Tamiya 60766 - 1:72 Focke Wulf Fw-190A-3

Plastic model kit of the Focke-Wulf Fw190 A-3 fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60766 depicts the Focke-Wulf Fw190 A-3 – an early version of one of the best German fighters of the Second World War. Powered by the powerful BMW 801 radial engine, the aircraft stood out for its heavy armament and good agility, and on entering service gained the upper hand over contemporary Spitfires over the English Channel.

The kit is from Tamiya's own tooling, with a detailed cockpit interior and landing gear. The decals finish the aircraft in one of three Luftwaffe-unit schemes.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Detailed cockpit interior and landing gear with wheel wells
• Clear canopy parts
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (Luftwaffe units)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60766
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 124 mm, wingspan: approx. 146 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage and fit the canopy last, after painting.

Fw190 A-3s wore the typical early Luftwaffe camouflage: grey-green shades (including RLM 74 and RLM 75) on top over a light underside (RLM 76), often with colourful unit markings. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all three schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Focke-Wulf Fw190 A-3:

The Fw190 was designed to complement the Bf109 fighter. Unlike it, it received an air-cooled BMW 801 radial engine, which gave it ruggedness and good performance at low and medium altitudes.

The A-3 version, with a higher-power BMW 801 engine and heavier armament, cemented the Fw190's position as one of the Luftwaffe's main fighters. For a time the 'Würger' held the advantage over Allied Spitfire Mk.Vs, until newer Spitfire versions appeared.

Original aircraft specifications (Fw190 A-3):

• Length: approx. 8.95 m
• Wingspan: 10.50 m
• Height: approx. 3.95 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 3,900 kg
• Powerplant: BMW 801Dg radial engine, approx. 1,700 hp
• Max speed: approx. 660 km/h
• Armament: 20 mm wing cannon and machine guns above the engine
• Crew: 1
• In service: from 1941

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.