Focke-wulf 190

I've built all three manufacturers kits of the FW-190-A in 1/48 and heres my personal ratings. The Otaki (Arii/Airfix) kit is the easiest build but the least detailed and least accurate. The landing gear is too long and doesn't get the sit right. However, with some work and extra detailing it builds into an acceptable model. The DML/Dragon kit is the most accurate model but is a very difficult build. Fitting the cowl is really tough. The Tamiya kits have some inaccuracies but noyhing major. The build is easier than the Dragon/DML and harder than the Otaki. If you want an A-3 or F model then Tamiya is definitely the best bet. If you want an A-5/8 then Dragon/DML is the best choice even with the assembly difficulties.

Rick

ProModeler released the Dragon kit, yes, I dunno if Italeri has. They boxed the Ta 152, but I'm not sure about the 190's. BTW, the ProModeler kit was a G-2/G-3, so if you're a Butcher Bird fanatic, this kit is a must have as Dragon never released a 190G. Trimaster may have released a G, but I don't recall for sure.

The Otaki kit (which has been boxed by ARII, AMT/ERTL & Airfix amongst others) is not a bad build, but it can't really hold up to Tamiya's or Dragon's kits. It IS on of the better Otaki kits, though...

I built this thing as a testbed and had a ton of fun with it. I'd like to do it again with a better kit; matter of fact, I'd like to do a before and after of this particular bird.




Fade to Black...

MPM made the kit in 1/72 a few years ago. Its the Fw 190V3. It has photo etch and a vac canopy. Converting another kit would involve moving the cockpit forward, different gear covers, and changes to the cowling. The only dedicated kit of that particular airframe is the MPM kit.

Since we're talking Fw 190 can anyone advise if there is a kit of the prototype with the semiducted propeller or what modifications would be necessary to the rest of the a/c?
Dai

I can't compare it- I've only built the others (about 5 of each)

What about the older Otaki kit... As far as I can remember, it was pretty good, no?

The Tri-Master/Dragon/DML kit, although slightly more accurate, is more difficult to assemble. The cowling on the BMW-engined versions has a difficult fit. The landing gear & tailwheel are more accurate.
The Tamiya kit offers near-perfect fit. The landing gear is short, and the tailwheel is one-piece.
A good model can be built from both. Its probably more of a question of how much work you are willing to put into it. My personal preference is the Tri-Master/Dragon/DML kit. These have been re-released by Pro Modeler & Italeri (I believe) Please correct me if I am wrong.
Both companies offer both BMW radial & Jumo liquid-cooled engines.
Good luck ! Hope you add an Fw 190 to your collection. Its a beautifully clean bird.

Tamiya has a good offering too - this is their A-3 backdated to an A-2 via Airwaves resin cowl. Pilot is from Verlinden (tamiya's sat too high in the cockpit). Used Eduard's small photo-etch set and only a couple parts at that for the cockpit. Decal's are from Aeromaster depicting Adolf Glunz's aircraft based at Abbeville, France, in June of 1942.

Try the 1:48 Dragon Master Series Fw190A-8, kit # 5502. Great detail and it includes photo etched parts.