One of the least known theaters of the airwar was the Arctic Front. JG 5 was stationed there throughout the war, flying out of bases in Norway. Rudi Linz was one of the more successful JG 5 Experten, claiming a total of 70 victories.
On 09FEB45 RAF Coastal Command launched a strike on German warships in Førde Fjord, Norway, including the destroyer Z33. Linz led his Staffel to intercept the strike which consisted of more than 30 Beaufighters escorted by a dozen Mustangs. In the ensuing action 9 Beaufighters and 1 Mustang were shot down, while the Germans lost 4 (some accounts say 5) Fw 190’s. One of the pilots killed that day was Rudi Linz.
The model represents the Fw 190A-8 of Rudi Linz, Staffelkapitän of 12./JG 5 in Norway 1945. Kit markings were used, but they should include a green heart on the port side along with the name “Gretel”. Also it is unlikely that JG 5 aircraft carried the underwing rocket launchers.






