Lost on the FW190A8/N G-FWAB

[JägerMarty]

They even incorporate parts of original 190's on them.

Really? Such as? My understanding was that this is not the case.

IIRC the tail wheel yokes are all original wartime FW manufacture, there may have been more too, not too many though.

On the topic of this birds scheme, to some of us who are really into Luftwaffe schemes and markings, this scheme just lacks a bit.
The aircraft is quite magnificent, and we know there are some really good wartime schemes that are well documented that could have been replicated.

Still, it's up to the owner in the end, he's put his $$$$ where his mouthy is and bought one!

The French FWn with the eagle cowl looks great, as does the German one in Nowotny's markings

[JDK]

Dear warbird1,
I'm well aware of the nature of Focke Wulf construction in W.W.II having interviewed one of the foremost current restorers of the type, and I suspect the same source as Chuck's opinion. The opinion expressed to me was not based on the presumptions of points 1,2 and 4, otherwise I wouldn't bother relaying it.

Also neither of us were talking on a generic level or aircraft construction or restoration as per your points 1, 2 and 4. The point I tried to make, briefly in my first post, as you've elaborated in your point 3 in return, was that they are look-a-likes, not Focke Wulfs.

The tailwheel story rings a vague bell for me too, but if I put a Lancaster tailwheel on my wheelbarrow, I'm not going to be claiming its a Lancaster. It's a touching touch, but it's hardly integral structure.

contact the Aircraft Restoration Company

ARC has nothing to do with the FW190 markings, it's owned by Spitfire Ltd. But thanks anyway.

ARC gave the press release about the aircraft's importation into the UK, handled the erection of it, and for an English language enquiry, I thought a good place to start. I haven't been up to date on the information for a year or so, but I assumed they were (still) the UK operating organisation.

My pleasure to have attempted to assist.

[warbird1]

Dear warbird1,
I'm well aware of the nature of Focke Wulf construction in W.W.II having interviewed one of the foremost current restorers of the type, and I suspect the same source as Chuck's opinion. The opinion expressed to me was not based on the presumptions of points 1,2 and 4, otherwise I wouldn't bother relaying it.

O.K., JDK, very well. How about some elaboration on what the "foremost current restorer of the type" said?

Why is it that Flug Werk has so many haters? It seems like most people either really like them or hate them - not much in between.

Based off of this post and several others from threads in past years, I gather there is information about Flug Werk that most people don't want to talk openly about. Why is that?

[JDK]

O.K., JDK, very well. How about some elaboration on what the "foremost current restorer of the type" said?

The proper quote was "one of the foremost current restorer of the type"' It's an important distinction.

I'm sorry, but no further elaboration, that's for my articles - I've offered what I thought was helpful, free, and there's a lot of irrelevant noise coming up now. Chuck may wish to, that's his call.

Why is it that Flug Werk has so many haters? It seems like most people either really like them or hate them - not much in between.

Based off of this post and several others from threads in past years, I gather there is information about Flug Werk that most people don't want to talk openly about. Why is that?

In case that's for me to comment on, I've just provided data, not just my opinion. From data one can draw conclusions.

Its clear that the Flug Werke builds have taken a while to get from sale to flight; why, I don't know, I've said that at the least getting a complex replica to flight is a big ask with a highly-likely arrival of teething problems - a commercial relationship in that process can exacerbate issues. It's a major task to have gone from idea to Focke Wulf look-a-likes flying - that's a great achievement and enriches what's in the air.

I don't have any further data that's got a reliable source, or quantification, and that alone is a good reason not to comment further, particularly on a commercial organisation IMHO.

FWIW, I don't 'love' or 'hate' them - and I'm not going to call one thing another, the distinctions are my job. There's too many romantics playing in warbirds.

Regards,

[warbird1]

I'm sorry, but no further elaboration, that's for my articles - I've offered what I thought was helpful, free, and there's a lot of irrelevant noise coming up now. Chuck may wish to, that's his call.

O.K., no problem. Then, how about a shameless plug for the magazine in which you will reveal this prized information. I will buy the issue, if you can tell me when it is coming out.

[JDK]

O.K., no problem. Then, how about a shameless plug for the magazine in which you will reveal this prized information. I will buy the issue, if you can tell me when it is coming out.

