Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3
resin conversion

Montex Model Club, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Hasegawa released their excellent 1/32 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8 kit in 2003, followed by the A-6 and A-5 variants.

We have not seen the earlier Fw 190 A-3 and A-4 from Hasegawa, presumably because the fuselage was actually shorter and major tooling changes would be required. Other changes between the Fw 190 A-3/4 and later variants include different pilot's armour, shorter gun cowl, different fuselage panel arrangement and cooling slots instead of flaps.

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Montex has now released two 1/32 scale conversion sets for these short-fuselage Wurgers. The set under review here is the 1/32 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3 conversion. This conversion comprises 22 parts in grey resin, two masking sheets and four small decal sheets.

Casting quality is first-rate. The recessed panel detail is at least as good as the donor Hasegawa kit. In addition to two full fuselage halves, the conversion includes a new gun cowl, alternative cooling panels with either fixed sots of flaps, early-style pilot's armour, plus two sttyles of rudder, ailerons and elevators. All control surfaces are supplied separately, including full replacement horizontal stabilisers.

The alternate control surfaces feature different fabric patterns and trim tab arrangements. I was not aware of these subtle distinction, so check your references carefully to see which version applies to your model.

The Montex conversion also includes a new instrument panel, early wheels, the early fin tip with the flat antenna attachment point, and the later style with the triangular mast.

In fact, the contents of this set appear to be appropriate for either a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3, or an A-3 retrofitted with some later features such as side cowl flaps. It seems that all the parts required for a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-4 are also included.

Markings for two aircraft are supplied in the form of two self-adhesive masking sheets and four small decal sheets. The masking sheets cover national markings, numbers and other large markings. The decal sheets contain Werknummern, hakenkreuz, plus emblems. White backing decals are included for these markings too. Decals are in good register and are well printed.

Montex's 1/32 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3 conversion looks like a fairly straightforward project. Most of the components should be drop-fit replacements for Hasegawa's kit parts and the quality of the resin is very high.

If you have been looking for a first multimedia conversion project, Montex's 1/32 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3 might be a good place to start.

Thanks to Darek from Montex for the sample

Montex Masks and Models are available from their website

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2008 by Brett Green
Page Created 24 September, 2008
Last updated 24 September, 2008

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