Fw190 D-9 PE set

Eduard's 1:48 scale Fw190 D-9 (see review here) can already be build into a very nice model with the parts proposed within the standard Profipack box (see finished model here and here). However, if someone still thinks the level of detail isn't high enough, the Czech manufacturer has produced a photo etched reference for his own model which will make it look even more attractive once finished.

The Fw190 D-9 set come in Eduard's usual packaging and is composed of two PE frets protected by two cardboard sheets to prevent them from damage. Six pages of A5 size instructions are present as well. It is to note that no parts are pre-painted this time, but there are already some in the initial kit (instrument panels, seat belts, etc...) so this is not a real surprise.

The biggest fret (part 1) is composed of more than 140 parts! Some of them are really small so extra care will be needed when handling them if you don't wan't to feed the Carpet Monster. The second fret (part2), which is smaller, is composed of a little more than 30 parts.

Below is a list of the areas of the kit that will benefit from the extra parts:
- cockpit interior (sidewalls, seat mounts, seat belts attachment points etc...)
- upper gun bay (panels, cables, boxes etc...)
- Landing gear bays (wing spar panels, internal structure, cables, etc...)
- landing gears (break lines and smaller details)
- wing root gun bays (completely new construction)
- Rear cockpit deck (new parts)
- sliding hood (additional details)
- cowling flaps (new panels with actuators)
- bomb and fuel tank (new fins and bracing)
- external surface (panels, latches, hollow shell ejection openings)
- etc...

Of course a lot of plastic will have to be removed or sanded away on the original kit before glueing the new parts in place. It is well explained in the instructions though they are in black & white. A color version can be downloaded at the Eduard website if necessary.

To be honest, most of the PE parts will replace original ones which are already pretty nice. However, they represent indeed an improvement, especially if you like hyper detailed model kits. The wing root gun bays for exemple are real gems. On the other side, if you plan to build your Dora with the gun panels all closed, most of the PE parts will end up in the spare box which is a shame.

Conclusion

This is with no doubt a very nice PE detail set from Eduard for their own Fw190 D-9 kit. However, most modelers will be happy with what is already provided in the initial "Profipack" box and see it as some kind of extravaganza. But if you like challenges, or if you are the kind of modeler who thinks nothing is too much then, by all means, go for it!

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AeroScale.