I've always wanted a loyal reader but don't hold your breath for a magazine issue. I'll have a look for my notes and you may get a PM. By all means remind me in a week or two.

Regards,

[Ken]

The pursuit of excellence is admirable and to quibble over the details is normal and fine, but let's not loose sight of just how much these guys have accomplished and contributed to the warbird scene. My hat's off to them. I for one would love to see an FW in the air.

Dave's whole quote was well written and, for whatever reason, this has since become a very odd thread.

I will make one comment on why some of us express disappointment when a paint scheme isn't well done. It's when you know that paint had to be purchased anyway - you just wish they'd've gone to a little extra trouble to ensure it was the correct color. He who pays the bills gets to choose - no argument there.

[touchdownaviation]

And all of this on a simple question what the markings represent, nothing on colour numbers, yes or no historical. A very imple question.. ha ha

By the way I contacted ARC and they don't know... Asked Flugwerk now.

[Chunks]

Welcome to WIX, Michael! Don't give up, there really is a lot of good information exchanged here

I saw this 190 (N, faux, fake, toy, imposter, insert opinion here) in Duxford several years ago and I thought it looked great. I'm not a markings historian, so can't comment on accuracy. I live 2 miles from the former Focke Wolf Factory in Rio Hondo, Texas, and I gotta say I'd take the new production. If I'm remembering correctly I counted 5 190 airframes at one point, and based on the pile of debris, aluminum shavings and shiney skin (chavings and chiney if you're in S. Texas) the only thing original may have been the tailwheel, but they were still FW190s.

Chunks

"the only thing original may have been the tailwheel, but they were still FW190s."

AMEN

Steve

[skooterN2767K]

It's a Flug Werke replica, nothing to do with a genuine Focke Wulf or with any genuine Focke Wulf parts. Giving it any sub-designation relating to a real Fw190 is, really, completely irreverent.

Amen, brother! It's not even a good fake. Another series of let downs: Me 262's, Oscars, FW-190s. At least the Yaks and the Zeros were OK while produced.

I can't believe this crap! WOW, how much more do these guys have to do to make a good airplane these days! I think the Me-262s are magnificent, and the FW-190s are freakin AWESOME!! How can you look at the 190s and say they dont look anything like the originals?? Sorry but thats BS. Using that logic, the TF-51 doesn't look like a Mustang!

[Michel Lemieux]

Chuck is a little closer to both sides of the fence where located.

Both originals being worked by the White one foundation: Flyer & the static going back to Norway

vs.

The Allison powered D-9 replica.

Just another quick question if someone know.

The Flug-Werk units had originally a prop driven engine cooling fan ( direct drive vs reduction gered one on a real BMW powered 190 )

Anyone knows why they did aways with it on the flying one ?

Passing or not for the real McCoy is one thing....but it is for sure a fine looking piece of machine they've re-created.

My 2 canadian centavos...sorry to jump out of the topic

[BenG]

And all of this on a simple question what the markings represent, nothing on colour numbers, yes or no historical. A very imple question.. ha ha

By the way I contacted ARC and they don't know... Asked Flugwerk now.

You should ask to Urban's Custom Painting: http://www.urbans-custom-painting.com/F ... -Duxford-/

[Dan K]

(Well, as long as the Flug Werk fans, Luftwaffe Experten, and markings police are all warmed up...)

Just to expand a little: How accurate are the other Flug Werk paint jobs?

These two links claim that this Flug Werk example portrays the colors worn by Erich Rudorffer when stationed with JG 54 in Finland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FW_190_A8_1.jpg

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FW_190_A8_3.jpg

The claim has also been made that the Flug Werk example that appears in the 2007 Finnish movie/documentary Tali-Ihantala was painted in Rudorffer's markings when stationed in Finland. She appears from about 4:16 to 5:40 in the following Youtube clip (Apparently the character wearing the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub is portraying Rudorffer as well. I won't comment on the acting).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZbW1E7FFWM

Anyone able/willing to confirm which markings are actually Rudorffer's when stationed in Finland?

[touchdownaviation]

Back to the topic about the markings, I got the following message from Flug Werk;

"The paint scheme on the Duxford FW 190 is realized purely on the ideas and request of its' owner. It does not reflect any particular aircraft scheme".

case closed.