01.07/2010

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  Info Eduard - July 2010

  The premiere of the new newsletter

  format is behind us, and the response has

  been surprisingly pleasant, if not downright

  excellent, which, naturally, pleases us,

  and we take it as a sign. We wouldn’t be

  modelers, if someone, somewhere, didn’t

  get emotionally upset at our rabbits. I must

  emphatically warn those that suffer from an

  acute lack of a sense of humor will not be

  happy, and can sincerely recommend that they avoid the

  Eduard newsletter. For the rest of you, I guarantee some

  laughs and giggles. And the shirts. The first run of the

  tee shirts have had their premiere, at the end of June in

  Brno, along with the new Oeffag, and we will take some

  to Phoenix in August.

  I should probably reveal a secret surrounding the rabbit

  theme, so that there will no assumptions as to when we

  are making fun of ourselves, and when we are poking

  fun at our critics. So, when you see the ‘e’ on the bunny,

  then its directed at us, and are in some way or another,

  commenting on our historical articles. Then there is

  the pair under the labels of J & T, and they wear their

  respective designator. These are a parody of our critics.

  What’s good for the goose... Be forewarned, the ganders

  among you, that if you can dish it out, but not take it, is

  not our problem. J & T are here for as long as we feel

  like! We succumbed to some pretty pathetic pressure

  when we were new at this, with our mask adverts, and

  still regret it.

  We were at Brno, specifically at ModellBrno, and it was

  damned good. It was an absolutely awesome display, and

  we truly did enjoy ourselves. Much of our participation

  has already been described on Facebook, and some

  more will be revealed in this month’s newsletter. I am

  really happy that we were able to get our new kit ready,

  as well as the tee shirts, and that we hopefully contributed

  to what has become without doubt, the best model show

  in Central Europe.

  One topic of debate on Hyperscale centred around

  the mysterious dark color on the bottom surfaces of the

  Fw 190D. In our instructions, we have leaned towards the

  opinion, that this color is RLM 81. Personally, I have never

  really accepted the idea of using a topside camouflage

  color on the bottom surface. Check for related article

  with very interesting theory in any of the upcoming

  Info issues. Our rabbits will comment on the historical

  aspect of the newsletter, the use of armored glass on the

  infamous Sturmbock fighters. Incidentally, does anyone

  the difference between the Fw 190A-8/R2 and R8?

  I never knew,

  until now.

  The majority of today’s newsletter centres around

  our new quarter inch OEAFFAG, full name, Albatros

  D.III (Oeffag). After the passionate commentary on the

  Dora, this is our second premiere of the year. I don’t

  expect quite the lively debate on this subject as with the

  Fw 190D, but I can’t be absolutely certain. Nevertheless,

  the Albatros is a First World War subject, with less

  general knowledge surrounding it. I think we can be

  satisfied with our Oeffag, and our kits are finally beginning

  to look like they should. This kit has excellent fit, is well

  detailed, and the previously well founded criticisms

  of previous releases is now an even playing field.

  We have been solving problems with a lot of concentration

  over the past several months, and the result is clearly

  visible with this release. I would be pleased if what

  we are doing now, will be considered our trademark.

  We have also maintained our policy of minimizing as much

  as possible unused parts, and this should lead to client

  satisfaction. At least to those who build. Those that would

  rather comment, will certainly find fault with it, as always.

  And they can look forward to the commentary of our

  angry rabbits.

  I will stop griping now. I wish a good read,

  and keep on modeling!

  Vladimir Sulc

  Instruction sheet,

  pictures and more

  information

  www.eduard.com

  Vol. 10 Friday, July 23, 2010 Issue 7

  Modellbrno 2010

  Albatros D.III Oeffag 253

  The secret behind Sturmbock

  Brassin News

  Get ready for E-Day

  Modellbrno 2010: One of the best Czech modelers, Dr. Zdenek

  Sebesta (left) in a discussion with our head Brassinator, Jiri Las.

  Page 1

  EDITORIAL

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  Info Eduard - July 2010

  The main July release is the Albatros D.III Oeffag

  Series 253. Over the past fifteen years, Eduard has

  released various Albatroses, so it should not come as

  a big surprise that this new kit will carry on that successful

  lineage. But, that’s not completely true. This kit has

  nothing in common with its predecessors, and you will

  find no components in common with them. The only

  thing that may evoke a feeling of deja vous is the engine

  that a short time ago was used in the Limited Edition

  release of the Fokker D.VII (MAG), and even that has

  been revamped. This may come as a bit of a puzzle,

  as our other Albatroses have been, and continue to be,

  well received. But, the times are constantly changing,

  and manufacturing processes along with them, and as

  such, the Oeffag is the first kit we have produced with an

  all new technical process with no compromising. I believe

  the advancements made will be evident on first look of

  each individual component, not just with respect to detail,

  but also to the design. So, if you’re interested in knowing

  what the Eduard school of thought is, then take a good,

  close look at the OEFFAG. It’s the future.

  The second model release of the month is the Weekend

  boxing of the Fw 190A-8/R-2, which was also released

  as a Royal Class and Profipack edition. Certainly,

  this low cost version will find its admirers, which compares

  extremely well with other kits available of the type that

  contain straight plastic. For those of you that still would

  like to add some metal to this kit, we offer a complete set

  of photoetched brass accessories for it (see the detailed

  article in this issue). In combination with this release,

  we are also publishing a historical-technical essay on

  the Sturmbock which can be found on Page 9.

  For next month, we are preparing for the release of the

  Nieuport 17 Profipack in 1/48th scale, a Limited Edition of

  the Su-25K, also in 1/48th, (again with excellent Brassin

  details), and the Weekend 1/32nd scale premiere covered

  by the Bf 109E-1. We are looking forward to the inevitable

  quality to cost ratio comparisons with the Trumpeter kit.

  September kit releases will be the highly anticipated

  Profipack La-7, Weekend B-534 (Series IV), and another

  upgraded Limited Edition theme subject, the P-39 over

  New Guinea. All of the September releases will be

  in 1/48th scale. (VS, JZ)

  Albatros D.III Oeffag 253 PROFIPACK Cat.No. 8242

  Austro-Hungarian fighters from the end of the First World War in an all new presentation

  - Putty-free diet!

  - The next step in Eduard’s design school

  of thought

  - 78 Plastic Parts

  - Photoetched metal and masks

  - Detailed Austro-Daimler Engine

  - Cartograph Decals

  Oblt.i.d.Res. Benno Fiala Ritter

  von Fernbrugg, Flik 51/J, Ghirano,

  September 1918

  Oblt. Othmar Wolfan,

  Flik 56/J, August 1918

  Sgt. Adolf Bláha,

  Czechoslovakia,

  November 1919

  Oblt. Friedrich Navratil,

  Flik 3/J, Autumn 1918

  JULY KITS

  BUY Albatros D.III Oeffag 253 1/48 Profipack

  Page 2

  253.32, Flik 63/J, Portobuffoleé, September 1918

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  Info Eduard - July 2010

  JULY KITS

  The first completely assembled model of the Oeffag 253 in 1/48th from the

  studio of Jiri Bruna from Kamenicky Senov. It carries the markings of Oblt.

  Friedrich Navratil, CO of Flik 3/J in October, 1918. With this machine, Zgsf Adolf

  Blaha defected to Switzerland on November 21, 1918. A year later, this aircraft

  was flown to Czechoslovakia, again with Adolf Blaha at the controls. He reached

  the airfield at Prague-Kbely on November 1st, 1919, and only two days later was

  written off after a crash landing. The engine was salvaged and put into the only

  Czechoslovak Fokker D.VII (MÁG).

  Detail of the fuselage side and covered ports on the bottom surface

  of the top wing. Note the anchoring of the stitching of the wing,

  which are represented as additional photoetched from Eduard.

  Ports on the top surface of the upper wing with detail of the trailing edge

  of the wing. The details are represented as photoetched components.

