KIT REVIEW PROJECT

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.

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