Conversations with Henri.

[speedgraflex]

HENRI DÄHNE

Henri Dähne, a Luftwaffe propeller kit designer and fabricator, is such a fantastic human being as well as modeling resource. I place this note here, but I would recommend anyone with an interest in modeling Luftwaffe subjects in 1/32 scale to seek Henri out to see if he has a propeller kit available for your subject. John Kim was really the first modeler I know here to put Henri’s work into the mix of detailing choices for his own projects, but I recall Thomas posting a propeller from Henri in the SPA Modeler Acquisitions Thread. I would like to add here that Mr Dähne has propellers available for Revell’s recent Fw 190 F-8 and A-8. The A-8 set includes the tank ring and brass shaft.

JUNKERS VERSTELLPROPELLER

[Stikpusher]

Those are impressive!

Does he do props for older kits as well? Beyond all the new tool kits, which frankly do not need as much help...

[speedgraflex]

This is his product list from November 2017. It is a partial list (there were products listed as coming soon) and any errors and omissions are mine. NB: All products are 1/32.

• Ju 87 B-2 / R2 VS5 Trumpeter
  Ju 87 D VS 11 Revell, Hasegawa
  Ju 87 G VS11   Hasegawa
  Ju 88 A-4 VS 11 (Series 3) Revell
  Ju 88 A-4 VS 11 (Series 6) Revell 
  He 111 H-6 Revell
  Fw 190 D-9 Revell, Hasegawa                            
  Fw 190 D-13   Revell, Hasegawa       
  Ta 152 H-1   Zoukei Mura                                  
  Fw 190 A-9 Hasegawa 
  Bf 109 G-6   Revell, Hasegawa     
  Bf 109 G-10 / G-14 / K    Revell, Hasegawa
  Bf 110 G-4 " Nightfighter"  Revell
  Bf 110 C/D Dragon
  Fw 190 A-5/ A-8 Hasegawa
  Fw 190 F-8 / A-8 R-11 Hasegawa, Revell
  Bf 109 E Cyberhobby
  Bf 109 E Eduard

[Stikpusher]

The only older kit that I see on that list is the Revell Bf-110G Nightfighter

[speedgraflex]

Carlos—you definitely raise a great point about developing parts for older kits. This could be an interesting research topic, as I am certain I have seen kitsets and aftermarket sets specifically geared to improving Revell and Monogram kits alongside incredible scratchbuilding. There was a great discussion concerning the Action Model of the P-51D somewhere buried online where the considerations for profile shape accuracy were so high one could take the Rutman 1/32 detail set and mate it with the fuse and wings to build an accurate model—that is a hell of an idea and wish more modelers would suggest these kind of challenges. Truly.

I just purchased my first propeller kit, which is designed to mate with either Revell’s Fw190 F-8 or A-8, which are bargain 1/32 kitsets. I personally feel that adding the costs with shipping of HD’s propeller to the discounted cost with shipping of the kitset from Sprue Brothers makes the project still quite reasonable with total cost of $50. I priced Eduard’s BRASSIN set ups at quite a bit more and I don’t feel the need to build what is barely visible to an extraordinary level here... at least not yet.



An interesting side note that Henri lists the propeller as “Original Parts—Berlin Gatow,” which I assume he means the A-8 owned by the Museum is provenance.

[Stikpusher]

Well the older kits certainly need more help in places than the newer kits. But I think there is a certain amount of “snobbery” from most AM companies towards older kits. Eduard has made PE for many older kits, but often discontines those, even though the kits are often widely available. Especially when a new tool kit of the same subject appears on the market from the Tamigawas. Ah well, it is what it is...

[speedgraflex]

Thanks for your thoughts, Carlos! Most of my experience is in extremely short run resin kits for science fiction subjects, but I definitely see a strong group of healthy, active and creative A.M. for aircraft and armor as well. I agree with you about longevity of kits—one basically buys A.M. in a short time frame and after that it is up to eBay. A lot of what happens to indie fabricators is basically twofold: economics and their own health or ability to manage fabrication. You mention Eduard specifically—I too would very much wish their “legacy products” (a term I am borrowing from Apple)—were still offered with the support of the company itself. Last but not least I believe the new era of personal fabrication is upon us—when it is now possible for a modeler to fabricate a 1/32 Scale Eagle Transporter replica, I feel there is going to be a renaissance of kits and parts online for old, new and custom kits.

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/ind ... ansporter/

[Thomas_M]

I am in contact with Henri for some years now, having his props for the Fw 190, Ta 152H and Ju 388 in the stash. They all are pure marvels on what can be done in resin!
Please be aware that he has no "business" doing them, it is a hobby and takes him lots of time and research. Not all his stuff will be available all time, so get them while you can! His propellers are also available directly from him.

[Thomas_M]

Here is the link to Henri´s list with prices and postage:
http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/viewtop ... 667#p59667

[Medicman71]

I'd like to see some more modern aircraft. Ones like the C-130, MV-22, etc.