21st Century Toys 1/18 Fw 190D / V1 Mistel
By Ron Denning
This 1:18 scale Mistel began as a 1:18 scale FW-190D from 21st Century Toys, and a 1:18 V1 model from Pegasus.
Doing some research on Mistels, I found that the Germans did several studies on mating various combinations of aircraft and ordinance. One of the proposed combinations was the Fw 190 with the V1 Buzz Bomb. In order to get the package in the air, a three wheeled trolley was required since the V1 was slung under the Fw 190. Once airborne, the trolley was disconnected and off the Mistel flew to its target. This model made from reference pictures is a concept of what might have been.
I totally disassembled the Fw 190, and sanded down all the paint. I then reassembled the model, filled the seams and screw holes. I re-detailed the cockpit, added seat belts, and radio antenna. The aircraft was repainted and weathered. The V1 was built out of box, painted, decaled, and was ready to attach to the scratch built support under the Fw 190.
The trolley was scratch built from plastic tube stock and rubber wheels. The pilot and ladder were added for detail. I do have pictures that my father in law took during the war of an airfield they secured that had abandoned Fw 190/Ju 88 Mistels. The ladders were still in place to access the upper control aircraft. Very cool.
© Ron Denning 2008
This article was published on Friday, September 27 2013; Last modified on Saturday, May 14 2016