1/48 Tamiya Fw-190A3

Gallery Article by Mike Edwards

This is Tamiya's 1/48 Fw-190A3.  This, I thought, was a good kit. It represents my first escape from the confines of the box.  My first foray into the world of aftermarket was done on this kit earlier this year.  I replaced the cockpit with a True Details resin set.  I also built the kit cockpit so I could compare the two; I went with the resin one.  Also, this is my first use of a Vac-form canopy.  The kit was missing a part on the canopy when the box was opened, and knowing how tough it is to get replacement parts for foreign kits, I bought the Squadron vac-form to replace the original. 

This was also the first time I used my airbrush to get the mottle finish on the camo scheme.  Not perfect, I know, but came out better than even I thought it would.  I used the kit decals though.  Had to use liberal amounts of solvaset to get them thick dudes to get down into the recesses. Especially the eagle on the fuselage sides, but I was able to get them down and vowed  to go the aftermarket route next time.