Focke-Wulf FW-190 - The Latter Years: Prototype to the Fall of Germany
The FW-190, or Butcher Bird, is quite a fascinating aircraft, fast, robust and extremely versatile. This aircraft served from its development in 1941 right through the end of the war. It continued to evolve from just a fighter to a ground attack and a night fighter. It seemed to develop over the war from short and stubby to sleek and sexy in the form of the D-9 and Ta-152. This book concentrates on the short nosed radial engine versions from the V-1 prototype to the A-9 and S-8.
Printed on 7.4 x 9.6 in square softbound binding, this book features 190 (how apropos) black and white illustrations on 192 pages of quality paper stock. This is the second volume on the FW-190 in the Air War Archive series of books. It is an image-based volume with many brand new and beautifully reproduced photos throughout the book. The captions are enhanced to make up for the lack of actual text. This in no way diminishes this book. In fact, it enhances the experience as it addresses each photo properly and precisely.
The chapters cover Testing, Powerplants, Close ups, Weaponry, Sturmbocks, In Service and Captured. Each chapter is filled with excellent, clear and large photos for that section. Many of the photos are new with some well-known photos reproduced in a higher quality than I’ve seen before. The photos are typically a full page, sometimes two so you can glean the detail from the photos.
I particularly liked the chapter on armament. The Focke Wulf 190 was a workhorse and adapted itself to many rolls. Most of the armament is shown up close and personal so you can actually see how it mounts and weathering patterns.
The in-service chapter is filled with various versions of the FW-190.There is a lot of inspiration in there for a modeler to use.
A unique chapter is the Captured one. The plane just looks different with British and American markings.I personally love the Navy blue one.
Overall, if you are looking for a fun book that will provide plenty of inspiration while not breaking the bank, this is that book. Along with the first volume, they represent some of the best photos taken of the Butcher Bird. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and format.
Highly recommended
Thanks to Casemate and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can obtain your copy at Casemate, your local hobby shop, bookstore or online retailer.
Reviewer Bio
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Building models since the age of 7, I’ve become known for my Bf-109s and helicopters. I currently run Werner’s Wings. I was previously the ‘star’ of the Master Class Model Building Video series. I’ve been published numerous times on various website, including Hyperscale and ARC. My work has been in FSM and Great Scale Modeling 2001, as well as, numerous other model magazines. I’m a published author with my Squadron/Signal Walkaround book on the Kiowa Warrior. My models have continuously won many regional and national awards. My unique model photography gives my models instant recognition for their historical perspective.
I’m a retired from the Army after 21 years of flying Cobras and Kiowa Warriors, including tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Korea, and Germany. I’m also a retired Flight Officer for the Baltimore City Police and flew their helicopters chasing bad guys. I’m currently flying Cobras and Hueys with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Yvonne, for 42 years. Our daughters have blessed us with six grandchildren. My passions continue to be his family, friends, helicopters, models and airplanes, especially the Bf-109 and my beloved AH-1 Cobra. My motto has always been - MODELING IS FUN!
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