Where can I find a Fw Rammjäger jet (3 Viewers)

[jazzeum]

Pierre,

I don't know if we can say that the jet didn't "exist" because of what's written in the book. We do know that it was designed and by more than one company. The logical conclusion seems to be that the Luftwaffe commissioned (ordered is probably a better word) more than one company to come up with a design for this plane. By exist, I'm assuming you mean built, that a prototype was actually constructed.

 

[OzDigger]

I'm still wondering why K & C made a model of something that didn't enter into series production, let alone see combat. In fact I suspect this design didn't even get off the drawing board.

I have seen a few companies issue models of such fanciful designs and they never seem to sell very well as most collectors of military models prefer models of actual combat protoypes.

I feel a model of a Me-163B (Komet) would have been a better subject.

 

[M1SLAPPY]

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME LUFTWAFFE TROOPS AND EQUIPMENT.

 

[jazzeum]

In the course of trying to find an answer to the questions raised by Pierre, I came across a forum on World War II airplanes, which may be of interest. The link is http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/aviation/ and the format is similar to ours. I posed the question but so far no answer.

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Guys,

There was a show on the International Histroy Channel tonight that I am hoping to see if the kids go to bed early. On this subject, Called Japanese and German Suicide pilots or something along this line. If it has anything interesting I will let you all know.

Dave

 

[Louis Badolato]

Hi Guys,

There was a show on the International Histroy Channel tonight that I am hoping to see if the kids go to bed early. On this subject, Called Japanese and German Suicide pilots or something along this line. If it has anything interesting I will let you all know.

Dave

I watched that show. They talked about V-1 suicide bombers, which I think is what the RammJager is meant to be.

 

[damian]

Before I purchase the Ramjager I would like to see some footage or photos of it. Was it actually built and did it ever fly either as a test flight or in combat. If this is an artists reconstruction of what it would have looked like then I will probably not buy it.

 

[Combat]

I watched that show. They talked about V-1 suicide bombers, which I think is what the RammJager is meant to be.

I'm not an expert, but the best conclusion that I can reach is that FW Rammjager was never actually built - even as a prototype or experimental model. It most likely existed only in theory. As Pierre noted, there were some variations on the piloted V1 that were built - like the Fiesler - but never used in combat. That in no way detracts from the KC set in my opinion. It looks great and represents an interesting piece of historical possibility. I'm actually glad to see KC producing some lesser known planes.

BTW: the only example of German suicide air attacks that I could find were during the Battle of Berlin on some Russian held bridges. The extent and intent of those attacks as organized suicide attacks is still subject to debate. It may have been the result of voluntary actions of a few individual pilots as an act of desperation.

 

[damian]

It is anice looking model and it is a valid theme as I think some other plastic model companies have made these sort of artists reconstruction type planes before, but we must be told exactly what this modle represents. With so many things that I need for my collection I won't buy a "never existed" model. I think it is a great piece but there are other great pieces that I would put higher on my prioroty list. If I was Bill Gate son the other hand

 

[Louis Badolato]

I'm not an expert, but the best conclusion that I can reach is that FW Rammjager was never actually built - even as a prototype or experimental model. It most likely existed only in theory. As Pierre noted, there were some variations on the piloted V1 that were built - like the Fiesler - but never used in combat. That in no way detracts from the KC set in my opinion. It looks great and represents an interesting piece of historical possibility. I'm actually glad to see KC producing some lesser known planes.

BTW: the only example of German suicide air attacks that I could find were during the Battle of Berlin on some Russian held bridges. The extent and intent of those attacks as organized suicide attacks is still subject to debate. It may have been the result of voluntary actions of a few individual pilots as an act of desperation.

On the show, there was a squadron meant to make suicide attacks, the commander of which hated Otto Skorseny. He (the squadron commander, not Skorzeny) was the one who nixed the V1 Piloted bomb program. There was also an operation "Werewolf" where fighter cover was drawn off by attacking ME262 jets, and then ME109 fighters crashed into bombers. Finally, there was the attack on the bridges you reference, which, despite his emnity for Skorzeny, the commander delayed until Skorzeny's men could get across. I believe some sort of prototype V1 piloted bombs were built, but testing proved so dangerous the project was abandoned.