  Interesting application of the green-brown camouflage over the wooden

  covering of the aircraft.

  Detail of the bottom of the lower wing. Note the method of anchoring

  the landing gear.

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  253.32, Flik 63/J, Portobuffoleé, September 1918

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  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Wilhelm Moritz flew over 500 combat missions over

  the western and eastern fronts during the course of the

  Second World War, shooting down 44 enemy aircraft

  in the process. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross,

  and was among the most successful commanding officers

  of units opposing four engined bombers.

  Fw 190A-8/R2 WEEKEND EDITION Cat.No. 8428

  The kit offers the markings

  of Sturmbock flown by CO of

  IV.(Sturm)/JG 3 ‘Udet’, Wilhelm

  Moritz, who was one of the best

  known Sturmjägers, as the up-

  armored Fw 190 Sturmbock

  pilots were known. These birds

  were developed in an effort

  to combat allied heavy bomber

  formations. Subsequently, it initiated

  the practice of dark painting of the front of the Gruppe’s

  Focke-Wulfs. The ‘Udet’ unit marking was typically only

  applied to the right side.

  Hptm. Wilhelm Moritz, Gruppenkommandeur IV.(Sturm)/JG 3,

  Memmingen, Germany, July 1944

  BUY Weekend edition Fw 190A-8/R2

  Weekend ZOOM

  For those so inclined, we offer a Weekend ZOOM

  FE397 set and EX237 masks for the Fw 190A-8/R2,

  and ultimately the expanded sets of the exterior and

  engine details, including cowl sections No.48556 and

  landing flaps 48551.

  And for those inclined to dioramas, figures in the

  ‘Luftwaffe Fighter Crew 1944’ kit are applicable to

  this kit under Cat No. 8512.

  Historical and technical characteristics of the Fw 190A-8/R2

  Sturmbock are described in the historical section on page nine.

  To purchase the sets, click on the catalog number…

  JULY KITS

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  Info Eduard - July 2010

   

  648020 F-16CJ Block 50 engine 1/48 (Tamiya)

  648019 F-4B/J/N/S seat 1/48 (Hasegawa)

  This month, Brassin offers up two new sets, both for

  Japanese kit manufacturers. Covered are the seats for

  the Phantom B, J,N and S versions from Hasegawa in

  1/48th,to go with the wheel sets for J, N and S versions,

  (Brassin seats and wheels for the F-4C,D,E,F and G were

  released in May, 2010). The second set is the exhaust set

  for the Tamiya F-16CJ. This is a continuation of the wheel

  and seat sets of both early and late versions of this type.

  In August you can look forward to another seat for

  the F-22. After a series of sets for the Academy F-22,

  we will turn our attention to the Hasegawa kit of the F-22.

  The other release in August will be for the Tamiya

  F-4C,D,E,F and G, and will represent our first foray into

  1/32nd scale. (JZ)

  Visit us on Facebook

  and say ‘hi’!

  www.facebook.com/EduardCompany

  JULY BRASSIN

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  BUY 648020 F-16CJ Block 50 engine 1/48 (TAM)BUY 648019 F-4B/J/N/S seat 1/48 (HAS)

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  Info Eduard - July 2010

   

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       

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  

  

  73358 MiG-15 1/72 (Airfix)

  36100 LAV Mortar Carrier 1/35 (Trumpeter)

  48658 HH-60H exterior 1/48 (Italeri)

  32251 Bf 109E-3 exterior 1/32 (Trumpeter)

  36112 T-62 1/35 (Trumpeter)

  32658 Bf 109E-3 interior 1/32 (Trumpeter)

  FOTOLEPTY

  

  36133 M-1127 blast panels

  1/35 (Trumpeter)

  48655 Bf 110D exterior

  1/48 (Dragon)

  49494 Bf 110D interior

  1/48 (Dragon)

  SELECTED AUGUST

  RELEASES

  PE-SETS

  JULY PHOTOETCHED

  Page 6

  Twenty standard photoetched sets for July comple-

  ment eight ZOOM sets and six masks. Two sets improve

  on the Trumpeter Bf 109E-3, and other sets for the

  Swordfish from the same manufacturer are designed

  for its weapons (complementing previously released

  sets). Both are in 1/32nd. For those of you who are

  more inclined to modern stuff, we have two sets for

  the Su-27UB. Another set will follow in August, as well

  some masks. And to prevent confusion, another Su-27 is

  coming out in August, this time in 1/72nd from ICM. If you

  have an interest in Italeri’s 1/48th scale HH-60 exterior

  and interior, I would like to remind you that the masks

  for it had come out back in May. Smaller projects include

  items for the Airfix 1/72nd MiG-15, and the Rafale C from

  Hobby Boss. We are also offering interior and exterior

  sets for the Hobby Boss F6F-5 in 1/48th, the masks for

  which came out in May.

  The offerings for armor is also interesting, following

  some months with decreased numbers, with seven

  items in 1/35th scale this month. This should remain

  consistent through August and September. Throughout

  this timeframe, there will be a progression of releases for

  the M-1127 and M-1131 from Trumpeter. Older subjects

  won’t be neglected, either. For example, AFV’s T-34 will

  be covered by releases for the T-34/76 in July and T-34/

  85 in August. In September, there will be a renewal of

  prepainted figures, this time airline figures in 1/400.

  A complete listing of July photoetched sets can be found

  on Page 8, from where they can also be ordered. (JZ)

   

  73358 MiG-15 1/72 (Airfix)

  36100 LAV Mortar Carrier 1/35 (Trumpeter)

  48658 HH-60H exterior 1/48 (Italeri)

  32251 Bf 109E-3 exterior 1/32 (Trumpeter)

  36112 T-62 1/35 (Trumpeter)

  32658 Bf 109E-3 interior 1/32 (Trumpeter)

   

        

         

  

         

  

         

  

  

  

       

     

         

       

         

  

  

  

  

  73358 MiG-15 1/72 (Airfix)

  36100 LAV Mortar Carrier 1/35 (Trumpeter)

  48658 HH-60H exterior 1/48 (Italeri)

  32251 Bf 109E-3 exterior 1/32 (Trumpeter)

  36112 T-62 1/35 (Trumpeter)

  32658 Bf 109E-3 interior 1/32 (Trumpeter)

  FOTOLEPTY

  

  36133 M-1127 blast panels

  1/35 (Trumpeter)

  48655 Bf 110D exterior

  1/48 (Dragon)

  49494 Bf 110D interior

  1/48 (Dragon)

  BUY NOW (e-shop www.eduard.cz)

  AUGUST

• Page 9

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  JULY BIG-ED SETS

  Page 7

  48631 TA-4J Airbrakes

  32246 Spitfire Mk.IX landing flaps

  32249 Spitfire Mk.IX exterior

  32236 Swordfish Mk.I exterior

  BUY BIG4929 TA-4J 1/48(HAS)

  BUY BIG3286 Spitfire Mk.IX (late) 1/32 (TAM)

  BUY BIG3572 M-1130 CV 1/35 (TRU)

  BUY BIG4930 RF-35 Draken 1/48 (HAS)

  BUY BIG3285 Swordfisch Mk.I 1/32 (TRU)

