Eduard have cleverly released a series of detail sets for their Fw 190F-8 (https://aeroscale.net/news/focke-wulf-fw-190f-8) to cater for modellers of varying experience and styles of modelling - plus, of course, budgets.
This Brassin set comes in at the top of the range, priced at a tad over £15 and offers the highest level of detailing - and, consequently, is aimed at more experienced modellers.
The set is virtually a kit in its own right, comprising:
23 x grey resin parts
39 x photoetched parts
A sheet of printed for acetate gunsight reflectors
Decals for instrument faces and cockpit placards
The casting and detail on the resin parts is flawless in the sample set, and will instantly offer a massive boost in terms of detailing over the standard kit parts. Preparing the parts looks very straightforward and, barring a few deliberately flashed-over holes, there's really no clean-up required on the smaller details beyond levelling the casting feeds. A nice touch on these more delicate parts is to see multiple thin feeds, making it far less likely that you'll damage an item when removing them.
Not surprisingly, the cockpit tub requires a conventional casting plinth, but a razor saw should make light work of this - and I'd recommend frequent checking for fit, because you can probably get away with leaving a fair old chunk of the excess resin in situ.
The set offers a choice of approaches for the instrument panels, with both pre-coloured photoetched and resin parts provided. Each approach has its pros and cons:
The photoetched parts work beautifully when sandwiched together, but you'll need to match the rest of the cockpit to Eduard's version of RLM 66.
Conversely, if you go the all-resin route, this isn't an issue, but you'll need to use decals for the instrument faces (ideally with the aid of a punch and die set to apply them individually).
Add to that, the resin parts allow for more depth in their detailing than the etched panels - so, which path you follow is all about personal choices and modelling styles.
By contrast, the side consoles are resin-only - cast integrally with the beautifully detailed cockpit tub. Some might have liked to have the option of photoetched alternatives, but Eduard's approach here avoids any seams to fill and, ironically, falls into line with how I prefer to tackle their standard Profi-PACK '190 cockpits anyway, because I find it a bit of a faff getting the etched side console tops to blend in to my satisfaction.
The etched fret also provides a pre-coloured multi-part seat harness and rudder pedals, plus smaller items like levers etc. There's also an etched lid for the stowage compartment behind the pilot's seat. I'm not really convinced this is any great benefit, because Eduard haven't given the option to display the compartment open - but I suppose having it as a separate part might come in handy for a super detailing project.
The decals are good quality - thin and glossy and crisply printed. As well as instruments faces etc., the sheet provides the distinctive red warning placard for the alternative early-style headrest.
As usual with their upgrade sets, Eduard provide an excellent set of instructions with clear illustrations that break the assembly down into manageable chunks. Colour call-outs are given for Gunze Sangyo paints.
Conclusion
Traditionalists moan occasionally that detail sets offer everything "on a plate", but I don't think you could fairly level that criticism at Eduard's Brassin Fw 190F-8 cockpit, because it will require a fair degree of conventional modelling skill to get the most from it. With over 60 parts, it's virtually a kit in its own right and I think the set represents good value for money, considering its quality and the level of detail it offers. The results should be superb in skilled hands and definitely repay the time invested in using the upgrade. Turning that around, it's probably not suitable for less experienced modellers - especially as it contains a fair number of small photo-etched parts which need folding and bending to shape.
(For a simple alternative approach that still promises eye-popping detail, check out Eduard's SPACE upgrade: https://aeroscale.net/news/fw-190f-8-cockpit-upgrade)
Many thanks to Eduard for providing the review sample.
Item #648633 is available from Eduard now - Price: £15.96
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