Gerhard Thyben was one of the Luftwaffe’s highest scoring Experten, being credited with a total of 157 aerial victories. He likely scored the last Fw 190 kill of the war, a Soviet Pe-2 over the Baltic Sea.
Thyben’s first combat was with 6./JG 3 flying Bf 109’s on the Eastern Front. He got off to a slow start, downing a Soviet Boston on 26FEB43 for his first victory. He was briefly transferred to the West at the beginning of 1944 where he scored five victories, including three P-38 Lightnings in one sortie. Transferring back to the East in command of 7./JG 54 “Grünherz” , he achieved his 100th victory when he outmaneuvered an attacking Il-2 at low altitude, the Sturmovik stalled and crashed. Thyben survived the war, passing away in 2006 at the age of 84.
The model depicts Thyben’s Fw 190A-8 while commanding 7./JG 54 at Libau-Grobin, Latvia in January 1945.
Always inspirational Jeff.
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Thanks Pierre, this is one of my early Luftwaffe efforts.
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Always fond memories
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Superb Jeff. Love the chipped paint work.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Thanks Pete!
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Very nice, Jeff! 🙂 I like the simple grey scheme, although I had to look twice to spot your subtle camouflage!
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Thanks John! I faded out the RLM 74 on the wings too much, there should be more contrast. The fuselage does look like it was oversprayed with the RLM 75 gray though, which would make a good camo during the winter months.
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