KIT REVIEW PROJECT:  FOCKE WULF FW-190 AND TA-152 IN 1/72 SCALE

BRIAN R. BAKER

13828 Whispering Lake Drive,

Sun City, AZ 85351  U.S.A.

aeronut43b@cox.net

(623) 933-1479

DATE:  30 April 2004

REVISION 3

 

INTRODUCTION

 

            Please note that I have moved from New Mexico to Arizona IN July, 2003.

 

            Several years ago, I started a project to find out how many different kits of the Focke Wulf FW-190 and TA-152 series have been produced in 1/72 scale.  After several years of gathering information,  I have come up with over 90 different issues, although it is admitted that some of them are reissues or “new box, new decals, same

kit” issues.  Nevertheless,  it appears that the FW-190 series has been one of the most popular kits in 1/72 scale,  and from this variety of kits,  it is possible to construct nearly all of the variants and prototypes of this most famous aircraft.

 

            Later in this series,  I intend to publish a guide telling how to construct each variant or prototype, and what kits and parts would be useful in each type.  I also have an extensive annotated bibliography nearly ready for publication, which should be helpful in obtaining specific information on the aircraft.  Some recent publications have provided very important new information on the FW-190,  and these will be listed.

 

            I wish to thank the numerous modelers throughout the world for their help in adding to my listings.  Numerous foreign issues would not appear here without their help.  If any readers note any discrepancies, errors, or omissions in this listing, pleased do not hesitate to let me know my email  or snailmail.

 

            My sources of information in the beginning included my own extensive kit collection, and the Burns Kit Collector’s Guide.  Also,  since I have been modeling 1/72 scale aircraft since my high school days in the fifties,  I have probably built nearly all of the early kits,  and have most of them in my collection.  Some of the more recent kits I have yet to obtain,  especially the obscure resin kits. Any sources for these kits would be appreciated,

 

MODEL LISTING

 

WORLD WAR II RECOGNITION MODELS

 

Aristocraft      FW-190A-3.  Black plastic recognition model produced for the U.S.

1942                military forces recognition training programs during World War II.

                        Reasonably accurate model, as these had been captured by this time.

                        British and Germans may have had similar models, although I have

                        only seen the American version.  Many replicas produced postwar.

                        Photo shows model on display at Wright Field Air Force Museum.

 

U.S.N.B.A.      FW-190A model plans produced by Navy Bureau of Aeronautics for

10 May 42      high school student recognition model program.  Students were given

                        plans and paper templates and models were built in wood shop                            

                        classes. Finished models were presumably painted black and given to

military units for recognition training, allowing students to  participate in the war effort.  Although not a “plastic model” these qualify due to their purpose and function.  Copy of plans and template sheet.

 

FROG             FW-190D.  One of the first plastic kits, rare today. I’ve never seen

PENGUIN      one.  Listed in Burns’ Kit Collector’s Guide.

1946-50

 

KITS OF THE FIFTIES

 

AIRFIX          FW-190D-9.  Early Airfix offering, depicting very early production

C1955             D-9 with flat canopy.  Produced from 1955 to 1975 by Airfix and

101                  various manufacturers, including Airfix-America, Craftmaster, and

1021                MPC.

0-1021-0

0-1064-7(D)    Cast in silver plastic, the kit was somewhat accurate in outline and

0-1070-1          “state of the art” for its time.  A lot of work could convert in into

0-3029-0          a reasonably accurate model.  Decal sheets improved with time,

6-39                 with last issues including decals for JG54, JG26, and JG63 aircraft.

T-223 (AA)     Reviewed recently by Steve Messner.

2-11091(CM)

2-1109-100

 

FROG             FW-190A-4.  Original Frog issue. Quite inaccurate outline and

C1958             had insignia locations inscribed on surfaces of kit.  Revell obtained

F.147               molds in late 1970’s but thankfully did not reissue the kit.  F.522

F.211(F)          was double issue with Beaufighter T.F.10 in “Comet Series”.

F.211               F.211M reboxed by Minex.  Also  produced by Minicraft.  Last

5904                produced about 1970.

F.522

393P

F.211M 

 

KITS OF THE SIXTIES

 

HELLER        FW-190A-5/A-8.  Although listed as appearing in France in the

C1963             early sixties, this kit didn’t appear in the U.S. until the early

L087                seventies.  Molded in soft grey plastic, this kit had fewer outline

HC1702          problems than previous kits. Included an interior, two canopies,

                        and two forward fuselage fairings for the A-5 & 6  and A-7 &

                        A-8 versions,  A-9 prop, as well as armament variations.

