Boss Wurger

Focke-Wulf Fw190 V18

- Ian Day

The Fw 190A started flying operationally over France in August 1941 and quickly proved superior in all but turn radius to the Royal Air Force's main front-line fighter, the Spitfire Mk V, especially at low and medium altitudes. The Fw 190A series performance decreased at high altitudes 6,000m (20,000ft) and above, which reduced its effectiveness as a high altitude interceptor.

There had been ongoing efforts to address this with a turbo supercharged BMW 801 in the B model, the long nosed C model with efforts to turbo charge its Daimler-Benz DB 603. Problems with the turbocharger installations on the C sub types meant only the D model would see service and that equipped with a liquid cooled inline engine, entering service in September 1944.

This addition to the HobbyBoss range of Fw 190s gives the modeller a chance to add a rare example of this World War II fighter to their collection. The kit comprises some sixty eight parts in grey plastic and two clear parts for the canopy. The clear parts are packaged separately, wrapped in foam and are therefore well protected against scratches and the like. Full marks to HobbyBoss for that.

Being a prototype there are no armament options and only one colour scheme. Nevertheless an RLM grey and natural metal scheme are unusual enough to warrant a closer look by casual observers if the model goes on display.

Construction commences with the cockpit, mandatory in most kits these days, and the eleven parts are well detailed and benefit from a good dry brush with lighter colours to pick out the details. No seat belts or pilot figure are supplied, so brass or other materials will be needed if these are to be added. As this is a review kit I have kept to the parts supplied and not added any extras.