Author Topic: Fw 190: Tribute to Gramp (Read 23296 times)

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