I’m an 18 year-old model builder and a WW2 German fanatic. I just started the Tamiya 1/48 scale FW 190 A-3, and want to dive into detail kits. What type should I get, and which ones are the best for this model. I’m pretty experienced and wouldn’t mind the extra work, I just don’t know where to start looking. That and my scratchbuilding skills are non-existent. So any help is greatly appreciated.
– BLAKJAK
To be honest, your not going to get an AM set for that kit that’s a whole heck of a lot better than what you get it the box. I think (and this is just me, there might be those that disagree) that your hard-earned cash would be better spent on some decent decals. The Tamiya decals bite! Again, this is just me. Good luck with the build and shre pics if you can![:D]
I’ve build fw 190 but not tamiya infact it vas revell/hasegava in 1/32 … from all of extra sets I’ve used vas eduard cockpit rest was pure scratch ( fuel tank’ tail wheel’ opened gun bay and detailed engine area…) if you are interested in photos and any reference contact me on my icq or mail so i’ll send you all I can.
Hope to see soon your pics !!!
That would be great, Dragan. However, I probably won’t be able to get any pictures up, sadly, I still live in the twentieth century with a regular camera. I’ll see about it though. And I built one of the older Hasegawa 1/32 FW’s, so it’d be interesting to see how yours turned out.
The detail sets for this one are mainly for the cockpit, so if you are going to have the canopy open with no pilot figure you can a get Eduard’s Super Set for about $34. It includes photo-etch detail set, flaps, scribing templates, painting and insignia masks for the Tamiya kit. I purchased a simple one from Eduard and even then only used a couple pieces in the cockpit. I did cut some brass tubing for the inner wing cannons and added a wire that runs from the canopy to rudder, and yes, Aeromaster decals.
Jack
Blakjak, CMK do a nice resin and PE replacement cockpit for the Tamiya 190.
They also do the following for the same kit:
Correct shape spinner and prop.
Replacement wheelbay insert.
Open tail wheel hatch for the fin.
Complete engine with cowling panels and fuselage guns, but not the ammo boxes.
The latter is for experienced modellers only, as it requires major surgery. If memory serves me Verlinden also do some update sets for the Tamiya 190.
Oh, and don’t forget a set of True Details wheels and some wire brake lines. Minor, and easy, additions, but they make for a big difference.
Karl
Blackjak …how can I contact you ??? or even better here is my mail so send me mail with list of details you are interested so i’ll mail them back : My mail is dragan.panzerfaust@gmail.com
If you want to post pictures, and have a film camera, have them put on a cd when you get the film developed. That’s how I do it. A set of 4x6 and a disk runs about $9 here.
Great Big Book of World War II Airplanes by Bonanza Books. Almost 700 pages with fifteen(15) aircraft with cockpit diagrams(some color,some not), cutaways of engines and aircraft and then some.
Engines & Things has engines for decent prices($8) in 1/48. I bought a BMW 801D for my Focke Wulf, I just have to build the engine supports and connect all the hoses and wiring…and the rest of the kit.Allen
I forgot, rollmodels.com
BLAKJAK this is what I got from PIX when I asked simular question:
"I only have experience with 1/48 WW II aircraft detail sets, so they’re the only ones on which I can give an opinion.
I find it nearly impossible to build a kit without an Eduard photoetched set. The relief detail on the etched parts is crisp and usually very accurate. Some parts, such as “T” shaped handles, can be difficult to install in 1/48. They would be even more so in 1/72.
Verlinden produces some stunning resin, but their sets are inconsistent. Some are VERY good; others leave something to be desired. Their photoetched parts are not as fine as Eduard’s, in my opinion. Their instructions can be vague at times. Dryfitting is a MUST.
Aires offers some nicely cast resin parts, and decent photoetch. Their sets can be difficult to install, and MUCH testing and dryfitting are required.
True Details offers some very good sets for the money. If you’ve never added aftermarket detail sets to one of your builds, these are a good introduction to the media.
Dragan I’m also from Croatia, just leaving in US now, good to see a fallow country man in this forum.
Gumiflex
I agree. Aires sets are very very nice and their fit is very very bad.
I’m always VERY HAPPY when i meet somebody from cro on forums like this. [tup] Hope that in future we’ ll contact each other and perhaps even on our own language [:D]