Here is the final STUKA sculpt for those who are still following the project: Enjoy!
I hate to do this, but I’m seeing some problems with this Stuka.
1 – The cockpit is shaped wrong. The Stuka’s cockpit had more of a squarish look to it and was somewhat longer. The current cockpit looks like that of a single-seat fighter plane. It leaves no room for the rear gunner that was in all Stukas.
2 – The landing gear struts are placed wrong. They are too close to the fuselage. The landing struts on the Stuka were located right on the bend of the wings.
3 – I think the tail fin is a little short. It should be a little higher.
I’ve attached some pics of one of my Stuka models so you can see the difference. If you want the Stuka piece to be an accurate representation, these changes should be made.
I agree on the cockpit. Definately wrong.
As for the landing gear struts … comparing the FMG photo with the 3rd picture you posted, they look (to me anyway) to be in the exact same spot (at the bend of the wing)!
Tail fin … not a big deal of course, unless it’s already going to be resculpted.
I’m not too worried about the canopy being wrong, because it looks more like a late version Stuka. The Rudder is definitely a little small though.
I agree on the cockpit. Definately wrong.
As for the landing gear struts … comparing the FMG photo with the 3rd picture you posted, they look (to me anyway) to be in the exact same spot (at the bend of the wing)!
Landing gear are definately too far inboard. Another comment though… Did the modeler verify compatibility with the Graf Zeppelin? Can that thing balance easily without tipping off? Or, if the gear were wider apart (which would be more correctly placed), can it straddle the zeppelin?
I hope when you get to the Japanese pieces that any piece with extended gear (the Val) can straddle the carrier rather than trying to balance. Or, just model the Kate so you don’t have to worry about it.
Yes, the Stuka landing gear should be compatable with the German carrier. That is very important. If the carrier deck is skinny then the gear needs to be close together.
With the WOTC German carrier, the Stuka landing struts straddled it which was fine with me. I kept having a problem with my Vals tipping over the side of the Japanese carriers until I started using the magnets.
After looking at the sculpt pics and pre-production pics of FMG’s German carrier, it looks to me like it will be wider than the OOB German carrier. Plus, I thought it was said that the ships from FMG will be slightly larger than the OOB ships for better detail. With a slightly wider flight deck and slightly larger overall size, our new planes should be able to fit on our new carriers just fine, landing struts or no landing struts. At least that is how it is looking to me so far.
Can’t wait to have these pieces in hand. I can almost feel them already.
Looks good can’t wait. I have said it before these will replace my current pieces.
Yes, the Stuka landing gear should be compatable with the German carrier. That is very important. If the carrier deck is skinny then the gear needs to be close together.
Yeah, that was actually not what I’m advocating. Yes, it’s “realistic” in the sense that the landing gear is functional on the carrier, but it’s far easier to deal with the pieces when the stuka straddles the zeppelin and locks in a little bit (and considering how narrow the Zeppelin is, they really should lock around, not sit on). Same with the Val on the Japanese carrier - near the front the landing gear more or less lock in place around the sides… much less tipping.
off topic: for your vall problem straldle them on the thin end of the carrier it fits purfactly
I’m so pleased with the look of these minis that, even after all my work on these (http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=20025.0) - they’ll be replaced by FMG’s. C’mon Chinamen! eh eh eh
I agree on the carrier remarks; ascetically, it is very nice for them to fit easily onto the carriers. I have stopped using the US and JAP tacs and replaced them with the older alternate versions of the fighters from earlier games because I got tired of having to get the pieces ‘just right’ to stay on while they were moved or the board was bumped ever so slightly…
looking forward to all the pieces FMG! Great stuff!
Should be any day now on the Italians. Any news FMG or sculpts we are starving out here. I fished on the weekend I need some news on my other addiction.
Any updates on the France and ANZAC combat dice?
guys STOP ASKING DUMB QUESTIONS LIKE " WHEN ARE…… or ANY UP DATES…" HE WILL TELL US
guys STOP ASKING DUMB QUESTIONS LIKE " WHEN ARE…… or ANY UP DATES…" HE WILL TELL US
so you are saying that asking isn’t a sign of preparedness? :roll:
Any updates on the France and ANZAC combat dice?
Agreed, we need an update on the dice FM.
ok what ever. the fmg dice is sorta understandable but dont keep asking.
thank you for clarifying
Update Picture
Update Picture
Looking forward to these Italians as they are sorely needed for my N. Africa game. Thanks for the photo.
