Osprey Modelling 15

Modelling the
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A, F and G

by

Geoff Coughlin

Reviewed by John Prigent

Osprey's Modelling the Fw 190 is available online from Squadron.com

Here is a good set of ideas for modelling the short-nose 190s, with 6 models described plus the usual chapter of special modelling ideas. After a short introduction to the available kits and some comments on tools and materials it launches straight into the first model, an Fw 190 A-8/R11 at 1/72 scale from the Revell kit. This is at Intermediate level, so extra detailing is restricted to the use of an Eduard etch set, Squadron cockpit canopy, True Details wheels and Minimeca gun barrels. The work to use these is straightforward and very clearly described, and the results look great.

Next is another Intermediate build, this time the Hasegawa 1/32 scale Fw 190 A-5 built essentially straight from the box but with a lot of attention given to the colour scheme and how to paint it. The third model is at Advanced level, Tamiya’s 1/48 Fw 190 A4 with Cutting Edge wheels and a True Details pilot’s seat plus Eagle Cal decals. This is another straightforward build, with the Advanced part coming from its colour scheme because of its sheer complexity! Then there’s another Advanced build, this time the Hasegawa 1/32 Fw 190 F-8 but adding extra details from scratch as well as using some aftermarket parts and demonstrating how to achieve another complex colour scheme.

The final main build is at Master level, from the Hasegawa 1/32 kit again but converting it to an A-8/R8 Rammjager with a Fabflight conversion set for that version plus Eagle Parts’ cockpit, Eduard etch and decals from Eagle Strike. This one takes a lot of work, and it’s all very well described and shown on good photographs. The Special Ideas chapter deals with making a wood-plank parking base of the kind found on the Russian Front, and also gives some useful ideas on adding radio aerial wires. To round off the book there are very good sections on recommended further reading and websites, preserved 190s in museums around the world, and a good analysis of the available kits.

Most of the work shown in this book will be easily done by most readers, only the Master build being really complex in its construction aspect, so even those who don’t count themselves as even Intermediate modellers will be able to make good use of it to hone their techniques and try out the painting ideas.

Recommended!

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample
 

Modelling the Focke-Wulf Fw 190A, F and G Osprey Modelling 27 Author: Geoff Coughlin US Price: $18.95 UK Price: £12.99 Publisher: Osprey Publishing Publish Date: March 28, 2006 Details: 80 pages; ISBN: 1-84176-935-5 Shop Buy it from Osprey Publishing

Review Copyright © 2006 by John Prigent
This Page Created on 27 April, 2006
Last updated 26 April, 2006

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