Product # 8428 (http://www.hlj.com/product/EDU8428)
History –
The Focke Wulf 190 A-8 entered production in February 1944, it was powered by an
BMW 801. Changes that were introduced to the A-8 variant included the emergency
boost system fitted to the fighters engine. A
similar system with less power had been fitted to some earlier Fw190A, raising
power to 1,980 PS (1,953 hp, 1,456 kW) for a short time. From the A-8 on Fw 190s
could be fitted with a new paddle-bladed wooden propeller, easily identified by
its wide blades with curved tips. A new bubble canopy design, with greatly
improved vision sideways and forward had been developed for the F-2 ground
attack model, but was often seen fitted at random on A-8s, F-8s and G-8s. The
new canopy included a larger piece of head armour. A new internal fuel tank with
a capacity of 115 liters (30 US gal) was fitted behind the cockpit, which meant
that the radio equipment had to be moved forward to just behind the pilot.
Other changes included an ETC 501 under-fuselage rack which was mounted on a
lengthened carrier and moved 200 mm (8 in) further forward to help restore the
center of gravity of the aircraft. This fuselage would form the basis for all
later variants of the Fw 190 and the Ta 152 series. The Morane
"whip" aerial was fitted as standard under the port wing. The
A-8/R2 replaced the outer wing 20 mm cannon with a 30 mm Mk 108 cannon, was also
fitted with heavy Armour including 30 mm canopy and windscreen Armour and 5 mm
cockpit Armour. The A-8 was the most numerous of the Fw 190 As, with over 6,550
A-8 airframes produced from March 1944 to May 1945. A-8s were produced by at
least eight factories during its lifetime.
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The Kit –
As most modelers know Eduard’s Weekend Editions offers a “No Frills”
option of their ProfiPack kits. The weekend editions are normally a round
the half the price of the ProfiPack, but does not offer any of the
Photo Etch parts or resin items (if there is any included), canopy masks
and only one decal option. The sprue’s are packed in the sturdy boxes
that Eduard uses, which also includes the side profiles and painting
guide. The kit is very involved with 174 olivey-green and 11 clear plastic
parts that is supplied on 7 sprue’s. Although 45 parts are not used, but
these parts could be used if you wished to build another option/scheme.
Some of the these extra parts are the two fuselages with and without the
extra side armour and the two different propellers are also supplied.
All parts are flash free and there is no signs of sink marks which is
great as clean up should be at minimum. Detail of the kit is fantastic,
even without all the extra parts that the ProfiPack would normally supply.
The cockpit, internal wing bay guns, undercarriage bays and the nose
cannons are all excellently reproduced, with crisp details. The BMW engine
that is supplied within the kit is superb, and consists of 21 parts. The
engine cowls can be modeled open to display the superb detail of the
engine.
Also one of the items omitted from the weekend is the colourful
instruction booklet, which is now replaced with a 11 page A4 black and
white booklet. Paint callouts are in the Mr Color range, but are easier
converted to your favourite paint range. Decals are printed on one sheet
and are super thin and glossy. There are no misprints and in excellent
register. The scheme that is supplied with the kit is for Wihelm Moritz,
IV.(Sturm) / JG 3, Memmingen, Germany, July, 1944.
Overall, the kit is well worth the
money even thou its not a ProfiPack option with all the extra goodies. The build
may not be aimed for the beginner due to the complexity of the kit. Its
beautifully produced and would be a superb kit for modellers with some
experience under their belt.
I would like to thank HobbyLink
Japan for this review sample.
Dave Johnson
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