The Hasegawa FW-190 series of models is a very nice series without all the bells and whistles of the Eduard kits and not nearly as expensive as the Trimaster versions. The latest release covers another of Hermann Graf’s aircraft, WkNr. 2594, flown as the Kommandeur of Jagd-Ergazungsgruppe-Ost in France 1943. This particular aircraft is unique in its markings and in its supercharger intakes. I think this is the most colorful machine that Graf flew. The yellow nose with red chevrons with white outlines and RLM 76 cowl ring makes it stand out. If that isn’t enough the same motif is used on the tail and contains red lightning bolts on both sides making this a very unique and colorful aircraft.

Enough about the markings, what is in the box? Typical of Hasegawa the kit is molded in light grey plastic that is perfectly blemish and flash free. I don’t detect any mold release marks anywhere. This special edition includes four pieces of blemish free resin to modify the intakes. There are 83 plastic pieces so right there you have less pieces than the Eduard cockpit alone. That does not mean that the kit is lacking as it is extremely well detailed. You get a typical Hasegawa kit with superb detail presented in a minimal parts count.

The instructions are typical for Hasegawa, very easy to follow photos in 11 sub-steps. This aircraft has more areas to fill and open up than most Hasegawa kits but the instructions are quite clear what has to be done. This should not be too difficult for even a basic modeler.

Many people have issues with Hasegawa decals but I have to tell you that they look thick on the sheet but I’ve never had an issue with them. I find they work as well as some of the best aftermarket ones. Once dry they are suitably thin. They are in perfect register and opaque enough to work over the camouflage.

Overall this is a great kit of a fascinating machine flown by a great ace at a reasonable price. If you don’t want to go through all the trouble of an Eduard kit this one is quite the model for you. I can’t wait to build it and add it to my collection of Focke Wulfs and Graf machines.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Hobbico and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can obtain your copy at your local hobby shop, online retailer or directly from Hobbico.