1:48 Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-3

Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-3 (1:48, Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German fighter Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-3 in 1:48 scale from the Japanese manufacturer Tamiya. The model is marked by fine detail of the cooling fins of the radial engine and of the exhausts, and it offers an optional extended or retracted landing gear. Check the actual package contents and the decals against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The Fw 190A-3 was an early combat version of the fighter designed by Kurt Tank, powered by the BMW 801 radial engine. After it appeared over Western Europe in 1942 its performance surprised its opponents and for a time it outclassed the Allied fighters of the day, among them the contemporary versions of the Spitfire. Its rugged airframe, good handling and heavy armament made it a feared opponent; alongside the Messerschmitt Bf 109 the Fw 190 was a mainstay of Luftwaffe fighter aviation throughout the second half of the war.

Building and painting tips

Glue the parts with liquid cement for plastic and sand the joints carefully. Paint and highlight the cockpit before you close the fuselage; glue the glazing with a canopy cement so that the plastic does not fog. The radial engine and the exhausts come out well with drybrushing and a fine wash. German fighters carried camouflage in gray shades with mottling on the sides of the fuselage — after a gloss coat and the decals, bring out the panel lines with a wash and add light wear with an airbrush.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Luftwaffe fighters of the Second World War
• Modelers with experience of building in 1:48 scale
• Those interested in the early combat versions of the Fw 190

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.