 

                        Kit featured raised surface detail and was best kit available at

                        the time it was issued.  Canopy could be shown in open or

                        closed position.  Outline problems included basic fuselage and

                        rudder shape,  forward fuselage, and  cowling ring.

 

REVELL        FW-190A-3/4.  In the early sixties,  Revell introduced a series of

H226               World War I and II military aircraft, and the FW-190A was one

H62                 of the early issues.  Original kits had a very inaccurate, constant

H661               chord prop, while later kits had a cleaned up tapered prop that

4123-0339       partially but not completely solved the problem.  The last issues

                        had wing mounted rocket launchers.  Although not up to modern

                        standards, this was the first American kit that was reasonably

                        accurate in outline.  Most issues had “generic” German decals

                        without swastikas.

 

LINDBERG   FW-190D-9.  Lindberg issued a series of German aircraft in the

C1964             early sixties, including the FW-190D, HE-162A, ME-163B, HE-100D,

433                  DO-335A, AR-234B, ME-410A, and HS-129.  Most were somewhat

582                  accurate,  with the HE-100D and HE-162A the best.  The FW-190D-9    

70582              was the worst, with many accuracy problems.  Canopy was much too

70580              wide, and the prop was hopeless.  Later reissued by Revell Germany.

                        Latest issue I have was listed as “Copyright 1990 Crafthouse,  Toledo,

                        OH, although Revell Germany was selling the kit later than that.

 

 

 

FROG             TA-152H-1.  This was the first kit issued of the TA-152H, and it was

1965                reasonable accurate for its time. It could be reworked into an accept-

F.236 (Box)     able model.  Detail was spotty, but the outline was very good for its

F.236F (Bag)  time.  Decals were generic, but then there wasn’t much information

F.424               available on TA-152’s at that time,  although the Profile Publications

H.81                were available then.

H.82               

04180              Molds went to Revell Germany in the Frog-Novo deal in the seventies,

                        although the kit was market by “Remus” in the UK, and Revell  in

                        the U.S.  Latest issues came from Revell-Germany.

 

KITS OF THE SEVENTIES

 

HASEGAWA FW-190D-9.  This was the original Hasegawa issue of the “Dora 9”.

C1970             When I first saw it, it looked fantastic in the box, but once assembled,

                        major outline problems became apparent.  Molding was crisp, and

                        details were well done, but shape inaccuracies prevented this kit from

                        becoming the definitive kit of the period.  In short,  it just didn’t

                        “capture the spirit” of the airplane.  It may have had alternate

                        canopies, but I’m not sure

 

                        One source states that this kit was reworked into the later Smer

                        offering, but I don’t think so.  Later, Hasegawa redesigned the kit

                        with totally new molds to make an excellent kit.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-5/8.  Original Hasegawa issue, similar in all respects to

C1970             the D-9 kit. This one had all of the same problems, with basic

                        shape inaccuracies.  Also, later retooled into the excellent series

                        of A, F, and G models available today.

 

MATCHBOX FW-190A-3/A-4.  Issued early in an interesting series of kits, (some

1972                have become classics while others have virtually disappeared)  this

PK-6                kit depicted the FW-190A-3 and FW-190A-4 versions, with the

PK-51              fin having both antenna forms, one requiring trimming off, an easy

                        task.  Actually,   this kit can be used to model anything from the

                        later A-0 through the A-4. 

 

                        The kit has raised and exaggerated detail, but was “state of the art”                              

                        for its time.  It had overthick gear doors and raised panel lines, but

                        it did include the inner gear doors (rarely seen on service aircraft),

                        and a totally inaccurate belly rack.  The cowling had the cooling fan

                        molded into the engine cowling, precluding the need for an engine,

                        which would be invisible in any case.  The canopy appears to be a

                        little small, and as it is in one piece, requires serious changes to

                        leave it open, exposing the lack of cockpit detail.

 

                        Later reissues included the FW-190A-4/R6 and an A-3 with decals

                        for SG1 (Crimea) and IV/JG1 (Germany, 1945).  These included

                        an additional drop tank and underwing WFGR 21 mortar rockets.

                        This was probably the first moderately accurate FW-190A,  and can

                        still be made into an accurate model.  Good for young modelers.

