Title should change to:
Fw 190 WNr 0008 STKZ
On the page of Classic Fw 190 Vol1 book on page 67, there is a lineup of aircraft on the grass field of Bremen factory (apparently) photographed from 2 o'clock and the caption says that the first aircraft from left is Fw 190 V8. Fw 190 WNr 0008 carried "08" on both sides of the cowling but because of the size of the aircraft in the photo even with a magnifier, this is not visible in the book.
Both this book and Andrew's
http://fw190.hobbyvista.com/ mention that this aircraft received STKZ KB+PJ on a later date.
In the above-mentioned photo, aircraft called "Fw 190 V8" is shown in Natural Metal finish with a (
what to my eyes seems like) normally proportioned swastika on the tail. Followed by RM+CA marked Fw 190 V1 in two-tone camouflage, another Natural Metal finish (
anybody knows which is the 3rd aircraft in line? could it be V15?), and then with the camouflaged aircraft coded KB+P?. Finishing the line is another natural metal aircraft.
On page 68 there is another lineup of Fw 190s shot from another direction. Again according to the caption - first in the foreground is Fw 190 WNr 0008, this time 08 on the cowling is visible. Aircraft is in Natural Metal finish & this time its swastika is of smaller size.
Then followed with yet another lineup of aircraft this time photographed from 4 o'clock, according to the caption showing from right to left: WNr 0015 (V15), followed by KB+PJ (WNr 0008), unknown aircraft & KB+PN (WNr 0012, V12) - shown on the top of the page 69.
If we read these three captions on three consecutive pages it seems that V8 showed up in three different looks over the very brief period of time: twice in Natural Metal with small & large swastika & once camouflaged with KB+PJ on the fuselage sides (and probably wing lower surfaces).
My major question is: Could it be that the photos on pages 67 & 69 are showing same lineup? Please notice the same fuel cart between WNr 0015 & KB+PJ on both photos and also some parts laying between them on the ground too. Open canopies on WNr 0015 & closed one on KB+PJ with the pilot inside... Mottle on KB+P? on the photo on page 67 and mottle of KB+PJ on page 69 seem to be identical when observed close up...
If this is true and it's one & same lineup - then either:
a) 1st aircraft on Page 67 in lineup is not the V8 or
b) if it is V8 (maybe 08 is visible on the original photo) KB+PJ is not V8...
Anyone with original photos and or access to contact copies that could show that this is same roll of film proving that these are two different aircraft...
Any help apreciated so we can sort out these early birds even further.
Thank you,
Milos