Tamiya 1/48 Focke Wulf Fw190F-8/R1

I built this model for one reason.....the tiger stripe winter camouflage! I saw a photo of an F-8 in this winter scheme and I was hooked. The graphics above are taken from the Aero Detail #6, my primary reference for this model, and all other Fw190's that I have done.

Like most Tamiya models, this one went together very well. I did use Waldron's placard set for the cockpit. This set comes highly recommended. It is time consuming to do, requiring about 12 hours to add all the switches, dry transfers, etc., but the result is amazing! I also used Waldron instruments and bezels and seat belts. All in all the cockpit was good for about 25 hours.

I dropped the flaps, an easy job on this aircraft,  and did a little extra detailing in the wheel wells.

Finishing was done with Model Master enamels and the kit decals (they must have read my mind as there were markings for this "winterized version")

I used a combination of Hudson's "snow" and "muck" for the base. Take note, I found out the hard way, use a dust mask when using this stuff. Both are made of extremely fine particles and it is easy to inhale the stuff. I was coughing for 2 days!