 

AIRFIX          FW-190D-9. (New Molds)  About 1976,  Airfix reissued a completely

1976                new kit of the “Dora 9”,  and this kit was the definitive kit of the air-

1064-7             plane until the advent of the Tamiya and Hasegawa issues of the

                        1990’s.  This kit was accurate in outline, and although there was little

                        cockpit interior detail, the wheel wells had more detail than most kits

                        of the era.  Raised panel lines detracted somewhat, and the bomb rack

                        molded into the drop tank takes a little work to convert it into a close

                        support aircraft, but that’s not much of a problem to correct.  The

                        kit depicts a late production aircraft with  the blown hood, as most of

                        them had,  and the canopy could not be in the open position, so the

                        interior detail  that wasn’t there couldn’t be seen anyway.  The

                        landing gear took some care in assembly, and the wheels usually had

                        sink marks, but the overall effect was a very nice model that  manages

                        to “capture the look” of the FW-190D-9.

 

 

                        Although now outdated by later offerings, the model was still being

                        marketed by Heller in 2003, and at  its low price, is still competitive,

                        especially for younger modelers.

 

AIRFIX          FW-190F-8 AND A-8.  Newly issued in 1977, this model was produced

1977                at least into the nineties, and I bought one in a hobby store as late as

2063-7             2003.  For many years, this was the best radial engine FW-190 kit

02085              available anywhere.  Two canopies were provided, neither of which

                        could be left in the open position.  The kit,  by the way,  had no parts

                        common to the Airfix FW-190D-9 kit, so you couldn’t use the flat

                        canopy from the A model to backdate the FW-190D-9.  The outline

                        was very accurate, although surface detail was somewhat heavy and

                        interior detail was sparse.  One advantage was the number of

                        armament variations that were available, including bombs, extra

                        cannon, etc. The latest issue by Airfix was labeled “Aircraft of the

                        Aces,” and included decals for Priller’s A-8.  By the way,  the kit

                        does not include the cannon breech fairings on the trailing edges

                        of the wings. These have to be scratchbuilt.

 

                        This kit has the same advantages of the D-9 kit,  in that it is a very

                        good choice for a younger modeler wishing to acquire skills in model

                        building without having to pay the high prices commonly paid for

                        more modern kits.  With some work, an excellent FW-190A can be

                        built from this kit.

 

ITALERI        FW-190D-9.  This is a lesser known issue of the D-9,  which was

1978                comparable to the Airfix kit, although slightly better in some

128                  respects.  It was not on the scene long, but may  still be in pro-

                        duction in Eastern Europe.  It had an accurate outline and a two

                        piece canopy that could be left open to show cockpit detail.  It

                        is not in any current catalogs.

 

KITS OF THE EIGHTIES

 

ESOTERIC    FW-190V1.  English resin kit produced about 1980, this kit depicts

C1980             the original BMW 139 powered prototype with ducted spinner.

SLE1               I have no data on this one, as I haven’t seen one.

 

ESOTERIC    FW-190V1 (MODIFIED)  Another resin kit from the same maker,

C1980             this kit features the later normal spinner arrangement adopted after

SLE3               the ducted spinner was abandoned.

 

ESOTERIC    FW-190V2.  Another resin kit from the same maker,  this one depicts

                        the second prototype.  No data.

 

 

AIRMODEL  FW-190V18/U1.  Injection molded offering of the experimental high

C1980             altitude fighter prototype that eventually evolved into the Dora series.

                        No data.

 

 

 

ESOTERIC    FW-190B (V13,V14, V16).  Resin conversion kit for modifying the

1980                Italeri FSW-190D-9 into one of the three high altitude prototypes.

BJ-8                I understand that this is a conversion kit, not a complete kit.

                        No data.

 

AIRFIX-MPC FW-190A-8/F-8.  Reboxed Airfix kit produced in U.S.  Could be

1982                used to build the A-7, A-8, and A-9 versions,  along with the F-8 and

                        F-9. 

 

ITALERI        FW-190A-8.  Although listed as A-8,  decals are included for one A-8

C1983             and one F-8.  Basically accurate outline,  with two types of two piece

No. 178           canopies included.  Produced until at least 1990, and possibly later.

                        Not currently listed in catalogs.

 

REVELL-       FW-190D-9.  reissue of old Lindberg kit by Revell in 1984. Terrible.

GERMANY   They should have known better

1984

4149-0389

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-8.  Completely retooled kit,  this kit corrects virtually all

C1985             of the errors of the previous Hasegawa issue, and is an accurate,

HE51303         highly detailed, excellent kit of the highest standard.  This was the

                        first of many variations of the Fw-190 to be produced by the

                        Hasegawa firm, which differ in decals, and specialized parts.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-8/R11,  Above described kit with radar antenna added

C1986             for night fighter version. Decals for Migge’s airplane.

