Unboxing and review of Eduard’s FW190A-8/R2 1/48 scale model, ProfiPACK edition – reference 82145.
This kit from Eduard was released in 2019, and is a re-boxing of the 2017 tooling – so modern tooling! Being a ProfiPACK edition means it comes with “extras” to assist with detailing the build, that being a photo-etch and a canopy mask set.
The box shows five different versions of the FW190 that can be built and decorated with the decals. All five are of the standard Second World War colour schemes (ie, various shades of grey!), but squadron markings allow for a small splash of colour.
The instructions look simple and easy to follow. Inspection shows that various parts are not needed for this variant (for example there are four different canopies on the clear sprue). Care must also be taken to ensure that the correct options are used when building the specific airframe. You’ll want to decide that before commencing the build.
There two decal sheets. Both well printed with colours in register. Initially they look a little thick, but shouldn’t cause any issues. The smaller sheet is the standard stencils applicable to all variants, with the larger giving the specific markings. It should be noted that some of the larger colour markings (such as the colour band around the rear of the fuselage) will need to be painted, only the smaller markings are provided as decals.
To aid the painting of the cockpit the kit also contains pre-cut paint masks. Masking for for a 190 should be quite easy with regular modelling tape, though having this is a benefit and will help speed the build process. The mask is for the outside only, though as the canopy slides back (as opposed to the 109 which hinges on the side) an internal mask is unnecessary.
The main kit is spread over six sprues. The two main sprues are for the fuselage and the wings. There is some very (very!) fine detail which is pretty much impossible to feel when holding the kit. Care is going to be needed to ensure paint is applied thinly to ensure the detail is preserved in order to take a wash – I worry it may be too fine.
Three other sprues help build the rest of the aircraft. Though there is no option to open panels and display internal parts and the engine, those areas that will be visible are also very finely detailed. The cooling vanes of the rotary engine should take a wash very well, as well as good detail in the wheel well.
The final sprue is the clear parts (with two different windscreens and four different canopies for different variants). These are well moulded and even with the canopy closed the observer should still get a good view of the cockpit.
Moulded detail for the cockpit and side panels looks very details, but this will need to be filed off should the builder wish to use the photoetch included. It is only a small frame and concentrates on the cockpit. The parts are coloured, and by layering the thin photoetch it should bring more relief to the flat parts. (Modellers may want to use the photoetch for the instrument panel, but keep the raised detail of the side panels.) It also provides harnesses for the seat.
In summary I am pleased with the level of detail of the kit, and the extras do add value to the offering. It looks like a simple build with a relatively low part count in comparison to other 190 kits of this scale. However, the moulded detail should mean that the modeller should quite quickly get great results – perfect for a kit to get the mojo back again!
I intend to make this my next build, so will see how the kit goes together over the coming weeks.