• Page 10

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Albatros D.III OEFFAG 253

  KITS

  8242 Albatros D.III Oeffag 253 1/48 Profipack

  8428 Fw 190A-8/R2 1/48 Weekend

  BRASSIN

  648019 F-4B/J/N/S seat 1/48 Hasegawa

  648020 F-16CJ Block 50 engine 1/48 Tamiya

  PE-SETS

  32251 Bf 109E-3 exterior 1/32 Trumpeter

  32252 Swordfish Mk.II bombs and rockets 1/32 Trumpeter

  32253 Su-27/Su-30 Flanker air intakes 1/32 Trumpeter

  32255 Su-27UB Flanker C exterior 1/32 Trumpeter

  32658 Bf 109E-3 interior S.A. 1/32 Trumpeter

  32662 Su-27UB Flanker C interior S.A. 1/32 Trumpeter

  36100 LAV Mortar Carrier 1/35 Trumpeter

  36112 T-62 1/35 Trumpeter

  36115 T-34/76 1/35 AFV Club

  36118 Sd.Kfz.251/3 Ausf.C 1/35 Dragon

  36121 M-3 GMC 75mm 1/35 Dragon

  48646 F6F-5 exterior 1/48 Hobby Boss

  48657 EF 2000 ladder 1/48 Italeri/Revell

  48658 HH-60H exterior 1/48 Italeri

  49050 Remove before flight - yellow/black 1/48

  49486 F6F-5 interior S.A. 1/48 Hobby Boss

  49496 HH-60H interior S.A. 1/48 Italeri

  49498 F-111 early seatbelts 1/48 Hobby Boss

  73358 MiG-15 1/72 Airfix

  73359 Rafale C 1/72 Hobby Boss

  ZOOMS

  33061 Bf 109E-3 interior S.A. 1/32 Trumpeter

  FE486 F6F-5 interior S.A. 1/48 Hobby Boss

  FE491 Ta 152C 1/48 Dragon

  FE496 HH-60H interior S.A. 1/48 Italeri

  SS358 MiG-15 1/72 Airfix

  SS359 Rafale C 1/72 Hobby Boss

  TP099 LAV-M stowage box 1/35 Trumpeter

  TP100 Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.C tool boxes 1/35 AFV Club

  MASKS

  EX303 Su-24M Fencer D 1/48 Trumpeter

  EX304 Ar 196 1/48 Italeri

  EX305 PC-6/AU-23A 1/48 Roden

  EX306 Hs 126 1/48 ICM

  EX307 F-111D/E 1/48 Hobby Boss

  XT159 BR-86 1/35 Trumpeter

  BIG-ED sets

  BIG3572 M-1130 CV 1/35 Trumpeter

  BIG3285 SWORDFISH Mk.I 1/32 Trumpeter

  BIG3286 SPITFIRE Mk.IX (LATE) 1/32 Tamiya

  BIG4929 TA-4J 1/48 1/48 Hasegawa

  BIG4930 RF-35 DRAKEN 1/48 Hasegawa

  NEW ITEMS FOR JULY 2010

  COMMENTS AND INPUT FROM J&T

  Page 8

   

  BUY NOW (e-shop www.eduard.cz)

• Page 11

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  The increasing allied bomber offensive against

  Germany and the occupied countries during 1943-44,

  prompted the Luftwaffe to search for ways of stopping the

  four engined menace of the USAAF, that were gaining

  a distressing amount of impunity in German airspace.

  The impact on German industry, and unfortunately the

  civil population, was catastrophic. Besides relying on

  antiaircraft artillery, the brunt of the workload of defending

  strategic centres fell on units integrated into the Defense

  of the Reich.

  One of the problems that the Luftwaffe faced in dealing

  with this situation, besides escorts of Thunderbolts,

  Lightnings and later, Mustangs, was the effectiveness

  of concentrated defensive fire from the bomber gunners

  from within their box formations.

  It was evident to the German fighters early on that

  the best way to combat the bombers was to break

  up the formations into more vulnerable components,

  damage individual bombers enough to keep them from

  maintaining formation, and to dispatch them one at a time.

  Many tactics were developed, which, however, attained

  varying degrees of success. One solution that was tried

  was the use of heavy twin engined fighters, such as the

  Bf 110, Me 410 and Ju 88, equipped with heavy armament

  effective against bomber formations. These aircraft were,

  however, slow and often became victims of the defensive

  fire from the bombers or their escort fighters. Another

  solution was to use jet fighters, but their development

  and quantity production were still distant.

  Attention was then turned to the development

  of tactics utilizing single engined fighters capable

  of carrying sufficient firepower. This entity was

  characteristically called ‘Sturm’, likely short for ‘Sturm-

  angriff’ (storm, gale, or assault), which lead to the appro-

  priate names of ‘Sturmbock’ (for the aircraft), Sturmjäger

  (pilot), and ‘Sturmstaffel’ and ‘Sturmgruppe’ (for units).

  The idea behind this tactic was to attack in groups

  using modified aircraft against bomber formations at very

  close range, during which concentrated firepower would

  either bring individual bombers down, or at least damage

  them to the extent that they lag behind the protective fire

  of the combat box. Such an Fw 190 was to be developed

  by way of the field modification known as R2, and the

  model on which it was found most often was the A-8.

  STURMBOCK: Panzerglass, Panzerplatte

  and the Whites of the Tail Gunner’s Eyes

  (A journey through the history and technical

  oddities of the Fw 190A-8/R2)

  Jan Zdiarský

  So, what then was an ‘R2’?

  Modifications identifying the ‘Sturm’ version of the

  Fw 190A-8 involved first and foremost the installation of

  more powerful weaponry, and an increase in pilot protec-

  tion features for raising survivability during penetration

  of box formations and their concentrated defensive fire.

  The main modification involved the armament.

  The standard Fw 190A-8 mounted two MG 131 machine

  guns, and two MG 151/20 cannon in each wing. In the

  R2 mod, the 20mm MG 151s were replaced with MK

  108 30mm cannon in the inboard wing position. The

  question of the MG 131 13mm fuselage guns mounted

  above the engine in the Sturmbock is a debatable

  one. Although technical documentation suggests their

  installation, it appears that they were removed. This is

  supported by photographic evidence, pilot memoirs, and

  current examination of crash sites of several Sturmbocks.

  The likely reason for the removal of these guns was in

  an attempt to lighten the aircraft of weapons that, in the

  given role, were virtually ineffective.

  The method of combat and the tactics developed for

  the Sturm attacks led to another important modification to

  the aircraft. Use of the 30mm cannon with high explosive

  shells (and consequently a low number of rounds carried)

  required engaging the target at minimal distances

  and exposing the aircraft and its pilot to concentrated

  defensive fire. This precipitated the need for add-on

  armor plating to improve survivability. In the R2, this was

  5mm plating on the sides of the cockpit, 30mm armor

  glass on the sides of the canopy, and (often neglected

  by manufacturers and modelers alike) 30mm triangular

  glass sections on the side portions of the windscreen.

  Modifications to the interior, and thereby less obvious,

  included the addition of 4mm and 15mm armor plates in

  front of the instrument panel, and a 20mm strip in front of,

  4mm strip above and 4mm below the ammunition box for

  the 30mm cannon in the wings. The armor for the oil tank,

  oil cooler, and the pilot back and head rests remained

  the same as for the standard A-8 (partially uprated in the

  A-8/R8 which, on the other hand, lacked other compo-

  nents typical of the R2).

  Fw 190A-8/R2 of one of the best known Sturmjäger, Hptm. Wilhelm

  Moritz, Gruppenkommndeur IV.(Sturm)/JG 3, from the fall of 1944.

  Eduard kit Cat.No. 8428 Fw 190A-8/R2 as a Weekend Edition

  released in July, 2010 carries one of the earlier markings of this

  pilot.

  (J. Zdiarský, P. Štěpánek)

  HISTORY

  Page 9

• Page 12

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  The modifications to the weaponry and armor didn’t

  just improve the pilot’s ability to punch and his level

  of protection, but also added some 224 kg of extra weight.

  The degraded sustained turn rate became a point to

  exploit by Mustang pilots. The elimination of the fuselage

  guns was an attempt to at least reduce this handicap.

  Even so, the Sturmbock became essentially unusable

  in classic air combat (although there are examples

  of exceptions) and formations of armored Fw 190A-8/R2

  needed an escort of Bf 109s.

  The road to the Sturmbock and back

  The development of this USAAF Flying Fortress and

  Liberator specialist was relatively long term. As early

  as the fall, 1943, twin 20mm cannon tubs were tried

  on the Fw 190A-5, bringing the total of six twenties

  (factory modification U-12). As an R6 field modification,

  an armament of 21cm BR rockets were test fired in the

  summer of 1943.