 

HOBBYCRAFT FW-190A.  Looking like a very poor copy of the original Revell

C1988             FW-190A,  this kit is actually an “Idea” kit from Korea.  It is

None               very crudely done, with  exaggerated, terribly done details.  Decals

                        are “generic” German.  Probably depicts an A-3 or A-4. I bought

                        one in Arizona in 2003.

 

UNKNOWN  FW-190V13.   Resin kit reviewed by Scott Van Aken on Modeling-

C1988             madness.  Reviewer states that the kit was obtained  secondhand,

                        and that contained a vacuformed canopy and no decals. 

 

 

KITS OF THE NINETIES

 

TESTORS      FW-190D-9.  Possible reissue of Italeri kit by Testors.  Source says

C1990             Italeri, but one piece canopy indicates that this may be another kit.

                        I have not examined this kit.  No other data

 

HASEGAWA FW-190D-9.  Complete retooling of old FW-190D-9 kit, which, like

1992                their earlier FW-190A/F replacement,  solves virtually all of the

AP6                 problems of their earlier offering of this aircraft.  Good outline and

                        details.  Cockpit panel  details represented by decals.  Two piece

                        canopy allows open or closed position.  Excellent kit, highly

                        recommended.

 

                        Decals for four aircraft, including JV44 (Wubke), JG6 (Barkhorn),

                        4/JG2 (Hohenberg) and 4/JG3 (Romm).

 

DRAGON      TA-152H-1.  Chinese kit,  excellent detail, and probably best TA-152H

1992                kit to date.  Engine detail is very extensive, and actually becomes a

5008                problem in assembly, as some parts don’t fit together too well.  Decals

                        for several aircraft of JG301,  the only unit to operate this type.

                        Previewed by Scott Van Aken

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-5.  Revision of earlier A-8 kit with different cowling to

1993                represent the A-5 version.  Excellent in all respects.  Decals for four

AP7                 aircraft,  including JGZ-Ost (Graff), 5/JG54 (Lang), JG2 (Oesau), 51307           

                        and JG26 (Priller)

 

                        Hasegawa’s practice of issuing one basic kit and then many  basic

                        variations, differing in parts and decals is an ideas that other kit

                        manufacturers should emulate,  since is allows for different

                        variants of the type with minimal conversion effort.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-9/F-9.  Yet another variant of the series,  this kit

1993                featured a white metal prop and 14 bladed fan prop that identified

SP19                this variant.  An easy conversion,  it contains decals for two

                        aircraft,  an A-9 of II/JG301, and an F-9 of an unknown unit

                        in Germany at the end of the war.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-8.  Another reissue of this excellent kit, this aircraft

C1993             features different decals, identified as “D-Day” markings.  I have

51629              not seen this kit, but will assume that it represents Priller’s A-8

                        as it was one of the few FSW-190’s to appear over the invasion

                        beaches in June, 1944.

 

 

ACADEMY    FW-190A-8.  New issue from Korea,  this was one of Academy’s

C1994             earliest offerings, and judging from Academy’s recent products,

178                  should be retooled.  There are quite a few basic outline problems,

                        especially in the landing gear covers and fuselage.  However, I

                        built one up recently,  and even though outline errors are obvious,

                        the finished model actually looks fairly convincing.  Detail is

                        adequate, and a two piece canopy is included.  Reviewed by Scott

                        VanAken

 

MPM/             FW-190A-5/R14, FW-190A-5/V14, AND FW-190A-5/U14.  Torpedo

ACADEMY    carrying variant of the A-5,  this early MPM offering includes a

C1994             complete Academy kit with an additional fuselage, tailwheel,

MP72048        mounting rack, and torpedo for this particular type.  Photo etched

                        brass parts are included, along with decals for one aircraft.  The

                        assembled model looks pretty good, even though the wing and

                        landing gear inaccuracies are not corrected.

 

UNICRAFT    FW-190 TURBOJET CONVERSION.        Vaccuform conversion of

1994                Ukrainian origin,  this offering allows an easy (?) conversion to the

                        projected jet powered conversion that remained on the drawing

                        board.  This type is somewhat of a mystery,  as the location of the

                        jet exhaust is not really explained.  However,  a drawing appears in

                        Heinz Nowarra’s Harleyford FW-190 book, so I guess it is tech-

                        nically a variant that can be modeled.  I have not seen this one, but

                        would be inclined to scratchbuild this conversion.  A resin version

                        might have more possibilities.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190F-9 “PANZERBLITZ I”.  Standard FW-190A kit with

1994                (presumably) the A-9 broad chord prop and 14 bladed fan,

                        along with Panzerblitz I anti-tank rockets done in white metal.

