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 Randy Asplund Focke Wulf Ta-183 Huckebein 1/72 Scale Model
Focke Wulf Ta-183 Huckebein
© Randy Asplund

PM Model Kit 1/72 Scale

     This aircraft was being created at the end of the Second World War, but never got far enough along to actually fly. The design was influential in the creation of the Soviet Mig 15 though. But what if the Germans had more time? This model carries the concept into a theoretical future known as "Luft '46"

     Luft '46 is a term used to describe aircraft that the German aviation industry was working on at the end of the second World War. In this case, the Ta 183 was a close call, but never got there. That is just as well because they likely would have been an outstanding aircraft out hunting B-29 bombers in the skies over the Reich. Instead, in the form of the Mig it did go into combat against B-29s over Korea, only a few short years later , and with devastating effect.


Focke Wulf Ta-183 Huckebein

     The model is not too bad, and I really liked the recessed lines and deep cuts for the control surfaces. Unfortunately the tail was bent out of the box and had to be straightened. I am not thrilled with the back of the engine, and they really could have given us missile mounts since they were intended for the production aircraft, but oh-well. All in all it can be made to look pretty good. The paint job is based on the common color scheme of fighters over Germany in the later part of the war. I used a color scheme of RLM 81 Braunviolett, 82 Hellgrun, and 76 Lichtblau, with primarily RLM 66 Dark Gray for the interiors, all matched to the color chips found in Michael Ullmann's Luftwaffe Colours 1935-1945. I use artists' standard acrylics for more flexibility in mixing and application. Of course they are very fragile on plastic, so I use a generous amount of spray lacquer. The mottle uses both the RLM 81 and 82, and there is 82 mottled over the 81 that covers the upper fuselage. I did some heavy paint weathering on the fuselage where the pilot and ground crew would have walked the most.


Focke Wulf Ta-183 Huckebein

Modifications:
     Well, the loop antenna was missing too, so I had to make one out of 32 ga. wire. I also added a raised portion in front of the control console and stuck on a gun sight. It has such a bulbous canopy that it needed these details very badly. I cast a metal pilot because I really prefer to build my birds with landing gear up. A bird has to fly!! I also had to build the side walls of the cockpit. It is just WAY too open in there. I also added the translucent navigation light lenses. Other than that, this is pretty much the PM Model that you buy.