The plane (or the bomb):
There's no need to introduce the Fieseler Fi-103 flying bomb. Through its different names it can mean nothing at all or everything. Though the bombing campaign in which it starred was less far flung than the 1940 "Blitz", the sheer terror it spawned gave way to an improved defence scheme into which AA and several types of fighter intertwined in several "killing zones" that, after the initial shock and difficulties to intercept the machine, gave sterling results to the british defeders, thus curtailing much of the V-1 menace. Equally important became the efforts to eliminate the launching pads for the V-1, leading to a renewed bombing campaign across the Netherlands and Germany, and as the german forces withdrew from the conquered territories, the effectiveness of the bomb suffered accordingly in range and accuracy.
The model: Dragon's V-1 in 1/72nd.
About a year ago, a gentleman posted the Fujimi Spitfire XIVc in "V-1 killer" markings. Since having built several V-1 for friends and having thoroughly enjoyed building the Dragon kit, I decided to purchase the double kit box. Both Spit and V-1 were already built for the most part but the price was more than affordable and no great hindrance came from the previous owner's build except for the in-flight landing gear. The V-1 only needed some sanding and filling in a couple of places before painting.
Looking for a suitable painting scheme, I settled on the one used for the V83 prototype. The overall RLM-02 scheme had been darkened on the under surfaces by applying a coat of black and the heavy mottled spraying was given to the Argus pulse-jet. Conversely, the intake ring was natural metal. ModelMaster 02 was used for the overall coating, then Hataka's superb Acrilyc paint range came to help with AII silver and Night colours. Night was chosen for it is considerably lighter than straight black and it has a dark, bluish tone which goes fairly well with the 02 uppers. Some chipping was done to the night colour to show the 02 underneath and a silver pencil to chip the acces panels, a light wash of Night and black being run down the panel lines and crevices to make them stand out.
These machines were not man handled enough to further weather the model other than the engine combustion chamber and exhaust which got severe heat-burnt while testing the engine prior to the flight. It was achieved by dry brushing and washing with Mig's aviation set rust and exhaust black pigments. All was sealed with a coat of Humbrol's Matt Cote and that was it.
Here's the finished model, the cart being supplied by a dear friend of mine (thank you, Tito!).
It's a very simple and enjoyable build, with a myriad colour schemes and a sound basic kit to display them. Go, build one. Or several. You won't be disappointed.
As always, take care and good luck.
TMU
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