                        I have not seen this variant.

 

MPM              FW-190V1.  Short run epoxy mold kit of the original prototype

C1995             with ducted spinner.  Kit includes injection molded airframe with

MP72032        vacuformed canopy and etched brass detail parts.  Decals for

                        the original prototype.

 

                        This kit could be modified to the second configuration with the

                        standard spinner.  Since it is the only version with the short wing,

                        it could probably be used with the Sword FW-190A-1 to produce

                        one of the short wing FW-190A-0’s.

 

MPM              FW-190V18.  Injection molded kit with vacuformed canopy,  this

C1995             model represents one of the high altitude developmental prototypes

MP72033        with eventually resulted in the excellent D-9 series.  This kit

                        would probably be useful in modeling other similar development

                        aircraft, and includes all of the external exhaust stacks and brass

                        etched parts.  Labor intensive, but the results are a unique model.

                        There was only one built,  so here is a one-of-a-kind.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-8.  Another Hasegawa variant,  this one includes decals

C1995             for Heinz Bar’s aircraft.

51375

 

HASEGAWA FW-190F-8/R16.  Yet another variant,  this kit includes a standard

1995                F-8 kit with white metal BT-400 missiles and racks.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190D-9.  Another “Dora 9” variation, this represents a D-9

C1995             attached to JV44, the “Papelgei Squadron” the unit assigned to

51368              defend the ME-262 airfields and cover the jets during their most

                        vulnerable time, during takeoff and landing approaches.

 

                        This is a standard FW-190D-9, but the decals are useful in creating

                        the colorful red-bottomed aircraft associated with this unit. The

                        unit also operated several FW-190D-13’s,  and aftermarket decals

                        are available for these aircraft.

 

RV RESIN     FW-190F-8/M82.  This is a Russian conversion of the FW-190,

C1995             depicting an aircraft modified by the installation of a Soviet M-82

C72004           replacing the BMW801.  I have not seen this version.

 

RV RESIN     FW-190C-0 (V13, V15, V16)  Resin kit depicting three prototypeas

C1995             for the Hohenjager 2 Project for high altitude fighter development.

72016              The kit is resin,  with vacuformed canopy and brass photoetched

                        parts.  Decals for three aircraft.  I have not seen this kit, but would

                        assume that you would need three kits to build all three prototypes.

                        This may be the “Unknown Resin” kit reviewed previously on MM.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-6.  “Nachtjager”  Nightfighter variant, with radar

1996                antennas and new decals.  No data.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-6  “Nachtjager”.  Nightfighter variant with radar antennas

1997                and different decals.  No data.  May be same kit as previous listing.

 

MONOGRAM FW-190A-8/R1 & R11.  This kit excited everybody when it first

PRO-MOD.    appeared, and is really an excellent kit.  It includes a radar antenna

1997                array and an extremely complete decal sheet.  The instructions alone

                        make the kit worth getting,  as they have photos of the real aircraft

                        details to aid in construction of the model.  Aside from the problems

                        listed below, it is probably one of the best FW-190’s available.

 

                        Decals are included for three aircraft including 3/JG54,  6/JG1

                        (Fw. Bindsell), and 1/NJGR10) (Fw. Migge)

 

                        There are several problems associated with this kit, some of which

                        are almost impossible to correct.  The one piece canopy makes it

                        difficult to expose the excellent cockpit detail included in the kit.

                        The wing trailing edges are the wrong shape.  I would suggest filing

                        the trailing edges smooth and adding trim tabs.  Check photos of

FW-190’s,  as none I’ve seen show the shape given in the kit.

 

                        The major problem is the shape of the forward cowling.  The opening

                        behind the prop is too small.  No wonder they had overheating

                        problems with those engines.  An aftermarket resin cast cowling of

                        the proper shape would probably solve the problem, but the plane

                        looks strange as it comes from the box. This is hard to correct.

 

                        NOTE:  This kit was later issued by Revell-Germany at a MUCH

                        lower price.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190F-8.  Listed as “Attack” aircraft.  No other details.

1997

51304

 

   

REVELL        FW-190A-8/R11.  Reissue of Monogram-Pro Modeler kit with same

1997                decals and problems.  Decals for two different aircraft. Cheaper than

4118-0389       Pro-Modeler kit.  Later reissued with different stock number for

4165                whatever reason.

