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Focke Wulf Fw 189B-0/B-1 "Luftwaffe Trainer" (SH72430) 1:72 Special Hobby


Julien

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Focke Wulf Fw 189B-0/B-1 "Luftwaffe Trainer" (SH72430)

1:72 Special Hobby

 

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The Fw 189 won the competition in to replace older reconnaissance type with the Luftwaffe beating the Ar 189 and Bv 141. The type went on to become the Luftwaffe's standard tactical recon platform. The aircraft features a central fuselage pod heavily glazed, with twin booms leading back to the tail, the front of which housed the engines. The Luftwaffe looked at expanding 189 production and called for a training version, attack version and a maritime version with floats. Only 2 prototype attack versions were built, and the single float version was never finished. Along with the prototype Fw 189B trainer two more B-0 aircraft were built, followed by 10 B-1 aircraft. As well as for training the aircraft were used in the Liaison role, though little is really known on this. 

 

 

 

 

The Kit

This is a rebox of the MPM kit with parts for the trainer version and new decals. Construction starts in the large cockpit area. The two font seats go in with a panel separating them and two control columns in front of the seat.  Two additional seats go in the rear of the cockpit followed by the rear bulkhead and a further panel to the left of the two rear seat. Following the installation of the instrument panel into the right side of the fuselage pod the complete cockpit can be inserted in and the pod closed up. The cockpit glazing can now be added.

 

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Each of the twin booms can now be built up. There are front and rear bulkheads for the gear wells which support the gear well roof. At the front the engine face goes on, and to the left side resin intakes are added. Its now time to add the fuselage pod and the wings together. The lower wing is in three parts; a centre section and the two left/right wings. The upper wings are in left/right and attach to the fuselage pod. The twin booms fit on to the underside with the centre section joining on one side and left/right sections on the other. The tail will also need putting in between the booms at the same time! This does look like it will need some time and patience to get everything aligned correctly. Once all of the main structure is assembled the landing gear needs making up and installing in each boom. The last things to do are to install the props and the tail wheel.

 

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Markings

The glossy decal sheet is printed in house and looks sharp and in register.  There are three decal options available from the decal sheet;

 

Fw 189B-0 BQ-AZ - Work No. 0010 - FW Factory Bremen 1940 - Overall RLM02

Fw 189B-1 BS-AA - Work No unknown one of only 10 built. 1940 overall RLM02

Fw 189B-1 BS+AC - Work No unknown one of only 10 built. 1940 RLM70 & 81 over 65. Photographed in Prague 

 

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Conclusion

It is good to see this released.  The kit will take some fettling im pretty sure off, but once assembled it should look the part. Recommended.

 

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Masks

Special Hobby also do masks for the kit . The masks are for the canopies.

 

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Review samples courtesy of

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