Airfix 1/72 Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8 Quick Build Review
By Steve Causey
| Date of Review | November 2013 | Manufacturer | Airfix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8 | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 1020 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | High level of detail, excellent fit | Cons | Front cowl sprue attachments are hard to remove without damaging part, some part #s are very vague |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $9.99 |
Quick Build
I have wanted to build one of these new Airfix 1/72 scale releases ever since hearing how nice they are. This little Focke Wulf is an excellent, well-fitting kit. You get 53 pieces on four sprues molded in light blue/gray styrene. Seam detail and panel fit is excellent with very fine detail. Non-existent or minimal mold seams and the ejector pin marks are on hidden surfaces. The builder is given the options of raised or lowered landing gear, raised or lowered boarding step, as well as a 'blown' or standard canopy which also has the choice of being displayed open or closed. For a look at the kit in the box, look here.
Assembly begins with the six-piece cockpit (including pilot). The instrument panel is flat using the provided decals for detail. The little cockpit is pretty nice with its rudder pedals and stick linkage details. Pilot's seat looks very nice with crisp moldings.
Fuselage halves fit perfectly trapping a part that has the exhaust stacks molded in. Wings need to be drilled in places to open up holes for the belly tank and the upper cannon bulges. Installing parts A11 and C4 (upper cowl and MG hatch) will put a smile on your face with they way they drop in place with excellent fit.
Upper and lower wing halves trap four cannon and two lower cannon bulges. With careful assembly, no seams are visible. Horizontal tail planes 'snap' into place and the separate rudder looks great when installed.
The wings fit into the fuselage perfectly requiring only a few clamps to holds the parts together until dry, again, no or only minimal seams.
The landing gear is then installed with the sockets and separate retracting arms helping to establish the angles of the gear.
The only flaw I found was the sprue attachment points for the forward engine cowling were thick and left flat spots upon removal (I used sprue cutters maybe a razor saw would have done a better job).
This is an excellent kit with a wonderful, effortless fit and a great price. I highly recommend it!
My sincere thanks to Airfix for this review sample!