Pkf.85 Falke

The 1/20th Falke was built in the Fall of 2006 from Futch's first WF release of the kit for the IHYSC. For the build diary, click here. This Falke is featured in issue four of Sci-Fi and Fantasy Modeler!

This, one of my favorite Kow Yokoyama illustrations, shows a crashed Falke being salvaged by the Strahl.

Another beautiful Kow painting, showing a Falke in flight.

As talked about in the build diary, the Falke received a couple of "filter" passes from the airbrush, which as you can see, muted brighter colors and gave the model an overall patina.

It tricks the eye into thinking the entire object is being viewed through "atmosphere", and sells the scale.

When the white decals are compared with unapplied white lettering, they appear tan-hued.

But on the model, they still seem white.

Look at the large body panel on the top of the right boom (closest to you). It appears "brighter" and newer, because it was masked off, and the filter did not affect the surface. This is a subtle but very effective technique. There are about 5 other panels like this on the model!

The AG balls also turned out as I hoped they would, almost as if they were painted with oils.

They have an interesting matte surface that almost makes them appear translucent.

The dive brakes are held in place with paste-up wax, left over from the pre-digital graphic arts!

Engine bay appears greasy and functional.

Cockpit mating surfaces were given careful attention. The interior and exterior greens are very different and lend to the illusion that this is painted as fighters in WWII were. There is a lot of chipping here, as you'd imagine there would be.

Dials were nicked from a Revell VW model kit I had, so I guess my Falke comes out of Wolfsburg!

I think the next time I build a Falke, I will add more detailing to the inside cockpit tub itself.

Engine can was given a few passes with Allclad paints to suggest super-heated metal surfaces. Difficult to photograph.

Dive brakes swivel any which way. (and loose, as the wax heats up!)

There is a good amount of friction-fit to the cockpit hinge, allowing it to stay posed in the open position.

Certain parts were given a rusty weathering, courtesy of powdered pigments.

I love the gun and it's bracket, especially.

Underside details were rusted slightly as well.

It's a heavy model when finished!

Silver accents serve to offset areas that might otherwise get lost in the sea of detail.

Overall, I was really happy with the final results. Major thanks to Futch for building such a wonderful master pattern!