Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9 Dora “Christl”

Aircraft

Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9 Dora “Christl”

Pilot & Markings

Kommodore Gerhard Barkhorn – Stab./JG 6, Defence of the Reich, 1945

Scale & Kit

1/48 Tamiya Model Kit

History

With an astounding tally of 301 aerial victories, the legendary German Luftwaffe pilot Gerhard Barkhorn, who flew the Fw 190 Dora represented in this scale model aircraft, is the second most successful ace in history. His total is only surpassed by fellow ace pilot Erich Hartmann, who ended his career with an unmatched record of 352.

Surprisingly, it took 120 combat sorties for Gerhard Barkhorn to score his first victory and he himself was shot down nine times. He also went scoreless during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. In fact, all victories were recorded while flying over the Eastern Front against the Soviet Red Air Force. During this time, he became the first fighter pilot to complete 1,000 combat missions, a total that increased to 1,104 by the end of his career. In mid-January of 1945, Barkhorn was assigned to take command of Jagdgeschwader 6 (JG 6). Armed with the powerful Fw 190 D-9, the Reich defence unit was one of several to be assigned to the Oder Front, flying ground strafing operations against advancing Soviet forces. As depicted in this scale model aircraft, the personal markings on Barkhorn’s Focke-Wulf included his wife’s name “Christl” and a small number “5”, his favourite number.

Tamiya’s 1/48 scale model aircraft was used to reproduce Barkhorn’s Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9 Dora “Christl”. An excellent choice for this project, as the model kit is highly detailed with exceptional fitting. Aftermarket parts such as exhaust pipes, a cockpit and decals were also utilized for additional detail and accuracy. Enjoy the photos.

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