  That which became standard for the Sturmbock, the

  use of 30mm cannon and side mounted armor, was at first

  applied on an individual basis. Documentation indicates

  that in May, 1944, IV./JG 3 there were Fw 190A-8s in

  service with four 20mm cannon with the armor plates on

  the sides of the cockpit. An interesting point regarding

  these is that they also combat tested underfuselage

  rocket launchers called ‘Krebs – Gerät’, that fired aft after

  the fighter overshot the bomber formation. These aircraft

  lacked the 30mm MK 108 cannon.

  Conversely, in March, 1944, there were A-7s suffixed

  R2 in service with JG 11 that carried wing mounted pairs

  of 20mm cannon and two 30mm cannon, but these

  aircraft lacked the additional armor plating.

  Full standard Sturmbocks, with 30mm cannon and

  side armor plating, appeared several months later.

  Production of the Fw 190A-8/R2

  ran mainly at Gerhard Fiesler’s

  factory in Kassel and also at the

  AGO-Flugzeugwerke Oschersleben

  plant. Although officially a field modi-

  fication, Sturmbocks almost certainly

  left production facilities with the

  modifications applied, and just the

  removal of the fuselage guns was

  carried out at unit level, and according

  to unit preferences. Fw 190A-8/R2s

  where the fuselage guns were not

  removed cannot be ruled out. Interesting

  modifications are reported to have occurred in the

  unused sections formerly occupied by the removed guns

  in front of the windscreen, the troughs and the muzzle

  areas. Photographic evidence points to the provisionary

  covering of gun areas and others show the muzzles

  being faired over. There is speculation that these could

  have been actual gun troughs, dismounted, rotated and

  refastened. However, the construction of this portion of

  the cover did not make such a modification possible.

  The deepened trough was formed into a large piece

  of metal where there was nothing to dismount. Most

  often, the troughs would have been left alone after the

  removal of the fuselage guns.

  Back to the end of 1943. The father of the idea of the

  Sturmbock attack was thirty-eight year-old fighter pilot

  and experienced CO Major Hans-Günter von Kornatzki.

  Gerhard Fiesler Werke at Bettenhausen near Kassel after a USAAF

  bomber attack on April, 19, 1944, when the factory suffered serious

  damage. Here, the majority of Fw 190A-8/R2 Sturmbock fighters were

  produced.

  (Photo: NARA)

  Page 10

  Uffz. Willi Maximowitz and Gefr. Gerhard Vivroux of

  Sturmsaffel 1 with Fw 190A-6 ‘Panzerbock’.

  Beginning of 1944.

  (Photo: the author’s archives via Hellmut Detjens, JG 4)

  HISTORY

• Page 13

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  He was entrusted with the formation of ‘Sturmstaffel 1’

  on December 4, 1943. This relatively small unit used the

  Fw 190A-6 Sturmbock at the beginning of its operations,

  sometimes the type being referred to as ‘Panzerbock’

  which was only an up-armored version of the A-6, and

  later, the A-7. The unit operated with varying degrees

  of success up to the end of April, 1944, when the first

  Sturmgruppe – IV.(Sturm)/JG 3, was formed out of it.

  The CO of Sturmstaffel 1, Major von Kornatzki, was

  entrusted with the formation of another Sturmgruppe,

  and that within the unit that in Germany was reorganized

  and re-equipped after operations in southern Europe,

  Jagdgeschwader 4.

  At the same time, II.(Sturm)/JG 300 was formed out of

  II./JG 300 as the last Luftwaffe Sturmgruppe.

  These three units, IV.(Sturm)/JG 3, II.(Sturm)/JG 4 and

  II.(Sturm)/JG 300, who’s exclusive role was combating

  four engined bombers and protected by dedicated groups

  of Bf 109 and standard Fw 190A-8 fighters, formed the

  main strike force for the defensive tactics of the Luftwaffe

  through the summer and fall of 1944. Their effectiveness

  and relevance were limited by the overall state of

  the Jagdwaffe – the number of serviceable aircraft,

  pilot training, fuel supply and so on.

  A more significant action above

  Germany and occupied Euro-

  pe was initiated by the Sturm-

  gruppen between August 24th

  and 29th, September 11th,

  September 27th, October 6th,

  November 2nd, December 2nd,

  and December 17th, 1944. On each date,

  significant successes were attained, but in some cases

  at high cost in excess of 50 per cent.

  From the end of 1944, there was a slow turning

  away from the tactics of the Sturm attacks, mainly due

  to enormous losses, and also (thanks to allied aerial

  superiority) the inability of the escorting Bf 109s to

  effectively cover the Sturmbocks. There was also the

  anticipation of the introduction of newer aircraft such as

  the Fw 190D, and the expected backbone of the future

  fighter force of the Luftwaffe, the Me 262. The nail in the

  coffin of the Sturmjäger units was Operation Bodenplatte,

  into which were employed two Sturmgruppen in the

  ground attack role, specifically from JG 3 and JG 4.

  Surviving aircraft of the A-8/R2 version were progressively

  replaced by standard Fw 190A-8s and A-9s, and later

  even the D-9 and to a lesser extent, the D-11 (the D-11

  being armed similarly to the A-8/R2 with two 20

  and two 30mm cannon, and were possibly to take over

  the Sturmbock role).

  The factory AGO-Flugzeugwerke Oschersleben during a bombing

  attack by Liberators of the 2nd Bomb Division, 8th USAAF on April 11th,

  1944…..and a few days later in a reconnaissance photograph to assess

  the bomb damage. Despite very severe damage, the plant was soon

  busy again manufacturing standard Fw 190A-8s, and between August

  and November, 1944, many Fw 190A-8/R2s were also built here.

  (Photo: NARA)

  Page 11

  (J. Zdiarský, P. Štěpánek)

  HISTORY

  Hans-Günter von Kornatzki was born

  on June 22, 1906 in Liegnitz in East Prussia.

  He became a member of the Luftwaffe in

  1933, and on April 1st, 1934 he completed

  flight training. For some time, he worked in

  the propoganda Reklamestaffel

  Mitteldeutschland with the base at Doberitz.

  In March, 1935, II./JG 132 was formed,

  and von Kornatzki was attached with the rank

  of Hauptmann. Subsequent services included

  I./JG 334 and I./JG 138, before being activat-

  ed as CO of the newly formed II./JG 52 at the

  start of the Second World War. Hans-Günter

  von Kornatzki headed this unit into the Battle

  of Britain. He was transferred on August 26,

  1940 to Jagdfliegerschule 1 in Werneuchen

  as head instructor. In May, 1941, he married

  Hermann Goring’s secretary, Ursula Grundt-

  mann. After that followed a list of command

  postings, including Operations Officer with

  X. Fliegerkorps, before being installed as

  Hoherer Jagdfliegerfuhrer West in February,

  1943. In the positions that he occupied,

  he concentrated on tactics with which to defend

  against formations of allied bomber formations, with which he was aided by weapons

  trials by Eprobungskommando 25, and in which he took part. Based on his sugges-

  tions and developed tactics, the specialized unit Sturmstaffel 1 was formed at the

  end of 1943 with him as its CO. With this unit, on March 23, 1944, he gained his

  second last victory. Shortly thereafter, the trial unit was disbanded to form the basis

  of other Sturm groups in standard fighter units within the Defense of the Reich.

  In the summer of 1944, von Kornatzki formed his next unit, II.(Sturm)/JG 4.

