Flug Werk Fw.190d-9/n Zk-dra

[K5054NZ]

News, Classic Wings issue 63
DELECTABLE DORA'S DOWNUNDER DEBUT
The first Focke-Wulf 190D to be seen in the Southern Hemisphere arrived at Ardmore Airport, New Zealand in mid-June following a trip by sea from Europe. Purchased by the Dora Collective syndicate in February, the aircraft is one of three Doras built by Flug Werk in Germany.
Previously operated by Eric Vormezeele in Belgium, the Junkers Jumo 213-powered aircraft is expected to make its first airshow appearance at Masterton early next year. Until then, the six members of the syndicate are all clambering for a chance to be the first to fly the exceedingly rare aircraft. Already plans are being made for a unique airshow routine featuring this aircraft and the Jurca MJ-80 (Fw.190A-8 replica) of Zac Yates, something we can definitely look forward to!
The other two Flug Werk Doras are operated in Germany (by Flug Werk themselves) and the USA, both of which fly with modified Allison V1710s rather than the original Jumo. No original Doras are currently airworthy.



Register Reflections, Classic Wings issue 63
ZK-DRA   Flug Werk FW.190D-9/N, 990006, ex-OO-DOR, 12.6.08, The Dora Collective, c/- Private Bag 190, Papakura, NZ



News, Classic Wings issue 64
STOP PRESS – DORA FIRST FLIGHT!
The Flug Werk FW.190D-9/N ZK-DRA flew for the first time in New Zealand ownership on August 8, with Zac Yates at the controls. The flight took 40min, and consisted of basic manoeuvres carried out over the Hauraki Gulf. Zac said the aircraft felt fantastic, and had soon completed its necessary testing.
The aircraft, painted as "White 3", is the sole example of the new-build "longnose" to be powered by the original and exceedingly rare Junkers Jumo V12, the other two examples (in Germany and the USA) being Allison-powered. Owners The Dora Collective have been able to secure another running example of the powerplant in Europe, along with an array of spares.
ZK-DRA is set to make her debut at the Wings Over Wairarapa airshow in January next year, in company with Zac's Fw.190A-8 replica "Yellow 10"/ZK-ZFW.



From Gavin Conroy's report on Wings Over Wairarapa 2009, Classic Wings issue 67
One of the highlights of this year's show was the first duet performance of the two Focke-Wulf 190s, the Dora Collective's longnose example and the full-scale replica of Zac Yates. Their immaculate "Anton and Dora" routine held the 30,000-strong crowd spellbound, and the pilots were met with major applause upon landing.

[Brian da Basher]

Oh man Zac she looks every bit the winner! I don't know how you managed to get that spiral painted on the prop spinner...and in 1/72 yet! I'm also way impressed with how you were able to paint that Luft camo scheme by hand! Absolutely stunning!

The backstory was a wonderful treat too!

Brian da Basher

[Shasper]

Zac, theres a guy who has a *real* one in BTR, take a look:





Note that these were taken over 2 yrs ago, so progress may have been made.


Shas B)

[cthulhu77]

on both of these Zac...oh yeah, and Shanlyn says to say hello. Crikey, he's hittin' on my wife!

[Eddie M.]

Good lookin' bird. I like your camo technique. B)
  Eddie  

[Chap]

Wonderful work yet again Zac!

~Steve

[matrixone]

Zac,
That looks really good! I like the wing undersurface bare metal areas.
Those pics you took outside look the best, they show the colors very well.

Matrixone

[K5054NZ]

Thanks a million as always, gents. I always feel extremely humbled when I read your comments.

Personally I prefer Dora to Anton, both in terms of the models and in real life. I'm looking forward to the day I eventually see one of them (or of each!) in person. Mmmmmmmm  ^_^ !