Hasegawa 1/72 FW-190A-5 'Special', previewed by Scott Van Aken

KIT #:	00046
PRICE:	$16.98 when new
DECALS:	One Option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	1999 limited edition

The Fw 190 A-5 was developed after it was determined that the Fw 190 could easily carry more ordnance. The D-2 engine was moved forward another 15 cm (6 in) as had been tried out earlier on the service test A-3/U1 aircraft, moving the center of gravity forward to allow more weight to be carried aft. Some A-5s were tested with the MW 50 installation: this was a mix of 50% methyl alcohol and 50% water, which could be injected into the engine to produce a short-term power boost to 2,000 PS (1,973 hp, 1,471 kW), but this system was not adopted for serial production, yet. New radio gear, including FuG 25a Erstling IFF, and an electric artificial horizon found their way into the A-5. The A-5 retained the same basic armament as the A-4.

In 1992, Hasegawa released a series of FW-190 kits in 1/72. Those were the FW-190A-8, FW-190F-8 and the FW-190D-9. These three kits shared some common sprues, with basically the fuselage sprue being the main difference between them. From there, Hasegawa branched out to other variants and to a considerable number of Limited Edition kits, which were basically just decal changes, though some of them included additional resin or cast metal parts. It is to their credit that many modelers still consider these now nearly 30 year old kits to still be among the best in the market. They have been good builds with almost no hassle.

This issue is for a 190A-5 with the sand filters, an option not often seen on any variant of the FW-190A. In this case, Hasegawa provides these items in resin. One has to shave off the extant cowling detail and drill open a hole that is already in the fuselage halves to install them. In other regards, this is a standard 190A-5 boxing. Since this kit represents just one aircraft, that of Herman Graf, you only get the bits needed to do his aircraft.

You'd expect this one to have a decal for the instruments and you'd be right. Though the clear, two piece windscreen/canopy can be posed open, the cockpit of the 190 is so tiny that little will be seen. However, there are a number of nice aftermarket cockpits if you are so inclined to spruce things up. Your things under the fuselage is limited to a drop tank. You also need to open up some holes for the tank mount.

Instructions are well done with the usual Gunze paint references. There are markings for one aircraft as shown on the box art. These decals are nicelly printed and appear to be in good condition.

If you have been looking for a 1/72 FW-190A-5 that is a bit different from the norm, then this would be an excellent kit to have. It is much better than those that preceded it and makes into a fine model and will look great on your shelves when done.