Eagle Editions | EC21: 1/32 Yellow Tailed D-9s JG 54, JG 26 and JG 2
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Originally only released in 1/72nd and 1/48th scales, Eagle Editions has chosen to release these colorful markings in 1/32nd scale. This is a closer look at this new set from the EagleCals line.
Four new schemes are supplied, all common with their distinctive yellow tails. Each is well documented in the following references:
- Crandall, Jerry; "Yellow 10" Eagle Editions Ltd.
- Urbanke, Axel; Green Hearts First in Combat with the Dora 9 Eagle Editions Ltd.
- Hildebrandt, Carl; Broken Eagles 1 Fw 190D Fighter Pictorials
These references are very good, and anyone with an interest in the Dora should have them in their reference library. Unfortunately the instructions do not include any photos, which we have seen included with other decal sheets. Common to their other Luftwaffe subjects, Tom Tullis provides his incredible air brushed profiles. Single side, upper and lower camouflage patterns are fully detailed.
The first scheme is "Red 1", W. Nr. 210003, and the third production Dora assigned to Oblt. Hans Dortenmann of 12./JG 54. The aircraft is an earlier scheme than that depicted on EC#60, reviewed here. The aircraft is finished RLM 76/75/83.
The next aircraft depicts W. Nr 210003 as it appeared at the end of the war. Reflecting the chaos of the period, this aircraft would be seen as "Red 1", "Black 1" and finally "Yellow 1". This was caused by the different Gruppe assignments. Dortenmann would be associated with this aircraft from Sept 1944 until wars end when he destroyed the aircraft. An amazing feat when you consider the average life of a German fighter in combat was four hours! "Yellow 1' is finished RLM 76/82/83.
The third aircraft is "Black 10" W. Nr. 500618 of 2./JG 26. The aircraft was captured by the RAF at Flensberg and selected for testing by the Allies. Assigned USA 15, its fate is unknown. The aircraft is finished Blue-Green/natural metal/ RLM 75/83 undersurfaces. The upper surfaces are a mix of RLM 82/8375.
The final scheme is "Yellow 11". The entire W. Nr. is unknown as it is a pieced together late war aircraft. The undersurfaces are natural metal/RLM 75/76. The upper surfaces are RLM 75/83/81 with gray primer on the wings.
Microscale prints the decals. They appear to be printed to their usual high standards, as the decals are thin and void of extensive carrier film.
Jerry Crandall of Eagle Editions has a deserved reputation in striving for complete accuracy. I recommend these decals to any modeler wishing to accurately display their 1/32nd scale Long Nose Dora.
Review Sample Compliments of Eagle Editions.
© Mark Proulx 2004
This product is available from the following LSP sponsors
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016