 

DRAGON      TA-152C-0.  Another Chinese kit,  this depicts one  of four TA-152C

DML               prototypes.  It appears to be a downgrade from the TA-152C kit, and

1997                does not have the extensive engine detail that caused so many

5007-01           problems in their TA-152H kit.  It appears to be accurate, and goes together easily.  It is an excellent kit and well worth adding to your  collection.

 

AOSHIMA     TA-152H-0.  Of the same quality as the Dragon kit,  this one is much

1997                easier to build.  It features the detailed wing panels (They are slightly

16503              different from the TA-152H-1 panels) and the access plates are done

                        correctly.  Decals are included for a number of aircraft.  Some of

                        the cockpit interior details are represented by decals.  An excellent

                        kit,  definitely worth getting.

 

AOSHIMA     TA-152H-1.  Basically the same kit with different wing panels which

C1997             show additional fuel cell locations and filler caps.  Decals are also

                        different.   Another excellent kit.

 

RV RESIN     FW-190C-0/V21/U1.  Another resin kit of one of the numerous high

C1997             altitude “Hohenjager” prototypes,  this looks like a cross between a

72018              FW-190D and a TA-152C.  The kit is resin,  with vacuformed canopy

                        and photo-etched and white metal parts. Decals for  one aircraft, TI+IH.

 

RV RESIN     FW-190B (V27)  Resin kit of one of the Hohenjager I prototypes

C1997             with extended wings.  Resin, with vacuformed canopy, and white

72020              metal and photo etched parts.  Decals for one aircraft.  I have not seen

                        this kit.

 

RV RESIN     FW-190C-0 (V21)  Prototype for Hohenjager II project.  Central

C1997             exhausts on both sides of fuselage.  Resin, with vacuformed canopy,

72017              and white metal and photo etched parts.  Decals for one aircraft.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-7.  Yet another variant in the excellent Hasegawa series,

1998                the FW-190A-7 was a very limited production model that was

                        standardized as the FW-190A-8 with slight changes.  This appears

                        to be a reissue of the FW-190A-8 kit with different decals.

 

 

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-8/R8  “Ramsjager”   This variant had additional armor

1998                protection for attacking Allied heavy bomber formations.  Pilots were

                        supposed to swear that they would ram an enemy bomber if they

                        couldn’t destroy one any other way, but very few actually did so.

                        Model probably includes additional cockpit and canopy frame

                        armor plate and glass.  I have not seen this version.

 

ACADEMY    FW-190D-9.  New issue, with no relationship to earlier Academy

1998                FW-190A-8.  Basically accurate.  Early kits (mine) had pitot tube

1660-FA161    on left wingtip rather than right.  Later issues apparently have

                        corrected this error. Kit contains two canopies, and

                        these can be installed opened or closed.  One source indicates

                        an outline problem with the propeller.

 

                        Decals are provided for three aircraft:  IV/JG3 (Romm),  JG4

                        (Michaelski), and I/JG301 (Forster).

 

                        Probably not as good a kit as the Tamiya and Hasegawa models, it

                        is considerably cheaper and perfectly adequate for most purposes.

 

MPM              FW-190A-5/U1 and FW-190S-5.  Two seat trainer variant of the

1998                FW-190A-5 series, this model features the long greenhouse canopy

MP72030        common to this version.  Standard epoxy molded kit with vacuformed

                        canopy and photo-etched parts.  This is easier to build than a

                        conversion from a standard A-5 kit.  Decals for one aircraft.

 

RV RESIN     FW-190D-13.  Resin kit of  production model with one 30 mm.

C1998             cannon firing through the spinner, and two 20 mm. cannon in the

72024              wing roots.  Resin airframe, with white metal and photo-etched parts.

                        Decals for one aircraft, #10, Maj. Franz Goetz, Kdr. JG26.

 

RV RESIN     Mistel B.  JU-88H with FW-190F-8.  I am not sure of the exact nature

C1998             of this kit, which involved two complete aircraft plus mounting equip-

72015              ment.  It is listed as a complete kit, but also appears to have “Revell

                        parts”.   Kit is resin, with white metal and photo-etched parts.  I

                        have not seen this kit.

 

TAMIYA        FW-190A-8.  I have not seen this kit listed except on the Air Website.