  His new unit received its baptism of fire on September 11th, 1944. The following day,

  II.(Sturm)/JG 4 met the Americans in combat yet again. Obstlt. von Kornatzki led his

  unit into combat flying Fw 190A-8/R2 Green ‘3’. In grid location HC1, shortly after

  1100h, he managed to rip apart a B-17G with his 20 and 30mm cannon, his sixth and

  final kill. He himself sustained heavy damage from the protective fire of the formation

  box, and was inspired to find a spot to put down. During his attempt to land in a field

  near Zilly, he ran into high power lines and crashed into the ground. II.(Sturm)/JG 4

  lost its father figure, leader, and, in up-armored Sturmbock

  with the call sign Green ‘3’, the legend

  behind Sturm tactics

  of the Luftwaffe.

• Page 14

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Development Phase of the Sturmbock

  2. Fw 190A-7/MK, W.Nr. 643701, 2./JG 11, Rotenburg, March 1944

  An aircraft representative of the development phase of the Sturmbock, Fw 190A-7

  suffixed MK (probably identifying the use of MK 108, 103). It served in March, 1944,

  with I./JG 11, and besides being armed with 30mm cannon, it is interesting to note

  the suppression of the national markings on this aircraft, which JG 11 around this time

  tended to do quite often.

  (J. Zdiarský, P. Štěpánek)

  3. Fw 190A-6/Panzerbock, Maj. Erwin Bascilla, Sturmstaffel 1, Dortmund, January 1944

  Sturmstaffel 1 used modeified Fw 190A-6s, which weren’t up-armed with the 30mm cannon, but their use in the Sturmbock role

  is pointed to by the addition of armor plate and, for the first time, armor glass on the sides of the canopy.

  4, Fw 190A-6/Panzerbock, Gefr. Gerhard Vivroux, Sturmstaffel 1, Dortmund, late-winter, 1944

  Note the difference in the side mounted armor from White ‘7’ above, also an A-6.

  1. Fw 190A-5/U12, W.Nr. 410266, 2./JG 11, Lt. Erich Hondt, Husum, Summer 1943

  One of the early attempts at up-arming the Fw 190A to make them more effective in dealing with four engined heavy bombers. In this case,

  the modification was in the form of underslung WB 151/20 tubs housing paired 20mm cannon replacing outboard MG 151s of the same caliber.

  So, the total weapons package on this machine was six 20mm cannon and two fuselage mounted MG 17 7.92mm machine guns.

  Page 12

  HISTORY

• Page 15

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  5. Fw 190A-7/Panzerbock, Maj. Hans-Günter von Kornatzki, Sturmstaffel 1, Salzwedel, February, 1944

  Sturmbocks (at that time still more likely to have been referred to as Panzerbock) based on the A-7 from Sturmstaffel 1, lacked 30mm cannon.

  Their side mounted armor was similar to that which was used on A-8s. Note that the panels have been resprayed, pointing to the possibility

  that these were field add-ons.

  6. Fw 190A-8/R2, Ekdo. 25 (12.(Sturm)/JG 3), Uffz. Willi Unger, Barth, May, 1944

  Interesting coloring and armament on Sturmbock flown by Uffz. Unger depicting the timeframe

  during which the potential use of Frebs-Gerät 21cm rockets was tested. Already by May, 1944,

  the aircraft lacked armored glass, which could be associated with its use in test programs.

  (J. Zdiarský, P. Štěpánek)

  8. Fw 190A-8/R2, ‘Titi Wau Wau’, Fw. Adalbert Kroch, 6./JG 300. Fall, 1944

  The aircraft flown by Adalbert Kroch, who registered a kill on August 29, 1944 over the White

  Carpathians in Moravia, represents the final incarnation of the Sturmbock from JG 300 in the

  fall of 1944, by which time these aircraft flew with the armored glass panels removed.

  7. Fw 190A-8/R2, Lt. Werner Gerth, 11./IV(Sturm)/JG 3, July, 1944

  This aircraft, attributed to Knight’s Cross holder Werner Gerth (27 kills, 22 of which were four

  engined bombers), carries all of the features associated with the Fw 190A-8/R2 (Sturmbock)

  – side armor plates, armored glass on the canopy, up-armed with 30mm cannon, and empty

  MG 131 machine gun troughs which weren’t faired over.

  Page 13

  HISTORY

• Page 16

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  R2 or R8?

  At the end of 1944, the Sturmgruppen were to be

  equipped with aircraft modified to the R8 standard,

  incorporating changes based on combat experience with

  the R2, but, naturally, their actual use in their intended

  role is highly debatable. These aircraft reached units

  at a time when the character of the Sturmgruppen was

  reverting back to those of standard fighter units. R2s are

  often erroneously reported as being R8s in reference

  literature, and generally, differences described between

  the R2 and the R8 are filled with errors.

  The armament of the R8 was composed of, similarly

  to the R2, an installation of 20 and 30mm cannon. This

  modification lacked the side armor, as well as on the

  canopy. Simply put, the armor was deemed too restrictive.

  To the contrary, though, the interior armor plating between

  the engine and cockpit was strengthened, as was at the

  pilot’s back. Also strengthened in the R8 was the armor

  protection of the oil tank and cooler. Externally, there

  was little to distinguish the A-8/R8 from a standard A-8.

  One physical difference was the 30mm’s shorter and

  slightly wider cannon muzzle, and the 30mm casing

  ejector chutes on the bottom surface of the wings.

  Aircraft built to R8 standard were manufactured

  at Norddeutsche Dornier-Werke GmbH in Wismar,

  where some 550 units were produced between October,

  1944 and January 1945.

  Don’t Shoot Until You See the Whites

  of the Tail Gunner’s Eyes

  There is a controversial discussion going on based

  on current research with respect to the characteristic

  air under which Sturmgruppen were sent on missions,

  weather these were fully voluntary (capable of shooting

  down and eventually ramming enemy aircraft at all costs,

  even that of the pilot’s own life), or were they flown by

  pilots with threatened punishment, for whatever reason,

  worse than flying a Sturmbock mission. Such assertions

  give rise to assumptions that the Sturmgruppen were

  piloted partly by unfavoured pilots and partly by a band of

  adventurers sinking in doom within the duty of dangerous

  attacks against American four engined bombers.

  The opposite is true. Sturmgruppe, as with other

  air force units, relied on discipline, responsibility,

  adhering to precise rules of engagement, and

  teamwork for maximum success and survivability.

  Enthusiasm for combat and ‘getting the enemy at all

  costs’ was evident during the start of operations by

  Sturmstaffel 1. This spirit was, however, gradually

  degraded and replaced by more of a legend rising

  above the Sturmgruppen for the remainder of their

  careers defending the Reich. Recruitment of new

  pilots, especially later on, also became somewhat

  prosaic. For example, pilots, that through July and

  August formed the basis of II.(Sturm)/JG 4, came

  from three main elements:

  - pilots that came with Hans-Günter von Konatzki

  from Sturmstaffel 1

  - former members of I./ZG 1, out of which

  II.(Sturm)/JG 4 officially formed

  - new pilots out of flight school

  Recruitment of new Sturmjäger was the same in the

  summer of 1944 as other Luftwaffe units.

  A touch of fanaticism, bloodshot eyes and clenched

  teeth, hurtling towards bomber formations doesn’t

  accurately depict the typical Sturmjäger. However, one

  shouldn’t downplay the legend, either. These boys had

  to be very capable and determined pilots, especially

  those that survived their first several sorties. To get to

  within a couple of tens of meters of a formation of four

  engined heavy bombers before being able to effectively

  unload their 20 and 30mm high explosive rounds, and

  often maneuver between their targets to get back out,

  took guts. And then, after all that, high-tail it outa there

  in a big hurry because odds were, there was a Mustang

  somewhere behind, and the Sturmjäger didn’t have much

  to compete with in that scenario.

  Close contact with the enemy was a fundamental fact

  of life for Sturmbock pilot. Due to the aforementioned

  weaponry carried, getting close was essential. So, the

  rule of thumb for these pilots was not to fire until you

  could see the whites of the tail gunner’s eyes. Proof of

  how seriously this was taken came in the form of the

  whites of eyes being painted on the left side of the chests

  of their flight jackets. In this, the legend of the Sturmjäger

  is accurate and intact.

