Jump to content

Focke Wulf Fw-190F-8. 1:32


Shar2

Recommended Posts

Focke Wulf Fw-190F8

Revell 1:32

boxart.jpg



The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger (English: Shrike) is a German single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft designed by Kurt Tank in the late 1930s and widely used during World War II. Along with its well-known counterpart, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Fw 190 became the backbone of the Luftwaffe's Jagdwaffe (Fighter Force). The twin-row BMW 801 radial engine that powered most operational versions enabled the Fw 190 to lift larger loads than the Bf 109, allowing its use as a day fighter, fighter-bomber, ground-attack aircraft and, to a lesser degree, night fighter.

The Fw 190A started flying operationally over France in August 1941, and quickly proved superior in all but turn radius to the Royal Air Force's main front-line fighter, the Spitfire Mk. V, especially at low and medium altitudes. The 190 maintained superiority over Allied fighters until the introduction of the improved Spitfire Mk. IX in July 1942. In November/December 1942, the Fw 190 made its air combat debut on the Eastern Front, finding much success in the specialised ground attack units called Schlachtgeschwader (Battle Wings or Strike Wings) from October 1943 onwards, following the redesignation of all former Sturzkampfgeschwader dive-bomber wings at that time.

Though Soviet pilots considered the Bf 109 the greater threat, the Fw 190 and its pilots proved just as capable as the "lean" (to VVS pilots) inverted V-12 inline-powered Messerschmitt in aerial combat. In the opinion of German pilots who flew both, the Fw 190 provided increased firepower and manoeuvrability at low to medium altitude. Still, it never entirely replaced the Bf 109.

The Fw 190A series' performance decreased at high altitudes (usually 6,000 m (20,000 ft) and above), which reduced its effectiveness as a high-altitude interceptor, but this problem was mostly rectified in later models, particularly in the Junkers Jumo 213 inline-engine Focke-Wulf Fw 190D series, which was introduced in September 1944 and restored relative parity with Allied opponents.

The subject of this kit is that of the F8 variant which was basically an A-8 model re-designated, having a slightly modified injector on the compressor which allowed for increased performance at lower altitudes for several minutes. Armament of the Fw 190 F-8 was two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots and two 13 mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine guns above the engine.

  • Fw 190 F-8/U1 - long range JaBo, fitted with underwing V.Mtt-Schloß shackles to hold two 300 L (80 US gal) fuel tanks. ETC 503 bomb racks were also fitted, allowing the Fw 190 F-8/U1 to carry one SC 250 bomb under each wing and one SC 250 bomb on the centreline.
  • Fw 190 F-8/U2 - torpedo bomber was fitted with an ETC 503 bomb rack under each wing and a centre-line mounted ETC 504. The U2 was also equipped with the TSA 2 A weapons sighting system that improved the U2's ability to attack seaborne targets with a 700 kg (1,500 lb) BT 700.
  • Fw 190 F-8/U3 - heavy torpedo bomber was outfitted with an ETC 502, which allowed it to carry one BT-1400 heavy torpedo (1,400 kg (3,100 lb)). Owing to the size of the torpedo, the U3's tail gear needed to be lengthened. The U3 also was fitted with the 2,000 PS BMW 801S engine, and the tail from the Ta 152.
  • Fw 190 F-8/U4 - created as a night fighter, was equipped with flame dampers on the exhaust and various electrical systems such as the FuG 101 radio altimeter, the PKS 12 automatic pilot, and the TSA 2 A sighting system. Weapons fitted ranged from torpedoes to bombs, however, the U4 was fitted with only two MG 151/20 cannon as fixed armament.

The Model
This completely new moulding came as bit of a surprise, but very welcome none the less. The quite large, and unfortunately end opening box is pretty much full of styrene. Each of the eight blue-grey sprues are very nicely moulded, with little or no sign of flash and not too many moulding pips, although some of the them and the sprue gates are quite large. There are quite a few flow marks visible on a lot of the parts, but these shouldn’t cause too many problems under a coat of primer. Details are finely produced with neat panel lines and other fixtures and fittings. Throughout the kit there are lots of details, particularly the engine and cockpit, which means it can be made pretty much out of the box with perhaps the exception of some replacement seatbelts.

Construction starts with the modeller having to decide which version of the two provided that they wish to make. Since each version requires having different hole opened up from the inside of the lower wing depending on whether the single SC500 centreline bomb and two wing drop tanks or the single SC250 on the centreline and the two pairs of SC50s are going to be fitted. There are also two larger holes that require to be opened up should you wish to use the large stand that is provided in the kit. Actual assembly begins in the single piece cockpit tub with the fitting of the joystick, rudder bar and footplates. These are followed by the lower instrument panel, seat, with separate squab, plus the decal lap and shoulder straps. The main instrument panel is then fitted with the revi gunsight and its two clear screens the gunsight is then carefully slid thought the gap in the coaming and the panel glued into place. For the instruments on the upper and lower panels Revell have provided a some nicely printed decals, but in this scale it may be better to use some separate instruments and bezels from the likes of Airscale.





sprue1.jpg

sprue11.jpg


sprue2.jpg



At this point, several sub-assemblies are constructed. These include the forward upper gun mounting deck consisting of two parts, the tailwheel is made up of two halves for the tyres plus the inner and outer hubs, which is then slid onto the axle of the oleo and enclosed with the port side of the mounting yoke. Once the insides of the fuselage have been painted there are a couple of parts fitted to the fuselage sides, before the instrument panel/coaming are glued to one half, as is the tail wheel, (in either retracted or extended position), before the fuselage can be closed up. The completed cockpit assembly is then fitted from beneath and the forward gun mount fitted just in front of the coaming.