C1999             The numerical code for this listing is 001010726072.  Note that 60726

                        is the code number for the Tamiya FW-190D-9.  No other source

                        mentions this kit, and it may not have been issued yet.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190G-8.  Another variant of the Hasegawa series,  this includes

1999                white metal flame dampers.  The G-8 was a long range attack type,

AP175             and had the cowling guns deleted, a process that must be done on this

                        kit with putty, as the cowling is standard.  The only armament was

                        the two wing root 20 mm. cannon. 

                       

                        The G model is perhaps the least known and documented aircraft

                        of the radial engine FW-190 series.  Although decals for two aircraft

                        are provided, none of the schemes is documented, and I have yet to

                        see a confirmed photo of a production G-8 in any publication,  except

                        one source which shows a photo of a plane covered in tarps identified

                        as a G-8, although it could be almost  anything.

     

                        Nevertheless, this makes into an interesting variant of the basic FW-190

                        series. It is highly recommended, as are all kits in this series.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-5 “Special”  Standard kit variant with supercharger air

1999                intakes and different decals.  No other data.

 

UNICRAFT    FW-190V19.  Conversion kit for Academy FW-190A.  Includes resin

C1999             wing panels and horizontal tail surfaces.  Listed as replacement

                        swept wings.  1/72 scale drawings are shown in the Miranda/Mercado

                        Reichdreams Folders.  No decals.  No other data.

 

RV RESIN     TA-153 (Actually FW-190V32/U1).  Prototype to test features of

1999                proposed TA-153 fighter.  Kit is resin,  with vacuformed canopy and

72019              photo-etched parts.  Decals for the one prototype,  CH-KV.

                        This kit is similar to an FW-190D-9 with a shorter nose and a four

                        bladed prop.   I did a conversion of this aircraft from an Airfix

                        FW-190D-9,  and it looks fine.  This kit would be a lot less work.

 

KITS OF THE TWO THOUSANDS

 

SWORD         FW-190A-1.  First production model of the FW-190A,  this kit,

2000                although not quite up to  current standards, is still very accurate

SW72008        and it fills a gap that needed to be filled.  This requires some skill,

                        but it can be made into a beautiful model straight from the box.

                        Canopy opened or closed is an option, and it is the only FW-190

                        model with flaps included that can be  shown in the up or down

                        position. Highly recommended.  The only other option here is to

                        use a Tamiya FW-190A-3 and backdate it.

 

                        Decals for one aircraft:  II/JG26 (Schneider) France, 1941.

 

REVELL        FW-190A-8.  This kit  is the standard Pro-Modeler kit with all of

2000                its advantages and disadvantages.  It contains a complete BV246

4135                glide bomb with under fuselage rack.  Same problems as Pro

4169                Modeler Revell Germany kit.

 

REVELL        FW-190F-8/R14.  Experimental Torpedo Fighter.  This is another

2000                variant of the Revell-Germany pro-Modeler kit.  It features a

04147-             new fuselage, torpedo, rack, and extended tailwheel leg.  It has

0389(7)?          The same advantages and problems of the Revell-Germany kit.

                        Decals are included for two aircraft:  II/KG200, (1945),  and

                        Erprobungstaffel, Torpedo Waffenplatz, 1944.

 

TAMIYA        FW-190D-9.  This is the definitive FW-190D-9 kit available at

2000                this time.  Accurate, highly detailed, with all the options except

60751              for flaps that can be lowered. No after market details needed on

                        this kit.  Highly recommended.  Decals for two aircraft:

                        4/JG301, Bavaria, 1945, and Stab/JG4, Frankfurt, 1945.

 

SMER            FW-190D-9.  Original kit,  rumored to be a rehash of another

2000                kit, but examination shows an original, if poor effort.  Inaccurate

SE0874           outline, and dull grey plastic with matt finish. Best feature is the

0874                Propagteam decals, which are excellent for another kit.  Produced by

                        Plastyk (Poland) and boxed by Smer (2000).  One wonders why

                        they bothered with this one,  with so many good kits on the

                        market.  Pass this one up.

 

TAMIYA        FW-190A-3.  This is the definitive early model FW-190A,  and can

2001                represent anything from the FW-190A-0 to the FW-190A-4 with

60766              slight changes.  Excellent outline, good interior detail, and fine,

No.66              panel lines.  Excellent kit, and highly recommended.

 

                        Decals for three aircraft:  8/JG2, France, 1942;  3/JG2, (Hahn),

                        France, 1942; and Stab/JG26 (Gath) France, 1943.

