1/48 Eduard Focke wulf Fw 190D

Gallery Article by Rafi Ben-Shahar on Mar 30 2010

 

A well built 1/48 Fw 190D easily overshadows complex and detailed models in your display shelf thanks to its authentic look borne out of inherent proportional dimensions. Thus, if you hesitate whether to purchase the new Eduard Fw 190D offering, the following comparison may help you to decide.

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With the Eduard model, I present a Dragon/Trimaster model that I built a few years back. Several points that I came across during the Eduard built:

  • It is a highly detailed model sporting rivet lines accompanied with several finishing options that seem to be well researched.
  • Wheel well area exposed. But, this is a net fad. I had seen photographs of 190Ds with covered wells, not to mention that it does not make sense from design point of view to leave this area open exposing the engine to dirt and ground grit.
  • The bulkhead area still gives grief in assembly. Solution: Do not be tempted to glue the cockpit tub in its designated place. Instead, work your way from the front to the rear, securing the machine gun bay and engine details in place and then, insert the completed cockpit. If you slide the tub aft about 2mm from where it should be it will fit nicely with all other components.
  • With all the detailing offered, one still needs to prepare and add a few parts to complete the model.

The models represent an aircraft that belonged to JG4 and may had been the mount of Oberst. Gerhard Michalski. Although from a close inspection, some elements of the Dragon model are crude by comparison with the Eduard model, it still retains the sleek lines and purposeful look of the Dora. Hence, your main contention will be a matter of costs...

Rafi Ben-Shahar

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Photos and text © by Rafi Ben-Shahar