A Build for a Friend
Focke-Wulf Fw190 D-9 (motorized), Fujimi, 1:48
For many years my friend Mike hosted monthly working meetings of a small group of modelers with a common interest in historical miniature figures. Those meetings were fun, informative and productive. In addition to building and painting we had great discussions about history, figures, models, modeling techniques and war movies. Mike was also popular among our area's modeling community as a whole. Unfortunately, last year Mike passed away from an long term ailment.
The Fujimi Fw190 kit was part of his extensive scale model stash from many years earlier, before he took up historical miniatures exclusively. He had said that aesthetically the D-9 was his favorite WW2 aircraft. So I thought it would be fitting to build this kit in his memory and put it on display at our favorite local hobby shop that modelers in our area have patronized for many years.
This 1970 kit is a good example of the popular Fujimi kits of that time--small parts count, but decent detail given its simplicity. It has recessed panel lines and good exterior surface molding. There are few cockpit details and a simple rendering of the engine. It has a motorized propeller option though. The fit is good but a fair amount of filling and sanding was required. If you're looking for a nice easy-to-build kit with a modicum of detail, you should give these vintage Fujimi kits a look.
Excellent build on the good old Fujimi Dora, Dennis!
A great memorial to your friend.
A nice thing to do for your friend, Dennis.
And the kit is a nice reminder of how we really are living in the scale modeling golden age nowadays. With no criticism meant of your excellent work and your superb reason for doing it, the kit is the perfect illustration of how they were all "approximations" back then.
Thanks Tom. You're exactly right. It would take a ton of scratch building to bring this up anywhere near to the standards of the latest kits. There are details shown on the box art that the kit itself doesn't include. But, it was a nice project to get an FW190 on display.
For example see @garybrantley reply below.
A great memorial build, Dennis @dmeyers
This Dora looks perfect.
Nice work on that oldie!
Very nice result on this old kit. I’m sure your friend would be pleased and honored to have you build it and have it on display at the LHS.
That's a great tribute to your friend, Dennis, and a fine looking Dora @dmeyers! 👍 Wow, after so many years, I finally get to see another Fujimi 190-D shown built. 😁 I bought that kit at a Michael's store that was closing, many years ago. And a long time ago, it was also posted here at iModeler. Here's a look at another Fujimi Dora if you're interested:
Nice build on that old kit, and a great way to honor your friend.
Looks terrific! I'm sure your friend would be well pleased.
Nice build, you’re so lucky to still have a LHS.
A great build of an old kit - and a nice tribute.