| Catalogue No.: | 85-5949 |
| Scale: | 1/48 |
| Media: | Injection Styrene |
| Review Type: | In Box |
| Rating: | Recommended |
S u m m a r y |
| Contents: | 111 parts in light grey and clear plastic |
| Price: | US$18-$20 |
| Advantages: | Accurate outline; good detail; engraved panel lines; choice of ordnance; four high-quality decal options; reference photos included; descriptive instructions; captures the main attributes of the G-2/3 |
| Disadvantages: | Care will be required with assembly - especially around the multi-part nose; some panel filling required. |
| Recommendation: | Recommended for anyone wanting to build the long-range fighter-bomber version of the Butcher Bird. |
B a c k g r o u n d |
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190G series was the long-range fighter-bomber version of the Butcher Bird.
The main feature distinguishing the "G" from the ground-attack "F" series was the "wet wing". This permitted the installation of drop tanks on each wing, thus increasing range and still allowing a bomb load to be carried on the ETC501 centreline rack. However, the outer-wing racks were frequently not fitted, making the "G" externally identifiable only by the faired-over upper cowl gun troughs.
For more detailed information about the differences between the Focke-Wulf 190 A, F and G series, see John Beaman's excellent article, "Wurger Genesis", here on HyperScale.
F i r s t L o o k |
Revell-Monogram continue their association with Dragon/DML with their release of the Focke-Wulf 190 G-2/3 in 1/48 scale.
This kit is an adaptation of the original Trimaster Fw 190A-8, subsequently purchased by Dragon.
Pro Modeler's Fw 190G-2/3 is packaged in their new style of one-piece cardboard box, graced with evocative artwork on the front and six colour photos covering three marking options on the back of the pack.
The new release shares the attributes of the earlier Trimaster and Dragon kits including highly accurate outline, excellent detail, crisply engraved panel lines and plenty of options. It will also undoubtedly present the challenging fit of the multi-part nose. Some flash is present, but this is the only evidence of the extensive previous use of these moulds.
The photo-etched steel fret of Dragon's releases is now substituted with delicately reproduced plastic parts. This is a good move. I found the steel parts difficult to work with in the original Dragon kits.
Instructions take the form of a 16 page booklet in typical Pro Modeler style. Reference photos are included. Helpful text descriptions and suggestions support exploded construction diagrams.
Four marking options are provided, including a colourful and well-documented aircraft of 5./SG 1 with a Mickey Mouse emblem in a red circle. Aeromaster designed the decals. Registration, sharpness and colour are perfect on my sample.
Distinguishing Features
Most of the distinguishing features of the "G" series are included in the kit. A new upper-cowl panel has been supplied with the gun troughs blanked-off, outer-wing-racks are provided and ordnance comprises two 500kg bombs and two 300 litre drop-tanks. Although not mentioned in the instructions, two twin-20mm under-wing gun pods are also provided.
Suggested Modifications
Each lower wing has a raised rectangle where the bulged access panel of the MG151 (from the original Fw 190A-8 molds) has been replaced with the flat panel of the "G" series. A few minutes sanding will fix this small blemish. Purists will also want to correct the panel lines and fuselage access hatches. The Fw 190G-2 and G-3 were based on the original airframe of the Fw 190A-5/6, but the kit's panel arrangement reflects the A-8 model. The large oval hatch under the mid fuselage, the filler flap above the radio access door and a few other minor panels should therefore be filled and sanded flush.
The ETC501 bombrack was moved forward by 20cm on the A-8. In Step 3 of the instructions, open the holes behind suggested holes "F" and "H". This will correct the position of the rack, part C7.
More specific details of these modifications are available in John Beaman's article.
C o n c l u s i o n |
Trimaster's Fw 190A-8 was a revelation when it was released in 1988 and the kit still stands up very well to today's improving standards. The addition of the "G" series to the line-up of 1/48 scale Butcher Birds is very welcome. Pro Modeler's boxing, with its unique instructions and decal options, is a worthwhile addition for 1/48 scale Luftwaffe modellers.
Thanks to Revell-Monogram for the sample
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