  The Sturmbock in the Eyes of the Modeler.

  From a modeling point of view, some of the well

  documented interior modifications to the Sturmbock are

  negligible. Others are, simply put, essential for making

  recognition of the Sturmbock easy at first site.

  Among the essential features is the side armor and

  the absence of the fuselage guns. After that, the most

  obvious feature are the armor glass plates on the canopy,

  and the characteristic short 30mm MK 108 cannon

  muzzles in the wings.

  Most notably, the 30mm armored glasses on the

  canopy are physically characteristic of the Sturmbock,

  although the usual ‘but…’ applies. I said, that these

  were characteristic, but for specific timeframes. Through

  1/48th scale model of the Fw 190A-8/R2 from Eduard in the markings of Hptm.

  Wilhelm Moritz. These markings were included in the Royal Class (R0004)

  edition of the kit, and is also included in the Weekend Edition released in July,

  2010. (Model built by Josef Choren)

  Page 14

  HISTORY

• Page 17

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  the fall of 1944, these glass components began to be

  removed. Their function was naturally to protect the

  pilot’s head from the sides, when a Sturmjäger was

  in the process of penetrating a formation of heavy

  bombers, and right under the nose of defensive gunners.

  By the end of the summer and beginning of fall, 1944,

  these glass plates were beginning to be frowned upon.

  The thin space between the plexiglass of the canopy and

  the armor piece would condense and freeze up, severely

  affecting visibility on which the pilot so depended on.

  An added benefit of removing the glass was a weight

  of some 40 kg. A need to remove these glass panels

  must have been an unpleasant reality to the Sturmbock

  pilots who were sacrificing protection. Photographic

  evidence of Sturmbocks with removed armor glass

  plates appears between October and December, 1944

  (with individual machines in certain units even sooner).

  For a longer period, from May to October, 1944, these

  aircraft flew with the glass panels in place (same as with

  earlier modifications to the A-6 and A-7). Because these

  armored glass panels are visually the main recognition

  feature of the Sturmbock, and so from a modeling point of

  view very significant, a closer look is warranted.

  Scheuklappen

  As pointed out earlier, the armor glass was put

  in place to protect the pilot from the sides during attacks

  on bomber formations to which the pilot of the Sturmbock

  needed to get very close.

  Their thickness was 30mm, and were glued in three

  segments from a material called Thorax-Panzerglass.

  The side panels were accompanied be triangular

  panels that were attached to the sides of the windscreen.

  These were placed inside a metal frame with flattened

  and lengthened edges, which was mounted under the

  standard frame, where there was only the plexiglass.

  The front edge of the front segment of the screen was

  at 50mm, standard for the Fw 190. Together with a 5mm

  armor plate on the sides of the cockpit, and additional

  armor behind the engine, and the ‘panzerglass’ the

  pilot was afforded complete protection from the front

  hemisphere of his aircraft.

  The side armor glass plates were nicknamed

  ‘Scheuklappen’ by pilots, which was the German term for

  eye shields worn by puller horses. These were intended

  to limit the peripheral vision of the horses, and limit

  anxiousness. Perhaps, given the problems that limited

  visibility for the pilot, the nickname is accurate for other,

  more sarcastic reasons.

  The basic shape of the panels can be determined from

  photographs, but not so well known is their construction,

  mainly that of the frames, and their attachment to the

  standard canopy of the Fw 190. There are wartime

  references that cite ‘wooden frames’ and in one period

  technical journal dated April 18, 1944, ‘primitive wooden

  frames’. The question then becomes the method

  of fastening some 20kg of armored glass into a wooden

  frame, and, above all, the attaching of such a frame to the

  standard canopy in such a way as to have the assembly

  stay in place despite vibrations, and anything else that

  could conceivably occur during their use.

  Until recently, I had the opportunity to examine

  Scheuklappen only once, within the exhibits at the

  aviation museum in Hannover, whose examples were

  rescued from a crashed Sturmbock in a bog. Although

  the glass is largely intact, it is not possible to completely

  study their interior structure. Light on the subject has

  been cast by the discovery of frames from both armored

  windows at the crash site of Fw 190A-8/R2 W.Nr. 681456,

  with which Uffz. Karl Eilmes of II.(Sturm)/JG 4 perished

  on September 11th, 1944.

  This discovery was important for another reason too.

  Up to now, we weren’t certain if JG 4 used the armored

  glass on its Sturmbocks on their first combat sorties, on

  that particular date. Earlier, we were able to find a piece

  of a wooden frame at the crash site of Fw 190A-8/R2

  White ‘5’ W.Nr. 681355 flown by Uffz. Siegfried Zuber

  of 5.Stafel/JG 4, September 11th, 1944, but could not

  be positive of the identification of the wooden artifact

  (both noted examples are exhibited at the Museum of the

  Battle over the Ore Mountains, September 11th, 1944, CZ).

  Page 15

  The frames of the armored glass panels from the Sturmbock flown by Uffz. Eilmes

  of II.(Sturm)/JG 4, shortly after its discovery. Karl Eilmes, buried not far from this

  spot, in Mildenau, died here on September 11th, 1944. The glass parts were

  buried in a furrow, and excavated on May 1st, 2010.

  Jan Jelinek, one of the Museum of the Air Battle Over the Ore Mountains

  on September 11 1944, volunteers, with the first of the excavated pieces.

  For more pictures of the wreckage excavation process, visit

  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4473375&id=195962885355

  HISTORIE

• Page 18

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Current studies of Uffz. Eilmes’s aircraft reveal much

  more. Karl Eilmes died in combat with bombers from

  the 100th Bomb Group and as a result of their escorts.

  He crashed at the Ore Mountains village of Mildeau.

  In the summer of 2009 and spring of 2010, parts of the

  armor glass plate from the windscreen centre section,

  the 5mm side plates, and a very well preserved frame

  from the ‘Scheuklappen’, including parts of the canopy,

  were removed from the crash site. The discovery

  revealed very precisely the construction of the units and

  their mounting to the canopy frame.

  Armored glass of 30mm thickness was slid into

  a trapezoidal metal frame, welded from 3mm thick plate,

  and screwed directly onto the canopy construction. The

  frame was formed to have a ‘Z’ profile and from both

  sides was covered with a wooden border, which mildly

  countered poor aerodynamic qualities of the glass

  assembly, and (especially on the inside face of the frame

  between the steel construction and canopy) dampened

  the transfer of vibration.

  The wooden frame was constructed from a hard

  wood, likely beech. The entire armored glass was

  attached to the canopy frame from the front and below

  (behind and above there was nothing to attach to).

  As the canopy decreased in width going aft, and also

  going up, the space between it and the flat armored glass

  also increased. Since this relatively heavy glass was

  attached only along two edges (with eight screws at the

  front and seven along the bottom), the construction had

  to have high structural integrity.

  Wooden framing on the outside was fastened to the

  metal frame on three sides (with three screws in each

  case). The rear edge of the metal frame was not wood

  covered. I include this detail because only these nine

  screws would be visible and so, for a modeler, that

  much more potentially interesting. Of course, the screws

  were countersunk, and so, very subtle. They presented

  themselves as 5mm wide and 1mm deep pits in the

  wooden framework. Even in photographs, the framework

  of the armor glass appears very solid, without visible

  betrayal of their robust attachment to the canopy frame

  of the aircraft (all mounting features were hidden under

  stenciled wooden framing).

  The method of mounting and dimensions are shown in

  photographs and sketches.

  On some photographs of Sturmbocks in the fall

  of 1944, traces of removed armor glass panels are visible.

  Sometimes, in the form of faded paint where original

  screws mounting the glass were replaced with shorter

  ones, that in the same positions secured the plexiglass

  and canopy frame. In other instances, there is evidence

  of overpainted areas, where the glass was secured, with

  a base color of RLM 66, which was part of the treatment

  when replacing screws.

