Is the 1/24 scale Airfix Fw190a any good?

[ScanmanDan]

Just wondering if the old Airfix Fw190a was worth the dollars. After enjoying the Hurricane, Mustang and now the Stuka I was thinking about trying the 190a. I have heard that it wasn't as good as some of the others and wondered why? I'm not too fussed about it being 100 percent accurate jut that it builds well and looks like a 190a. Any thoughts? Is it worth dropping a quick $80 bucks on?

On another note why no 1/24 scale Corsair kits? Now there would be a kit and a half.

Thanks for helping out an old geezer.

Dan

[PhoenixII]

Here ya go:- http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...4912073&hl= it's only 10 pages long!!

To answer the question, not a bad kit at all, watch the cowling, test fit, test fit and test fit again!

$80 = approx £45? if so thats not too bad, would try evil bay first, may get one a little cheaper.

Send an e-mail to Airfix suggesting the "Bent Wing B..ird"

be their next 1/24th release, a lot of mileage to be had from one set of moulds.

-4, -5 and -7 at least from a single mould set, with additions.

Paul

[avro683]

It's not a bad kit in my opinion but I understand that the engine is very difficult to fit as the kit parts result in it being too far forward. Also, the cockpit tub as supplied is not accurate but can be made so with a bit of scratch building.

Tony

[Mottlemaster]

I have been following this build from the start and as you can see it can be built into a solid goodlooking model with a little bit of work http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...topic=234912073 I have put it on my to do list .

Alistair

[thx6667]

Here's one I made earlier:

The engine is too long to fit into the cowl, you really need to trim the mounts back to get it to fit. Cockpit is very, very basic. Overall fit was OK, I like the surface detail and the way it picks up the light.

Edited April 7, 2012 by Jonathan Mock

[avro683]

That's gorgeous Jonathan.

Tony

[torqueofthedevil]

Agree with all the above - engine and cowling are certainly a bit tricky! Is there any word on the forthcoming Trumpeter 1/24 Fw 190A? It's been listed on the Hannants website for ages as a Future Release, but still hasn't appeared. If/when it does, that will almost certainly be a big improvement on the Airfix kit - but in the meantime, the Airfix Fw 190 builds into an impressive model if you're patient with it. The Airfix Bf109E is better still (basic in places, but the fit is good and there are so many colourful aircraft to choose from); the only 1/24 Airfix kit I would steer clear of is the Spitfire...especially as there is already a Trumpeter alternative! Sure, there is no Trumpeter Mk I, but I would guess that converting a Trumpy Mk V into a Mk I would be both quicker and more enjoyable than trying to get the Airfix Mk I right...

why no 1/24 scale Corsair kits?

Couldn't agree more - it seems bizarre that 3 model manufacturers have released P-51s in 1/24, yet aircraft like the Corsair have been ignored.

[fightersweep]

the only 1/24 Airfix kit I would steer clear of is the Spitfire...especially as there is already a Trumpeter alternative! Sure, there is no Trumpeter Mk I, but I would guess that converting a Trumpy Mk V into a Mk I would be both quicker and more enjoyable than trying to get the Airfix Mk I right...

Sorry! But I have to question this statement. The Airfix Spitfire MkI is still a great kit in my eyes, and captures the lines of the Spit beautifully well. Also, don't listen to any guff about the kit having raised panel lines, as it doesn't. In fact, it replicates the surface detail of the Spitfire quite nicely. Of course, it needs some TLC in places, but with a little time and effort, scrubs up into a great looking model. Not bad for a 40 year old kit. I wouldn't touch the Trumpeter kit with a barge pole. Sure, it has it's merits, but they screwed the shape in many places, particularly around the cockpit area and also the fuselage cross section. This is evident when checking the fuselage frames with photo's of the real thing. I won't even bother passing comment on the canopy. My observations are from some experience, as I have built around 12 Airfix Spits and bought one Trumpeter kit..and that is still in it's box. I also spent five years working on 1:1 scale Spits, so have a feel for what they should look like.

Please don't take this as a rant, more of a plea not to dismiss the venerable Airfix offering.

Regards;

Steve

[thx6667]

the only 1/24 Airfix kit I would steer clear of is the Spitfire...especially as there is already a Trumpeter alternative! Sure, there is no Trumpeter Mk I, but I would guess that converting a Trumpy Mk V into a Mk I would be both quicker and more enjoyable than trying to get the Airfix Mk I right...

There's nothing per se to get right with the Airfix kit other than adding more detail to a 40 year old kit - there are, however, things that need to be put right on the modern Trumpeter kit in terms of shape, accuracy and detail.

[Heraldcoupe]

the only 1/24 Airfix kit I would steer clear of is the Spitfire...especially as there is already a Trumpeter alternative!

Can you elaborate on that? I understood the Trumpeter kit had a lot of shape problems, while the Airfix was fundamentally accurate in outline.

Cheers,

Bill.

Edit: Didn't see Jonathan's reply before posting.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Heraldcoupe

[ScanmanDan]

Thanks to all for sharing their information and opinions. I'm working on the Stuka right now but I think I might give the 190 a go after that.

Thanks Jonathan for those nice photos of your 190. Looks great!

Dan