Eduard 1/48 Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8/R2 Royal Class
Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8 ROYAL CLASS is a double edition with two kits included. One of them contains parts for the Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8, the second one adds something new, a set of parts for the famous armoured version, Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8/R2 Sturmbock.
The concept of this ROYAL CLASS kit will be a bit different from the previous RC kits. First difference is the number of kits in the set two instead of three, as was the case with the I-16 and Fokker D.VII. The second difference is the set of bonuses. No PC game will be included here, but we will maintain the tradition of the inclusion of a medal, this kit contains an exceptionally valuable one, the Knight?s Cross, which will be a full scale replica as with previous inclusions.
Another interesting bonus will be a small piece of the original aircraft, a piece measuring some 2x2 cm of the airframe of the II.(Sturm)/JG 4 Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8/R2, shot down on September 11, 1944, over Czech territory. We have the markings of this aircraft (Yellow 8) included in the decal options.
The third bonus will be a publication describing a big air battle over Kovarska/Schmiedeberg, where this aircraft was shot down together with another 37 German and 18 USAAF aircraft. We bring very interesting information about this not so well known but epic part of the air war over Europe, with plenty of original photographs and color illustrations.
The final bonus will be the classic Eduard overture PE sets. This set is designed on the level of the BIG ED concept, besides the standard kit colour set there will be four more sets for each kit contained, which means 8 extra sets, 2 each of 48 551 Focke Wulf Fw 190A Landing Flaps, 48 555 Focke Wulf Fw 190 Tools and Boxes, 48 556 Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8, and FE370 Focke Wulf Fw 190A placards.
This kit will only be sent by Special Delivery, please select that option at checkout.
If you going to spend the money on buying the two separate models of the FW190 A8 and A8/R2 then I could really advise (if you can afford it)spending the extra and buy this Royal Class package. However see comment at end of review.
It is expensive (less from Relish models than elsewhere) but what comes in this package is well worth the extra if you like detailed quality models and some of Eduard's recent releases have really been excellent quality. Their Bf 110's are another fine example. You would spend another £40-50+ for the extra PE sets that come with this kit if you wanted the same standard of detailed model from buying separately.
There are numerous photo etch parts for the two kits that you are able to build, either two A8's, two A8/R2's or one of each but what makes this stand out for me is the inclusion of a (small) part of an actual FW190 A8/R2 that was shot down during combat with the US 8th Air Force and the option to build that version of the aircraft. My intention being to build a diorama with the model, part of the plane and the booklet that explains the battle in some detail. The lovely brass look plaque and certificate of authenticity will finish it off.
The kit also comes with a paint mask for the canopies, an excellent instruction book, two sets of stencil marking and decals. There is also the replica Knights Cross which does have a swastika on it although none of the photos show this.
There have been some people who have struggled with assembly of the these models according to other review sites. My experience though if you rush a model, it will look rushed and I have rushed a few in my time. That is why they sit at the back of my display shelves. There are some good examples of completed Eduard FW's on the WWW which might tempt you. The instructions are very good and the inclusion of a jig to help align the engine exhausts correctly is a welcome inclusion to avoid what could be a major headache. This aid comes in all of Eduard's FW's versions.
The extra cost is worth it if you really want to get an accurate representation of an important WWII aircraft (2) or you could buy a Tamigawa one and spend what you have saved on aftermarket stuff to get it up to the same standard. Depends on what you are looking for and at when it is finished.
Most of what I have covered is in the description on the produt page but sometimes it is better to hear it from someone other than the manufacturer.
Recommended if you have fair to good modelling skills. Beginners be warned this may be a waste of money if you do not make use of the parts that come with the kit. The base FW's may be more suitable as they only really have PE for the cockpits, are less expensive and will still build into a nice kit. My A5 is coming along nicely.
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