Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8

Accurate Miniatures, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Peter Mitchell

Accurate Miniatures' 1/48 scale Fw 190 A-8 is available online from Squadron.com

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 needs no introduction, volumes; indeed libraries, have been devoted to the discussion and analysis of this spectacular fighter-plane and pretty much all the intimate minutiae has been covered.... I will therefore refrain from any summary of its history.... suffice to say that I, and many others think it to be a magnificent piece of machinery.

Likewise the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 needs no introduction to model manufacturers. For decades it has been comprehensively covered in all scales ranging from the diminutive 1/144 all the way to the immense 1/24.

Most recently, with what would have to rate as the ultimate Fw 190 kit (or at least the current benchmark), Eduard has produced a series of Focke-Wulf Fw 190’s in 1/48.

So, the question must be asked “do we need another Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in this scale?”

At first glance you would think that Accurate Miniatures think this to be necessary, since they have added this brand new 1/48 Focke-Wulf Fw 190 to their catalogue... Well this is not really the case.

Upon opening the sturdy trademark “AM” box, what you will find inside is the Eduard kit in all its beautifully engineered glory.

Like the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the Eduard kit has been comprehensively reviewed and there is nothing new that I can really add. I would therefore recommend you read Brett’s review of the Eduard kit on Hyperscale.

What I can tell you about is how Accurate Miniatures have packaged their version.

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Thumbnail panels:

As I’ve mention the kit comes in the typically sturdy top opening “AM” box. The top depicts Priller Fw 190 on that famous straffe of the Normandy beaches, the sides depict the other colour scheme options included and some the bits (such as glue and paint) required for construction.

Inside the parts are thoughtfully and securely packaged. Sprues are packed singularly or in pairs clipped together in re-sealable plastic bags. The clear sprues and decals are separately packed beneath a false box bottom (which also doubles as an attractively printed profile of Prilllers aircraft). If only all kits came packed like this!

This is a complex kit and Accurate Miniatures have greatly eased the construction process by providing a comprehensive 24 page instruction booklet. This covers the history of the Würger and then goes on to detail the assembly over 17 construction stages which combine both a written description and detailed exploded diagrams. The painting guide for the colour schemes and stencil placement guide make up the remaining pages.

The instructions are let down by the guide for the colour schemes. These are simplistic at best and the modeller would be wise to consult other references. The kit does not include the option for some of the armour plate found on Fw 190 A-8s, such as that found on the fuselage sides. The option of side armour for the canopy is provided, but the instructions make no mention of which option makes use of it.

Three well known marking options are provided:

• Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 “Black 13”

Oberstleutnant Josef Priller, JG 26 Normandy, June 1944. Yellow tail-band and lower cowling. It is suggested that this is the aircraft that Priller used for his famous straffe of the Normandy beaches.

• Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8/R8 “Black 8”

Unteroffizer Willi Maximowitz, JG 3 Dreux, France, June 1944. White tail-band, Black and White spiral spinner (references seem to agree that this should be a Black and Yellow spiral spinner).

• Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 “Red 19”

Ernest Schroder, JG 300, 1944.

References suggest that this aircraft had external fuselage armour plate. This is not supplied with this kit and will have to be sourced or scratch-built. The kit does provide the armoured canopy plates as an option,

The decals are beautifully printed, with perfect registration, good colour density and resolution fine enough to be able to read the stencils (which are very comprehensive). The decals are a bit glossy and the carrier film appears a little thick.

I have to wonder if this kit provides any real advantage over the Eduard boxing, especially as it is also available from Eduards no-frills “Weekend edition” range.

The answer to that question really revolves around the relatively price and availability in of these kits at your location.

This aside it will make a magnificent model, but it will not “fall together” and the consultation of extra references will be necessary.

Thanks to Accurate Miniatures for the review sample.

Accurate Miniatures kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2008 by Brett Green
Page Created 11 December, 2008
Last updated 11 December, 2008

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