Focke-Wulf
Fw 190

Part 1

1/32 scale

Lifelike Decals

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Hasegawa’s 1:32 scale Fw190 series has generated a lot of new decal sheets from manufacturers. Some have simply upsized existing sheets in their range, others created new ones. Here is an example of the former…and welcome it is too. 

This is Lifelike’s first sheet in this larger scale. Four aircraft are presented to the consumer and they are a mixture of the A-3, A-7, and D-9 models. The modeler will need to check their sources carefully to make sure the details in the aforementioned kits match their chosen subject. 

The decals themselves are superb. The carrier film is exceptionally thin, which is a feature of anything printed by Microscale Industries. Colour definition and sharpness is another trait of this company and this sheet was no exception.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

To ensure that there are no registration problems, some of the more intricate decals are printed in two parts. The modeler can them lay each item on top of the other to ensure a perfect result. 

Stencil data is not forgotten and Lifelike provide enough for both the Fw190A and Fw190D-9. So there is no mistake, a helpful instruction sheet shows where these reside. 

The chosen subjects on this sheet are:

1. Fw190 A-3 flown by Obt. Erich Rudorffer, Staffelkapitan 6/JG2, August 1942.

His aircraft was “yellow 1” finished in RLM 74/75/76. It’s not known whether the kill markings were applied to both sides of the rudder so Lifelike give you an extra set just in case.

2. Fw190 A-7 flown by Obfw. Adolf Glunz, 5/JG26, 1943.

Although often profiled with a “round” 9, the photo used for this subject clearly illustrates the square shape. Again, kill markings are supplied for both sides of the rudder if desired.

3. Fw190 D-9 flown by Oberst Hans Ulrich Rudel, Kdore. SG 2, April 1945

With only a poor quality photo to go by, Lifelike interpret this scheme to be RLM 83/75/76. Modellers should note that the fuselage markings seen on this aircraft are not aligned correctly.

4. Fw190 D-9 flown by Unter-offizier Günter Rey, 11/JG54, January 1945

“Yellow 11” is taken from an illustration only in one of the quoted reference sources. Colours are given as RLM 83/75/76 with a mottle of RLM 81/83. Thoughtfully, two versions of the Cologne coat of arms are provided as the one seen in the aforementioned literature is not the official one.

A bonus with these sheets is that they give the reference sources for the depiction of each aircraft shown. Thus the builder can view these sources and make up their own mind as to the accuracy of the camouflage and markings represented.
 
The quality of the sheets will make application a breeze and give the builder more options for their large scale Focke Wulfs.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733