he Fw 190D (otherwise known as the “Long-Nose Dora,” or Langnasen-Dora) earned its name from a new powerplant that quite noticeably extended its nose:  a 12-cylinder inline engine that replaced the radial engine of earlier -A, -F and -G models.  Previously, the liquid-cooled Junkers Jumo 213A 12-cylinder powerplant (boosted up to 2240 hp with water-methanol injection) had only been used on bombers.  The Fw 190D was based on the airframe of the Fw 190A and can be considered a transitional design between the 190 and the Ta 152. 

Production began in 1944 and some 1,800 Ds were produced.  Despite its high-altitude capabilities, the Fw 190D found its true niche as a medium altitude interceptor – on par with the Mustang and Spitfire.  It was also a highly versatile ground attack aircraft.  Overall, the Fw 190D was considered by many German pilots to be the finest piston-engine fighter in the Luftwaffe inventory.  The D-9 variant also had improved visibility in the form of a ‘bubble’ or teardrop shaped canopy that provided good overall visibility, though perhaps but not quite on par with its Allied opponents.

Eduard’s 1:144 scale Fw 190D kit is a repackaging of the Platz kit.  The kit contents are found in a single resealable bag with light cardstock in the middle to keep the package slightly rigid. The kit comes on one injection molded polystyrene sprue totaling 28 parts.  Two clear parts comes on one clear sprue.  The full color instruction booklet organizes the build over a quick two pages.  A small masking set for the canopy and main gear wheel hubs is also included.  Markings for four airplanes are provided:

• Fw 190D-9 W.Nr. 210003, flown by Oblt. Hans Dortenmann, IV./JG 26, Germany, 1945
• Fw 190D-9 W.Nr. 600424, flown by Lt. Heinz Saschenberg, Munich-Riem Airport, Germany, April-May 1945
• Fw 190D-9 W.Nr. 211115, I./EKG(J) or V./EJG 2. Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, May 1945
• Fw 190D-9 W.Nr. 211165, Stab/JG 6, Prag-Rusin, Czechoslovakia, May1945

Strengths:   Eduard’s small-scale long nosed Dora is another entry in their Super44 product line.  The plastic itself comes from Japanese kit manufacturer Platz, and it’s excellent.  Platz does great work, especially in this very small scale.  The surface details are rich and complex even for 1:144 scale, and all the panel lines are very delicately recessed.  Even the ultra-fine left wingtip pitot tube is represented here.  There is a rudimentary cockpit and the engine’s cowl flaps are molded in the open position.  The single-piece windscreen and canopy also look quite nice, and Eduard’s masking set is a very nice touch.  There are two different styles of canopy depending on the version of Fw 190D-9 you’re building, and there’s even a rudimentary cockpit.  Shoulder harnesses and lap belts are provided as decals.   

The markings options are all quite interesting and include the famous Fw 190D with the red-and-white underside.  The decals were printed in-house by Eduard.  They look great from a printing and decal production perspective.  I can see no perceptible flaws.

Weaknesses: I cannot offer any real substantive critiques of this kit.     

Eduard’s 1:144 scale Fw 190D-9 will be a lot fun for small-scale modelers and fans of the 190.  The plastic by Platz is excellent, and the addition of Eduard decals and masks confer upon this kit an “Eduard touch.”  Its relative simplicity, nice detail, and distinctive markings options extends a wider invitation to many scale modelers, especially for those interested in a relatively quick build of a small-scale classic warbird.

Sincere thanks are owed to Eduard for the review sample.  You can visit them on the web at http://www.eduard.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EduardCompany