Although the Me262 was famed for being the world's first operational turbojet aircraft, the great runway length it required and slow acceleration made it very vulnerable during take off and landing.

The "Platzschutzstaffel" (protection squadron) was established by General Adolf Galland to serve as fighter cover for Me262 airfields. The aerial defense squadron was comprised of several Focke-Wulf Fw190D-9 fighters. These high-speed, high-altitude interceptors were painted bright red on their underbelly with uneven white stripes to help anti-aircraft batteries distinguish them from Allied aircraft. The paint scheme was a request by the pilots themselves, perhaps as result of the failed Operation Bodenplatte, where a number of German aircraft were lost to friendly fire.

When flown by capable pilots, the 190D proved to be a match for Allied Mustangs and Spitfires. To many pilots, the D-9 was considered the pinnacle of German piston engine aircraft. The final victory of the JV44 is said to be scored by Oberleutnant Klaus Faber while flying this aircraft, the "Red 13". He claimed a P-47 Thunderbolt while on a flight to pick up some whiskey. Although Faber’s victory totals are unknown, it’s most certain that he was an "Experten".

I used Hasegawa’s 1/32 model kit to produce Faber’s "Red 13" Dora. Additional aftermarket parts were also used to reproduce the exact features of his aircraft. Eagle Editions super detailed resin cockpit, corrected 5 piece gun cowling, radiator cowling, main tires, tail wheel and yoke were installed for historic accuracy. As a customized addition, four wires were installed (two on each side) behind the headrest in the canopy. These are accurate to photo references of the original "Red 13". The inscription on the portside of the aircraft reads: "Rein muß er und wenn wir beide weinen!" meaning "In he goes and then we both cry!" Enjoy our photos of Klaus Faber’s "Red 13" Dora.

Above: Photograph of captured Fw190D-9 "Red 13" Dora.