As popular as the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 is among Luftwaffe enthusiasts, and Roco MiniTanks are amongst HO scale modelers, it is no surprise that a "Dora" has finally been released into the enormous selection of items in the dominate model railroad scale of 1/87, or HO scale.

Europe’s Austrian model railroad giant Roco released this Fw 190 “Dora” model as part of their huge MiniTanks series. Their other HO scale aircraft models are mainly helicopters such as:
Euro Copter 135
Apache AH-64A/B/C
BO 105
CH-53
UH-1
AH-1

Also included are fixed-wing subjects:
Douglas C-47
F-4E Phantom II (USAF markings)
F-4F Phantom II (Luftwaffe)
Junkers JU-52/3m
Junkers JU-87 G-2 'Stuka',
Lockheed P38-J Lightning.

Many of these kits have been reissued with diiferent markings and versions.

Roco was forced into reorganization recently and the MiniTanks series is now issued by Herpa. Herpa's website states, ”On October 1, 2007, Herpa has taken on the worldwide distribution of the military series Minitanks. In cooperation with the Modelleisenbahn GmbH (Roco), the line will be continuously advanced and extended.” For this reason, I refer to the series simply as MiniTanks.

The model

The model is assembled from 33 grey styrene parts and a single clear piece for the canopy. The molding is sharp with crisp recessed panel lines. I have not spotted any molding nor injector marks. There is some flash along the propellers, and a few seam lines on the pilot and tail wheel. For a scale that is 20% smaller than 1/72, the cockpit detail is awesome with a sharp instrument panels and consoles. The seat is present, but thick.

The kit is somewhat simplified, the landing gear struts and gear doors molded as a single part.

Test fitting is tight.

Instructions & Decals

The assembly diagram is simple and neat but seem to have been photocopied. Decals for two aircraft are provided, “Black 10" of JG 26, and the mount of Obstlt. Michalski, Stab JG 4. Typically, someone forgot to include the Swastika. The markings are only black and white, any color will be from the paint schemes. The JG 26 fighter should be eye-catching, with a yellow tail, black and white unit bands, and the natural metal/Grauviolett/Lichtblau underside of the wing. The colors are listed by RLM numbers and names, but Roco does not suggest any particular brand.

Conclusion

Over some forty years Roco has issued hundreds of 1/87 MiniTanks for HO railroad modeling, wargaming and collecting. It is great to finally have a high quality WW2 aircraft available. This kit will make an impressive addition to any HO WW2 collection.