  Port side of the glass frame, including the roller mechanism for sliding

  the canopy.

  Frame from the starboard side of the canopy. The long segment is part

  of the tube construction of the cockpit canopy.

  Fw 190A-8/R2, W.Nr. 681456, Uffz. Karl Eilmes, II.(Sturm)/JG 4,

  September 11th, 1944. Fliegerhorst (base) Welzow,

  crashed near Mildenau, Germany.

  (J. Zdiarský, P. Štěpánek)

  Page 16

  HISTORY

• Page 19

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Standard cockpit canopy from period

  manual Einzeile der Konstruktionsgruppe 1

  (1944).

  Detail showing tubular canopy frame and the metal frame with frag-

  ments of the 30mm armored glass. Note the screws, which

  attached the armored glass to the canopy. The locations of the gaps

  were the attachment points for the interior surface of the wooden

  frame.

  Inside view of the forward / top corner of the left window. The arrow

  is pointing to a metal plate, which overlapped the Perspex from

  the outside, surrounded by tube frame of the canopy.

  Detail view of the forward / bottom corner of the window – viewed from

  the outside. The arrow is pointing to a travel mechanism for pulling

  of the canopy. Note the remains of the Perspex and trace of wood

  on the metal frame.

  Detail of the remains of armored glass from the lower rear corner

  of the left side window.

  Page 17

  HISTORY

• Page 20

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Portion of the armored glass wooden framing. Note the depressions

  in which the screws were countersunk, joining the metal frame with

  the canopy construction.

  Detail showing the rounded end of the wooden frame. It is worth

  noting the remains of the RLM 75 color, with which the entire frame

  was painted. This artifact does not come from aircraft W.Nr. 681456

  flown by Uffz. Eilmes, unlike the previous pictures of metal frames,

  but rather from Sturmbock W.Nr. 681355 flown by Uffz. Zuber.

  Page 18

  Drawing of securing armor glass and description of its

  structure on the basis of measurements and study of actual

  frames found at the wreckage of Sturmbock W.Nr. 681456,

  as described in the article. Certainly, there are other historical

  descriptions and drawings for factory workers, as well as for

  ground personnel at unit level, as the R2 modification was

  a field one. It can be assumed that they would have been issued

  in pilot and maintenance manuals as well. So far, I have not

  been able to examine such manuals describing modifications

  to the. Should any of our readers have such material at their

  disposal, I would be extremely grateful if they would contact me

  at jan@museum119.cz

  HISTORY

• Page 21

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  References

  - Archives of the Museum of the Battle Over the Ore Mountains, 11. 9. 1944

  - US National Archives and Records Administration

  - Eric Mombeek: Sturmjäger, vol.1, vol. 2 – ISBN 2-9600236-2-5

  - Peter Rodeike, Focke Wulf Jagdflugzeug – ISBN 3-923457-44-8

  - Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Bremen, Fw 190A-8, 1944,

  Einzelteile der Konstruktionsgruppe 1

  - Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Bremen, Fw 190A, Ersatzteilliste

  - www.luftwaffe.cz

  (The author is a PR employee of Eduard, and also the

  curator and chief historian (volunteer) of the Museum

  of the Battle Over the Ore Mountains on September 11th,

  1944 at Kovarska, Czech Republic)

  Page 19

  Painting by Martin Novotny ‘Pauke! Pauke!’ depicting the battle of Sep-

  tember 11th, 1944. Uffz. Herbert Chlond of II.(Sturm)/JG 4 in Sturmbock

  Green ‘3’ (personal machine of Obstl. H-G von Kornatzki) flying through

  a formation of B-17Gs of the 100th Bomb Group. The pictured B-17G

  42-97834 bearing the code XR-J crashed at Kovarska. This painting

  was used as the boxart for Eduard kit Fw 190A-8/R2, Cat. No. 8175.

  

  

  

  HISTORY

  Rediscovered History

  One of the large air battles, in which

  Sturmbocks played out their significant

  role, was between II.(Sturm) and III.

  Gruppe JG 4, and the 13th Combat

  Wing, 8th USAAF, above the Czech-

  German border on Monday, September

  11th, 1944. The previously mentioned

  crash sites of Sturmbocks piloted by Uffz.

  Eilmes and Uffz. Zuber are the result

  of this battle. The result was the death

  of some eighty airmen spread over the

  loss of some seventy aircraft. There has

  been 25 years of research dedicated to

  this battle, and from 1997 has included

  the Museum of the Battle over the Ore

  Mountains on September 11th, 1944

  in Kovarska, Czech Republic.

  More information can be gained by

  visiting the museum, its webpage, or our

  facebook profile:

  In Scale

  The Sturmbock, despite a relatively short service career

  and limited use, have become one-sided phenomenon

  in the air war over Germany, and the defense of the

  Reich as a whole. Despite severe losses, Sturmbocks

  showed themselves to be a very potent weapons against

  allied bombers. With some units, markings were also

  quite colorful, and this only served to make them more

  appealing as modeling subjects.

  Eduard Model Accessories naturally includes this

  historically significant modification in their line of Focke-

  Wulf Fw 190s in 1/48th scale.

  To date, there have been three Eduard kits of this

  modification:

  - R0004 Royal Class;

  released in March, 2007.

  This limited edition is sold out, but may still be available

  in very limited numbers with some retailers.

  - 8175 as a Profipack; released in October, 2007

  - 8428 as a Weekend Edition kit;

  released in June, 2010

  In all likelihood, this will not be the last word

  Eduard will have on the Fw 190A-8/R2. There

  is a plan to release some Limited Edition

  kits dedicated to specific units and aces flying

  Sturmbocks.

  Because Eduard currently is not the only manufacturer

  of kits with this aircraft in their catalog, or more

  accurately, a modified Fw 190A-8 (although there have

  been releases erroneously labelled ‘R8’ or ‘Rammjäger’),

  Eduard has produced photoetched accessories for the

  Fw 190A in 1/48th scale for the Tamiya kit, including,

  for example, side armor panels, Cat. No. 48244.

  BUY Weekend edition Fw 190A-8/R2 (8428)

  BUY Profipack edition Fw 190A-8/R2 (8175)

  WWW.MUSEUM119.CZ

  Due to continuing research and reconstruction of the

  events on Sept. 11th, 1944 above Europe, I would like to

  ask all readers, who have knowledge of the crash sites,

  bombing or any other information about the air war

  events on this day, if they could kindly contact me by

  email at jan@museum119.cz for possible co-operation.

• Page 22

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Albatros D.III OEFFAG 253, 1/48 Cat.No. 8242

  A photograph from the second test shot of the Oeffag

  253 (Cat.No. 8242). During this test, no paint was applied,

  and neither were the photoetched details. Even at this

  point, the tests revealed excellent, crisp moldings.

  The Austro-Daimler engine with very crisp details, with invisible

  seams. The dimensions of this assembly come to a mere

  26 by 18mm.

  Detail showing the extremity curvature of the right wing

  with attached aileron. Note the port covers, as well as

  the aforementioned aileron attachment. On this shot, the

  roughness of the visible fabric covered structure can be seen,

  and so was changed on the production molds.

  Installation of the cockpit, weapons, bulkheads and engine

  into the starboard side fuselage half. The installation requires

  a certain level of precision and care.

  The front section of the fuselage after enclosure.

  Note the machine guns mounted around the engine area,

  and the surface detail of the fuselage side.

  The wing struts inserted into the top wing. The engineering

  here allows the proper geometry of the wings to be easily

  attained.

  The assembly of the landing gear showed itself

  to be likewise problem free.

  Putty-free Diet!

  Albatros D.III Oeffag from Eduard…

  WORKSHOP

  BUY Albatros D.III OEFFAG 253, 1/48 (8242)

  Page 20

• Page 23

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  The Brassin Cockpit for the Su-22/Su-17M3 in 1/48th

  as a Limited Edition Eduard release, Cat.No. 1149 (modeled by Lubos Zach)

  648001 F-16 early seat648004 F-16CJ Block 52 engine

  648007 F-16 late wheels

  BUILT!

