Eduard 1/72 FW190A-8 ProfiPACK
By Jim Bates
Although the Focke-Wulf FW190 is not as popular as its Luftwaffe brethren the Messerschmitt Bf 109, it is still s a subject that almost all model companies have issued at one time or another. The Hasegawa Fw 190A/F family and the Tamiya Fw 190A-3 were considered the top of the heap in 1/72 scale until recently. Recently, new kits from Airfix and Zvezda tried to challenge their rankings, but it wasn't until the new Eduard kit arrived that most could agree we have a new King of the Hill in the 1/72 Fw 190A market.
The kit consists of over 100 beautifully molded parts with excellent detail and finely engraved panel lines and rivets on 2 sprues. There are tons of optional items, including two propellers, two sets of wheels, two bomb racks, and two cowling covers. The rudder and aileron are molded separately, but the horizontal stabilizers and elevators are molded together. Landing gear and cockpit detail are both well done.
The round, clear runner is stunningly molded, It is optically clear, and exceedingly thin. One windscreen and four options for the sliding canopy are included.
As is usual with Eduard ProfiPack kits, canopy masks and photo etch parts are found in the box. The photo etch includes colored instrument panels, seat belts, and other small detail parts.
Decals are provided for five Luftwaffe options and a separate sheet of stencil decals are included.
This is an excellent looking Fw 190 but, as with all Eduard kits, it will take some care to make the best of it. Pay attention to the instructions, take care with the thin clear parts and small photo etch, and a beautiful 1/72 Focke-Wulf will be the result. I would like to thank Eduard for providing the review sample.
