It's hard to believe it's already around five years since Eduard released their completely re-tooled Fw 190A, replacing the previous kit that had attracted criticism for being overcomplicated with a new Würger that is a dream to build and which, I predict, will remain the definitive '190 in this scale for many years yet.

The latest edition arrives in a very attractive top-opening box, with the main parts and accessories bagged separately for protection in transit. I noticed that a couple of items had come off their runners in the sample kit (which had been through the post twice), but no harm was done.

The kit comprises:

114 x dark grey styrene parts (plus 71 unused)

4 x clear styrene parts (plus 6 not required)

46 x photoetched parts (most pre-coloured)

A sheet of die-cut washi tape painting masks

Decals for 5 x colour schemes

Looking at that list, it's striking just how many parts will be heading straight to the spares box. This is down to the kit sharing runners with later versions of the '190, so there are alternative parts for quite a few areas of the kit.

The moulding is still perfectly crisp and flash-free despite 5 years' constant production and the surface finish still impresses me just as much as when the kit first appeared - it's no secret that I really rate the way Eduard tackle panels lines and rivets.

We've already covered Eduard's '190 in its many incarnations in numerous reviews, so I won't go over too much of the same ground again here. I've built the kit several times over the years and have always found it goes together beautifully. You can see the blog for the '109A-4 HERE.

A Few Details

Just as a brief rundown as to what you can look forward to, the cockpit can be built in 3 different ways, using either moulded parts, photoetched replacements or decals for the details. So, there's a style to suit whatever modelling experience level you're at. If you go the whole hog, using photoetched instrument panels, side consoles and seatbelts, plus all the smaller metal details, you're looking at 40+ parts and a finished "office" that really stands up to close scrutiny.

The engine is very simple - just 3 parts - but honestly, it's fine because little can be seen behind the cooling fan. 

By comparison, the main wheel well is quite elaborate, and the 14 parts look excellent when assembled. The only change I always make is to cut the barrels off the wing-root cannons so I can install them after the wing is finished.

The landing gear is nicely detailed and is straightforward to install at the correct angle. The wheel hubs are crisply moulded and the tyre treads are well done - I'd just file slight "flats" for a weighted look to get a realistic sit.

The clear parts a beautifully moulded, with alternative sliding sections of the canopy depending on whether you want to build it open or closed. The washi tape painting masks are ideal for tasks like this and come with a clear diagram showing how to use them.

Instructions & Decals

Eduard include a very classy A4 colour-printed 16-page construction guide. The illustrations are clear, and the suggested sequence is pretty logical. Colour matches are included for Gunze Sangyo and Mission Models paints.

Decals are provided for 5 attractive colour schemes, with aircraft from the Western and Eastern fronts and the far north.

The decals look to be excellent quality, being thin and glossy, and printed in pin-sharp register. Like most recent Eduard decals I've examined, there's noticeable excess carrier film, which is a bit disconcerting at first glance. In practice, I've found it snuggles down perfectly and disappears when applied - but you do need to watch out for the thin film folding back over itself. 

Along with the main decals, there's a very comprehensive set of servicing stencils included, along with a full-page placement guide.

Conclusion

This is another excellent release from Eduard. Their Fw 190 kits are beautifully designed and straightforward to build, hitting that "sweet spot" that combines the accuracy and detail that experienced modellers demand with easy construction that makes them suitable for newcomers to the hobby. 

Item #82141 is available now from Eduard - Price: £20.22

Many thanks to Eduard for the review sample.

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