 

[Pierre]

...I believe some sort of prototype V1 piloted bombs were built, but testing proved so dangerous the project was abandoned.

Hi Louis-

Obviously, they are referring to the Fieseler suicide jet. Focke-Wulf never, until proof to the contrary, produced a jet, suicide or not.

I am deeply convinced that the authors of the book (on which Andy based his model) drawned that jet and made it, on purpose, stylish.

Amitiés,
Pierre.

 

[CannonFodder1971]

I think there was a distinction between late WWII ramming missions and suicide missions:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=40403

http://ehangar.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=4742&highlight=


However, at the end of the day it was usually an inadequately-trained teenager (possibly not born long before Hitler's accession to power in 1933) who ended up in these pointless ramming missions.

Here's a pic of a B-17 Flying Fortress (or a B-29 Superfortress?) on its way home with a missing cockpit, allegedly from a ramming attack:

http://aeronautics.ru/archive/wwii/photos/gallery_006/AC B-17 severe damage to nose.jpg

Some of the other links have been posted in an earlier thread I think:

http://www.luft46.com/misc/zrammer.html

http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/images/Fi103_gatial_tomas_500.jpg

http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/LRG/images/fi103-1.jpg

(That one looks pretty real, and not just a mock-up)

 

[OzDigger]

It is anice looking model and it is a valid theme as I think some other plastic model companies have made these sort of artists reconstruction type planes before, but we must be told exactly what this modle represents. With so many things that I need for my collection I won't buy a "never existed" model. I think it is a great piece but there are other great pieces that I would put higher on my prioroty list. If I was Bill Gate son the other hand

I'm with you Damian as I also only collect actual prototypes.

 

[nmrocks]

I don't know, it'll be pretty hard for me to resist that set being towed by the new half track.
Ray

 

[OzDigger]

The halftrack would be ok on its own imo.

 

[nmrocks]

Seems it would have a pretty simple thing to put out a V-1 also?
Ray

 

[Capitolron]

I dont understand all the fuss - its a great looking figure and something out of the ordinary to collect - IMO.

 

[jazzeum]

Same here. As I've said, ad infinitum it seems, it clearly was a design and by more than one company. I also have no idea why Pierre said that he's convinced that the author of the book made it "stylish." I don't think he knows that to be a fact. Was a prototype ever built? No idea. I still love the photos that I've seen from Andy and it's on my must buy list.

At any rate, I've written to the author of the book and if he responds, I'll let you all know.

 

[Capitolron]

I have to believe that Andy has more than just one book on the modeling of the WS100 - I mean this is a big milestone for his WS Range and I am sure he didnt went into this half hazard - you know?

When Andy jumps in and checks this thread - I am sure we will learn alot more on this wonderful piece.

 

[Pierre]

Brad, Ron-

Please, find something that will prove the existence of that plane at anyplace, anywhere, except in that book. I only want to be convinced that it existed.


Ron-

You wrote:

I have to believe that Andy has more than just one book on the modeling of the WS100...

I know that you are a big fan of Andy and K&C but you are blinding yourself. Andy said he took his inspiration in that book and nowhere else.


Brad-

You wrote:

I also have no idea why Pierre said that he's convinced that the author of the book made it "stylish."

No one can prove that that jet ever existed other than this book and by coincidence, you have there, under your eyes, the perfect suicide jet that is as elegant as the Yokosuka MXY7 who had the misfortune of being a Japanese jet which is not the case of that Focke-Wulf Rammjäger (and don't forget that the word Rammjäger was improperly associated to Focke-Wulf. See: http://www.museum119.cz/jg4.htm

BTW, did you get an answer on the forum specialized in airplanes during WWII?

Crossroads asked about the Focke-Wulf Rammjäger in the Axis History forum. Guess what was the answer?


Brad, Ron-

K&C can produce what they want and the collectors are free to buy what they want, for the reasons they want but defending the fact that this jet ever existed, even drawned on a napkin just because it is made by K&C is, in my opinion, demonstrating a preconception that confines to bad faith.

I easily can imagine what the comments would had been if HB or NMA had made that model.

Pierre.