sprue3.jpg


sprue4.jpg

sprue5.jpg


Moving onto the wings the two inboard cannon barrels are attached tot eh main wing spar along with the centre section of the main undercarriage bay. The assembly is then glued into position, with the spar aft of the main wheel bays. Behind the main spar there is another plate which moulded with the two rear spars, whilst the main wheel bays are fitted ahead of the main spar, covering the openings. The two ammunition canisters for the upper machine guns are then fitted to the main spar panel, along with the engine bearers and the engine mounting ring before the whole assembly is attached to the underside of the fuselage. The two part ailerons are then assembled and fitted to the upper wing panels, which are then attached to the lower panel. The optionally positioned flaps are then fitted. Each of the horizontal stabilisers, elevators and rudder are made up of two halves, which when all assembled are glued into position.

sprue6.jpg

sprue7.jpg

sprue8.jpg


Probably the most complex assembly of the kit has to be the engine. Each of the two banks of cylinders is made up of two parts, but where the moulding differs here is that the cylinder heads are moulded complete and the rest of the cylinders are on a smaller inner section, thus elevating any awkward seams to worry about. With the banks assembled the two sets of push rods are attached and the banks joined together via a spacer ring. The inlet manifold is then fitted from the rear, followed the exhaust manifolds, the prop shaft and the auxiliary gear box. The completed engine is then attached to the previously assembled engine mount, followed by the two small lower panels and the front cowling ring.

The main undercarriage units each consist of the main oleo, with separate scissor link, five part wheels, (two tyre halves, inner and outer hubs and outer cap), and the undercarriage door. The undercarriage assemblies are then glued into position, followed by the retraction jacks. If the undercarriage is to be posed retracted then there are separate wheel parts to be used. With the undercarriage attached, the kit is turned over and the windscreen is fitted followed by the upper and lower cowling covers, again with optional parts for them to be posed open or closed. On the upper decking the machine gun breeches and barrels are fitted and the area is finished off with the cowling side panels and the large machine gun panel.

clear1.jpg

clear2.jpg

clear3.jpg


The kit comes with optional canopies, early and late, (flat and bulged), with slightly different parts for the interiors. With these fitted then the turn of the multitude of aerials access step and pitot probe to be fitted. Depending on which type the modeller is building there are variations on the pylons and weapons fit to be attached. Each drop tank and weapon comes in two halves, with the bombs having extra struts for around the tail fins. Each pylon is fitted with separate sway braces and attached to the holes that were opened up at the beginning. Finally the propeller consists of a single piece three bladed prop, back plate, spinner and cooling fan. If the stand is to be used, this is assembled from four parts which are then inserted into the large circular base.

Decals
The decal sheet appears to have been designed by Revell and printed in Italy so presumably by Cartograph, although they feel quite thick and not up to their usual standard. They are well printed though, in good register and nicely opaque with very little carrier film except in each of the outline crosses. The decals are quite matt in appearance but should settle down well with the appropriate solutions. A full set of stencils are provide which will make a lot of modellers happy, but as is the ruling over in Germany there are no swastikas included. There two marking options provided:-

  • Fw-190F-8/R1 ,”Black 6”, St.SG.10, Czech Territory. 1945
  • Fw-190F-8 “Black 2”, St.SG.10. Czech Territory 1945

decals.jpg


Conclusion
As with their 1:32 Me-109s, Revell should be very proud of this kit. Not only is it highly detailed, but the mouldings are superb as well. From what I’ve seen the price has increased quite a bit, but it is still worth it as there is a lot modelling to had from the box. Of course, Eduard have already started releasing add-on sets for this kit so if you want to guild the lily then you can. Very highly recommended.

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers.

For further information visit logo-revell-2009.gif

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

gotta get one I guess.. thanks for the review Dave...is that big round part a stand? you don't mention it....oh yes you do, seems a little extravagant in this scale !

Edited by FalkeEins
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I guess, if you have a number of larger models in your display cabinet, having the stand allows you to squeeze it in over the other models. :shrug:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I guess, if you have a number of larger models in your display cabinet, having the stand allows you to squeeze it in over the other models. :shrug:

The stand is quite a nice addition actually: the top part can be rotated changing the angle of the aircraft in flight. "Cunning construction" from ROG :coolio:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice review Dave, I can hear my wallet creaking open!

I want one of those, I just have to figure out how to shoehorn it into the cabinet alongside my WNW Albatros & Fokker D.VII's. There will be a way, and I'll find it!

I wonder if any WW1 pilots went on to fly them? I know some of them like Willy Gabriel flew JU 88's, and Von Hippel flew Ju 52's in WW2. Not sure about anyone staying on fighters though. I feel a bout of reserach is due!

Cheers

John

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi John

..not F variants as such but Alfred Lindenberger flew Reichs Defence sorties in the Fw 190 A-8 with II./ JG 300 in late 44 following on from 12 vics in WWI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Lindenberger

price looks amazing in USD (22) but almost Hase equivalent in Europe !

Edited by FalkeEins
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The decals are not by Cartograf, the "Z" after the kit # on the decal sheet denotes Zanchetti.

Is this the first new kit with a stand since the Airfix 1/24 190 in December 1980 ? (excepting stuff like Korean/Chinese clones of older kits including stands)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...