  The more Brassin, the more Eduard!

  Page 21

  BUY F-16 early seat (648001)BUY F-16 late wheels (648007)

  BUY F-16CJ Block 52 engine (648004)

  BUY SU-22/Su-17M3 Limited edition (1149)

  A selection of Eduard Brassin accessories for the Tamiya F-16 in 1/48th.

• Page 24

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  BUILT!

  Page 22

  Bf 109E-7 Trop 1/32nd (Cat.No. 3004), built for display

  purposes by Mr. Jiri Bruna. This desert Emil is in the

  markings of a well-known aircraft from 3. Staffel/JG 27

  based at Ain-el-Gazala in Libya. The camouflage scheme,

  typical of the African battlefield, is composed of Sand

  RLM 79, with green overspray of RLM 80. Undersides

  and fuselage are in blue RLM 78.

  BUY Bf 109E-7 Trop Profipack (3004)

• Page 25

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  BUILT!

  Page 23

  Another Bf 109E-7 passed through the talents of Jiri

  Bruna. This one appears as it did when flown by Hptm.

  Eduard ‘Edu’ Neumann, CO of I./JG 27. Edu Neumann

  attained thirteen kills, including two from the Spanish Civil

  War, and others during the Battle of Britain. The decal

  option dates this aircraft from around June 15, 1941,

  at a time when Hptm. Neumann hit seven kills.

  BUY Bf 109E-7 Trop Profipack (3004)

• Page 26

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  This year, we again participated in the European

  convention Modellbrno 2010, which took place on June

  26. The space of Pavilion B at the Brno Convention

  Center was filled with some 1200 models covering

  several show categories and themes. There were several

  tens of vendor booths of retailers and manufacturers

  offering accessory sets and reference material as

  part of the convention, which was complemented by

  demonstrations of the Army of the Czech Republic and

  others. Besides our retail booth, we also had space in

  which we demonstrated new items (including a fully built

  Oeffag 253 and two still-warm test shots of this fall’s

  anticipated MiG-21), and new items of the photoetched

  and Brassin lines. We are already looking forward to next

  year. This is something you should attend, if you possibly

  can. Next year’s will be held on June 18th, 2011, again at

  Pavilion B. More information can be obtained by visiting

  www.modellbrno.cz.

  Vladimir Sulc in a discussion with fellow modelers. Karel Padar demonstrating new etches.

  Retail and PR personel (from the left) Martin Sulc, Katerina Borecka,

  Martin Finger, Pavlina Kamisova.

  Jiri Las during a demonstration of the Brassin DB 601 engine

  for the Bf 109E from Eduard, which generated a lot of buzz.

  EVENTS

  Page 24

• Page 27

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  Eduard on Facebook

  A couple of months after opening our Facebook

  page, it would appear that this was a good move.

  Truth be told, we didn’t expect such a rapid accu-

  mulation of fans, and we didn’t expect the number

  of Czechs we’d get on Facebook. At the moment,

  the ratio of Americans to Czechs is 225:195,

  which shows the strong modeling tradition

  in the Czech Republic. These are the two leading

  nationalities of over 1000 of our Facebook fans.

  Over these first few months, we have shown

  several of our planned products, and have given

  sneak peeks on such things as our upcoming MiG.

  Another hot topic has, of course, been the Oeffag,

  on which we reported regularly for a month prior to

  its release. These were two truly significant themes

  over the past month.

  With the help of Facebook, we have received

  a lot of interesting notes to contributions and

  photographs, which we wouldn’t have expected.

  For example, we were rather pleased with the

  response to our rabbits, which have spawned

  widespread debate in the modeling community.

  Facebook is turning out to be an excellent medium

  for communication between iur company and the

  modeling community, and is something we plan

  on exploiting a lot more in the coming months

  to strengthen the connection between us and our

  fans. So, you can look forward to more photoreports,

  articles, contests and interesting tidbits on our

  company. Help expand the community, and join us

  on Facebook!

  A beautifully rendered Fw 190D-9 in 1/48 (8184)

  in the markings of Stab/JG 4. (Modeled by Pavel Kytlica).

  A spring 2010 release, the Fokker D.VII (MAG) in 1/48th

  in Czechoslovak markings (by Karel Cvancara).

  The winning entry in the CR Championships Junior category 2010,

  Jan Minovsky’s (KPM Kladno) rendition of the Fw 190A-8 in 1/48th

  (Cat No. 8173) in the markings of Obstlt. Walter Dahl, Stab/JG 300.

  Elegant Jak-3 (Cat.No.8456) Weekend Edition in 1/48th.

  EVENTS

  Page 25

  CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK

  AND HELP US GROW THE COMMUNITY

  www.facebook.com/EduardCompany

• Page 28

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  BRASSIN: DB 601 engine in 1/32nd (for the Eduard Bf 109E)

  The term ‘On final approach’ expresses the final stage

  of a flight, when the aircraft is lined up with the landing

  strip, shortly before touchdown. Similarly, we will be

  divulging information on the status of projects that are

  ‘on final’, and their completion is at hand. Today, it’s the

  Brassin DB601 for our 1/32nd scale Bf 109E, together

  with a continuation of last month’s update regarding

  the long awaited MiG-21 in 1/48th.

  ON APPROACH

  Page 26

  The DB 601 project is in a very advanced state. Here,

  the Brassin engine and all its accessories, including

  cowling, can be seen. The engine concept allows the

  problem free installation and integration with the kit

  plastic (visible below left, where the plastic parts are

  painted green). Below right, the entire resin assembly

  (minus photoetched). At far right, a bonus inclusion

  – a tool set for ground personnel.

• Page 29

  Info Eduard - July 2010

  THE FINAL DOT

  In conclusion, that’s it for today. We hope you found

  this enjoyable and that nobody was too offended by our

  opinions, or, god forbid, the opinions of the bunnies. They

  say I express my eastern European traits, but I can’t be

  the judge of that. I’ve never been to eastern Europe.

  In August, we will be at the IPMS Nationals in Phoenix,

  Arizona, and as with Brno, we will have our Oeffag and

  bunny shirts, too. Also, I hope, our Brassin DB 601 engine

  in 1/32nd. Stop by and say ‘hi’!

  Vladimír Šulc

  KITS: Test shots of the MiG-21, 1/48th.

  ON APPROACH

  Page 27

  The first test shots dropped out of the molds on Thursday, June 24th, 2010 at 1114h.

  The photograph shows the moment of separating the molds, when the first tree saw the light

  of day. This will become a collector’s item, and I wonder who will be able to confiscate it.

  Note the reflection of the face of head of the production department, Martina Kurakova,

  on the control panel display.

  Designer of this kit, Ladislav Jonas, appears

  pleased with the results of the test…

  The first test item – a detail of the assist rocket motor.

  The first test item – rocket pod.

  The second test shot, this time four parts of the canopy and cockpit

  components. Under close scrutiny. At left, designer Ladislav Jonas,

  and in front, department head Martina Kurakova, programmer Herbert

  Seifert, and head of tooling, Frantisek Toman.

  A significant bit of news from June, 2010, specifically

  the 24th and 25th, was the first tests of the first two forms

  for the MiG-21 in 1/48th scale. It contained small details

  of the weapons, and a frame of clear parts. As we say at

  Eduard, ‘missiles and canopies we have, and now, just all

  that’s in between….wings, fuselage and the rest. They’ll

  make themselves.’ Our MiG-21 is truly a major project,

  with corresponding expectations. The finished item will

  hit the stores towards the end of the year. Contrary

  to initial intentions of releasing the MF as a Limited Edition

  kit with Czech markings, an international Profipack kit will

  be first instead.

• Page 30

  Info Eduard - July 2010

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