 

SMER            FW-190A-5/F8.   Similar in concept and quality to Smer’s FW-190D-9

2001                kit, with the same inaccuracies and problems.  Not worth getting

SE0879           with all of the excellent kits currently on the market.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-7 with Slipper Tank.  This was an experimental project

2001                to develop an efficient wing-mounted fuel tank mounted above

00172              the wings.  It is a standard FW-190A-8 kit with resin slipper

                        tanks.  An interesting one-of-a-kind project. 

 

BOGU’S         FW-190W.   Mythological FW-190D floatplane conversion with

RESIN            resin parts.  Not a model of an actual aircraft,  and may not have

2001                been actually produced as a kit.  An extensive ”history” of the type

                        was included in the modelingmadness review.

 

HASEGAWA FW-190A-6 “GALLAND”.  Standard FW-190A-6 kit with decals

2001                for Galland’s aircraft.

HAS268

 

ACADEMY    FW-190D-9.  “Papelgei” Squadron.  Standard Academy kit with

2001                decals for “parrot” Squadron, the unit that defended ME-262

MH1611         airfield at the end of the war.  Decals for one aircraft.

 

ZVEZDA         FW-190A-8.   Russian reissue of Italeri kit.  No other details.

2001                Produced in Russia.

7211

 

ADMIRAL     FW-190A-4/JABO.    This was a kit we all eagerly awaited, and

2001                we were badly disappointed.  It depicted a fighter-bomber

KPL72001      version, one which had never been specifically modeled before.

                        This was a new production kit, injection molded, with engraved

                        panel lines, resin wheels, and cockpit details.  Decals are

                        provided for one aircraft,  White 10, 1/SDGK10 (Berchtold).

 

                        Although the model looks close, there is a serious measurement

                        error in the fuselage.  It took me a while to figure it out, but

                        what they did was to use the length of the FW-190A-8 breech

                        cover ahead of the windshield, which is slightly longer than that

                        of the A-4 model,  which has the shorter fuselage.  This throws

                        the fuselage out of kilter, and creates a strange looking fuselage

                        profile.

 

                        My suggestion would be to modify the fin antenna on the Tamiya

                        FW-190A-3 and forget about this kit.  There are too many errors to

                        correct.

 

PLANET         FW. “EINSATZER”.  This is a resin conversion for an “FW-190

2002                variant” powered by a BMW 802 engine.  No other details.

                        The aircraft is listed in Nowarra’s FW-190 book, and also on

                        Luft46.com/planet/kitlist/html. Help me on this one.

 

BILEK            FW-190D-9.  Reissue of Italeri kit, with decals for Oskar Romm’s

2002                aircraft.

915

 

BILEK            FW-190D-9.  Another reissue of the Italeri kit with decals for

2002                Kurt Tanzer’s aircraft.

967

 

BILEK            FW-190D-9.  Another reissue of the Italeri kit, with decals for

2002                Klaus Faber’s aircraft.

980

 

BILEK            FW-190D-9.  Another reissue of the Italeri kit,  with decals for

2002                Gerhard Michaelski’s aircraft.

983

 

BILEK            FW-190D-12. TORPEDO FIGHTER.  I haven’t seen this kit,

2002                but it appears to be a reissue of the Italeri kit with added torpedo

72-910             and rack, probably resin.  More data needed.

 

HELLER-       FW-190D-9.   Reissue of new Airfix  FW-190D-9 produced in

HUMBROL   France.  Standard Airfix model.  New decal sheet, with decals

2002                for two aircraft: “Red 1”, JV44 “Papelgei” Staffel,  Munich,

01064              1945; and   “Yellow 10”.6 Staffel, II/JG26, Nordhorn, Germany, 1945.

                        Decals are matt finish.   I bought one new from a hobby shop  in Phoenix in 2003.

 

ZVEZDA         FW-190D-9.  Russian reissue of Italeri kit.

2002

 

MODELIST   FW-190A-5/A8.  Another Russian reissue, possibly Academy,

2002                Italeri, or remotely, Hasegawa. No other data.

M207206

 

KP(KOPRA) FW-190A-8  “Sturmbok”.  Listed as “Mastercraft Hobby Kits.

2002                Unknown  manufacturer.  Russian reissue.

KP620

 

KP(KOPRA) FW-190D-9   Listed as “Mastercraft Hobby Kits.  Unknown

2002                manufacturer, Russian reissue.  Could be Italeri, Academy,

PK635             or another manufacturer.

 

UNKNOWN FW-190A.   Boxtop scan of Russian issue kit.  Decals for

2002                “White 10”, JG54.  No other data.  Other date listed as   

                        1995.

 

 NOTHING FOLLOWS