Experten Decals ED-1 August 2001

Fw 190 D-9 "Rote 13", JV 44

Subsequent to the publication of our original publications (1), we discovered a number of previously unknown photographs of Rote 13. This images provided confirmation of most of our interpretations, and further provided clarifications on other aspects of the aircraft, all of which were originally based on a single photograph. We included these images were in a commissioned article for the German aviation magazine Jet & Prop (2), and were used to create a new series of colour artwork that appeared in the article. A set of limited edition prints illustrating these new revisions was released (3) and the photographs were also later published in other books on the subject (4, 5). Thus, from these new photographs, the following information can be added to what is known about Rote 13:

• The spinner tip was not white but yellow, likely RLM 04.
  
  
• The inscription is now visible from several angles and reveals that while our original interpretation of the lettering style was reasonably close, given the quality of the original photograph, a minor grammatical error is evident - the word "die" is replaced with "wir". The inscription should properly read "Rein muß er und wenn wir beide weinen!'
  
  
• The placement of the underwing stripes can now be more accurately delineated.
  
  
• The Morane FuG 16ZY underside antenna was fitted to the aircraft but removed sometime after capture.

In 1999, new photos of Rote 13 and another JV 44 Dora-9, Rote 3, were published (5). They revealed for the first time that the aircraft's Werknummer was not 400240 but 213240. Aircraft from this 213000 Werknummerseries are virtually unknown and are confirmed by a handful of photographs (4, 5). The appearance of these and similarly painted aircraft, unique application of camouflage colours, plus the observation of two manufacturer plates for Rote 13 infer that it and the others were constructed from recycled A-8 airframes. Similar features and dual plates are seen on other recycled fighter aircraft such as the Bf 109 G-10 series (7).

To address some of the deficiencies such as the Werknummer and inscription, two copies of the 1/72 scale decal sheet are provided with all new purchases. These should provide the necessary letters and numbers to make the identified changes. For these and the slight changes in alignment of the underside white stripes, modellers are advised to review these new images soon to be published on our webpage, or consult the other cited publications.

Citations:

1. Brown , D. E., and Wadman, D, 1993: History, Camouflage and Markings of JV 44 and JG 6 Focke-Wulf 190 D-9s. Experten Decals Nos. 48-1 and 72-1, Experten Historical Aviation Research Inc., Calgary, Alberta, 30p.
2. Brown, D. E., and Wadman, D., 1995: Bunt Schuetzt vor der eigenen Flak. Jet & Prop Magazin, 3/95, pp. 29-30, 39-44, 66. Verlag Heinz Nichol, Postfach 16 47, 66466 Zweibruecken, Germany.
3. Davison, D. W., 1995: Papagei Staffel Fw 190 Ds. Series of three 1/32 scale colour prints (Rote 1, 4 & 13). Adler Graphics, P.O. Box 1942, Longmont Colorado, 80502-1942, USA.
4. Forsyth, Robert J., 1996: JV 44 - The Galland Circus. Classic Publications, Quarry Ridge House, 7 Quarry Close, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0TJ, England, 356p.
5. Crandall, J., 1999: Doras of the Galland Circus - Eagle Files #1. Eagle Editions, Hamilton, 74p.
6. Rodeike, P., 1999: Focke Wulf Jagdflugzeug - Fw 190A, Fw 190 "Dora", Ta 152H. Struve-Druck, Eutin, 444p.
7. Prien, J., and Rodeike, P., 1993: Messerschmitt Bf 109 F, G & K Series - An Illustrated Study. Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Altglen, 208p.

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