HobbyBoss 1/48 FW-109D-11, previewed by Scott Van Aken

HISTORY

The liquid-cooled, in-line Jumo engines that powered the last versions of the FW-190, epitomized the height of this famous fighter. Developed from the Fw-190D-9, the D-11 differed mainly in engine and armament. Whereas the D-9 was powered by the Jumo 213A, the D-11 used the more powerful Jumo 213F. This resulted in a barely perceptable change in the width of the nose section and a different radiator arrangement from the D-9. On the D-9, the radiator was flush with the front of the engine cowling, whereas the D-11 radiator was a toroid or like a doughnut with the elements along the outer edges of the cowling.

The increased power also meant a larger, more oval supercharger intake and a larger paddle-bladed propeller. In addition, the D-11 had no cowl guns and instead had an extra set of 30mm cannon in the outer wing sections. The actual number of D-11s built is unknown, but what is known that 140 were on order with many of these being completed and rest under construction at some stage. Indeed, there were enough Jumo 213F engines delivered to power all the ordered aircraft.

The 213F engine had its issues and so few were actually delivered to combat units, JG 300, JV-44 being the two most frequently mentioned. A number also went to fighter training schools where pilots for jets were being trained. The unreliability of the 213F engine was the reason so few saw combat units. The later 213F-1 engines were slated for the D-12 and D-13 variants. At least one D-11 was fitted with R4M rocket rails.

This is one of the rather large family of the Ta-152/FW-190D aircraft that Hobby Boss has done. Thanks to so many parts being basically interchangeable between variants, Hobby Boss has been able, with the addition of specific sprues, to produce all the variations. The only one I have built so far has been the Ta-152C and it turned out to be a delightful experience.

One of the first questions modelers who know the long nose 190 are sure to ask is 'does the kit provide an engine accessory section'. This is because the wheel well in these planes is open and that is easily seen. Yes, Hobby Boss has included this feature and after the cockpit construction, it is the next step. 190 cockpits are really small and what's in there is not easy to see, so I would not recommend much aftermarket here other than a harness set.

I am not a fan of installing exhaust prior to assembling the fuselages, but in some cases there are few options. Now, since this kit has a separate upper cowling piece you 'might' be able to install it later, but since you have to slot it into the firewall of the accessory piece, I doubt it. You also have to build up the tail wheel assembly before closing the fuselage halves so take care. The windscreen and canopy are separate on this one and so you can pose it open should you wish.

The main gear well is an insert and like every other 190 kit you have to install the inner gun barrels, the small frames outside of it and the center brace prior to gluing the wings together. Note also that there are holes for the outer bomb racks and the centerline rack that need to be open if you are going to include these features. Ailerons and flaps are separate and shown modeled in the neutral position. Up front, there is either an open or closed cowl flap cowling for you to install. As you won't be able to see the radiator with the open flaps you may want to use the closed option, even if it does look less cool.

Landing gear is well formed and there are the usual mass of antennas and steps on the underside. The prop is one piece with a forward and aft spinner section. No drop tank is provided, just a big bomb for the centerline and four smaller ones for the outer rack. Two pieces of the p.e. fret are used for the intake screen and a small section used to keep the supercharger from ingesting exhaust gasses.

I think that both marking options are bogus. ONe is the box art <81 and the other is a <II plane. Box art is in light green and brown over RLM 76 while the other is dark green and brown over RLM 76. Decals are nicely done and Hobby Boss offers several paint lines for the colors. This info is on the full color exterior painting guide.

One of the first long nose 190s I ever built was a D-11 using a conversion kit and the Tamiya 190D-9. It is lacking the open wheel wells, but it turned out well. Now you have the opportunity to do one right from the box. Is it 100% accurate? Don't know; don't care. It looks very much like what few period photos I've seen of this variant look like so I'll take that as accurate. A kit that those who like long nose 190s should consider.

KIT #:	81718
PRICE:	General 'at your door' price is around $25.00
DECALS:	Two Options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	M2013 release