Introduction

”Experten”~ The Luftwaffe High Command’s preferred term, which translates to the Allied equivalent of “Ace”

Undoubtedly one of the most popular WWII subjects, Kurt Tank’s Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was the choice of many of Germany’s “Experten”, even with early production problems, this war-bird proved to be a highly formidable fighter craft. The plane was introduced into combat in the summer of the year 1941, and from there it was produced in many variants.

This new manual from Osprey Publishing is the first of two volumes that will cover the Fw190, and most definitely holds it’s own in the Osprey Modelling Series. One of the best I’ve seen to date, this writing is packed with tons of step-by-step photo’s, and explanatory, easy to understand supporting text, for building Fw 190’s A, F, and G variants in 1/72, 1/48, and also 1/32 scale.

Chapter Overview

This manual follows suit to the previous titles in this series, by providing the modeler an excellent reference and project source in one. Although in this writing, something decidedly different and in my opinion, most excellent, is the addition of little “In Focus sub-projects” within the build chapters, for example “In Focus: adding a resin engine cowl” is the first, and these pages are set apart from the others by having a pleasing “Desert Sand” color background. These are very informative tutorials, short and to the point, explaining certain different modeling procedures used in the particular build.

Chapters I and II are of course the introductory chapters, in which discussion of the early plane, and also a short discussion of the production of the plane in plastic. The author’s essential tools and materials needed are discussed in brief also, with accompanying photos.

The book doesn’t waste any time getting into the build chapters, which follow next, in chapters III through VIII, covering many different variants of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Each of the build chapters begin with a comprehensive list of information pertaining to the project at hand, such as the kit subject, modeler/photographer, skill level, scale, decals, paints, and additional detail sets needed. There is also a really cool snippet of trivia providing the key features of the real aircraft that is being modeled in the particular chapter/project. All of the build chapters follow through providing detailed, step-by-step instruction in both photo and text styles to make the reproduction of these variants achievable.

The text is well written, and easy to understand. Photography is top notch throughout, with superb color. I will tell you this, the projects in this manual are not for the beginning aviation modeler, as they are geared toward the intermediate, advanced, and master modeler skill levels. This is not to say that the beginner will not learn from studying this writing, as there are tips and techniques covered throughout that will benefit the modeler at any level. There are also some very unique and accurate mottled camouflage schemes that are covered here as well, with excellent painting instruction. One of the elements of this manual to me is the inclusion by the author plenty of authentic, color photographs of the real aircraft mixed into the build chapters for an extra amount of reference.

Following the build chapters, comes the “Special Modelling Ideas” chapter, which is full of tips that will definitely come into handiness, such as creating a realistic base, paint chipping techniques, markings tips, aerial wire tips, and much more. This is a very useful chapter of informative tips that can also be used in other modeling projects, not just the ones contained in this writing.

The last three chapters in the book could be called the reference chapters, if you wish, as they are “Further Reading and Research, which contains a detailed listing of books, publications and some useful websites for the Fw 190.
“Museums and Collections” follows next, which contains a chart of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 survivors, and where they can be found in the world, and also some close-up photos of some of these subjects. Closing out the book is “Fw 190 Kits Available, in which the author provides in a chart style format kits available in 1/72, 1/48, 1/32, and 1/24 scale. And let us not forget the ever-present Osprey Colour Chart, this time focusing on 10 RLM color chips, and their descriptive text.

The Author

Geoff Coughlin, who has written titles for Osprey in both the Masterclass Series and the Osprey Modelling series, wrote this manual. He is renowned for his finishing and super-detailing skills worldwide. Geoff currently resides in Hertfordshire, UK.

conclusions

Overall, another really great addition to the Osprey Modelling series of manuals, as #1 in a series of two volumes to cover the Fw 190, this series should prove to be an invaluable reference aid for the WWII fighter enthusiast. Well written, super photography, and excellent instruction all combines into a definite thumbs up! Highly recommended from this modelers’ point of view.

Format

Osprey Modelling 27
80 pp
7.25 X 9.75 inches
229 Color Illustrations
7 Black and White Illustrations
Written by Geoff Coughlin
Publishing Date 10 April 2006

Contents

I. Introduction
II. Tools and Materials
III. Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8/R 11
IV. Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-5
V. Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-3
VI. Focke-Wulf 190A-4
VII. Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8
VIII. Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8/R 8
IX. Special Modelling Ideas
X. Further Reading and Research
XI. Museums and Collections
XII. Fw 190 Kits Available

Index
Colour Chart

Many thanks to Sheeba Madan, Osprey Publishing, New York, for providing this pre-release review sample.