This sheet is
marketed as 'Reich Defenders pt 1'. Undoubtedly, a majority of the the markings
are from the Classic Publications book "Defenders of the Reich, JG 1 Vol 2" as I
have seen most of these markings in that particular book. As a result, most of
the aircraft so done are early FW-190A's. Finding a kit for these aircraft is
not that easy. The problem is that only Dragon did an A-4 and no one does a
dedicated A-5/6. However, it may not surprise you to know that CE does a resin
modification set for those versions so that you can backdate your Tamiya 190F-8
kit. As with a previously reviewed sheet, this one offers the markings in 1/72
as well to help fill up the sheet. That way, you and a friend can go in on this
sheet together and then split the markings. One thing, there are no 1/72
insignia, but that should not be a problem.
OK, so on to the markings. I'll take them in the order that they
are shown to the left.
First is a very colorful red/black checked cowled A-6 version
from 2./JG 1. This aircraft, as are the others, is painted in RLM 74/75/76 with
varying degrees of mottling on the fuselage sides. The checks are presented as
separate sections that you apply in a specific order. This is shown in the
insert that accompanies all CE decal sheets. It appears a daunting task, but
should not be that difficult at all. Simply paint the cowling red and apply the
decals.
Next is Black 1 from II./JG 1. This is the Gruppenkommandeur's
plane and has a very nice white seagull on the side of this A-5 variant. The
lower cowling is painted red.
White 8 is from 1./JG 1. This A-4 version has a white
cowling with red on the underside. I'd say the picture was taken before the
black portions could be applied. This is a fairly clean plane in terms of
mottling but does show an area on the fuselage where a previous marking was
removed.
Finally, the lone non-JG 1 aircaft. This A-8 is from 4./JG 54
and as with most late war planes, has a lot of mottling on the fuselage side. It
also has a blue Reich Defense band that you'll have to paint on. Lower cowl is
yellow as was the norm for home defense squadrons from about 1942/43 onward.
