Focke-Wulf Fw 190 V13 (C-0)  

R.V. Resin

Reviewed by Robert Baumgartner

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The Fw 190 V13 was the first attempt to solve the high altitude performance problem that was being experienced by the Fw 190A series. 

The 29^th Fw 190A-0 airframe was chosen to be fitted with a GM 1 system (nitrous oxide injection) to enable the engine to perform beyond its normal operating altitude.

This proved disappointing due to the extra weight of the equipment needed as well as problems in lagging the pipelines. 

Having failed using the radial air-cooled BMW 801 engine, a liquid-cooled inline DB 603 power plant was substituted. The first B series prototype had now become the first C series prototype. This latter machine is the subject of this kit.

It is obvious that a lot of thought and effort has gone into this product.The packaging is the best that you will come across in a kit of this type.

All of the pieces are sealed in their own compartments within a clear plastic bag. Even the photo-etched fret, decals, canopy and white metal parts get this treatment. 

As stated on the box, this is indeed a complete kit. 

There are twenty-four resin pieces and it is evident that the well-engineered Tamiya kit was used as a basis for some of these items.  

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The major components are enhanced with some fine rivet detail and contour changes where appropriate. 

The lower wing is moulded in one piece but the correct amount of dihedral was found to be lacking. This can be solved by gently bending the part in hot water and then applying cold water to allow it to set. 

The fuselage halves are superb with the grafted DB 603A nose easily matching the quality of the rest of the kit. Despite their length, there was no evidence of warping in either of these parts. 

Resin is also used for the interior with the cockpit tub, seat, control column, instruments panels and wheel wells all being nicely detailed. 

Other items in this medium include the propeller blades, spinner, exhaust, wheels, cowling and wheel well covers. 

Closer examination reveals that all but one of the resin pieces is heavily pitted over its entire surface.

Sadly there is a myriad of them and they are larger and deeper than the rivet detail. Some are even as wide as the panel lines. 

Hopefully my example was an isolated case as eradicating them would remove all of the surface detail. 

(Editor's Note - I have two of RV Resins' full resin kits and several conversions. I have just re-examined mine, and they do not examine any pitting or other serious surface or casting problems. This is likely to be an isolated quality problem)

The lovely little photo-etched set gives all of the usual items. These being the seatbelts, rudder pedals, radiator grills, footstep, pilot armour and cockpit decking. 

A single vacformed canopy is provided as a one-piece affair. Thus care will be needed if this is to be separated to have it in the open position. 

Five white metal parts complete the undercarriage and as these are based on the Tamiya kit, some may feel that the main legs have to be lengthened. 

Naturally decals are supplied for just the one version and these are gems. They were in perfect register and are printed with very thin carrier film. 

R.V.Resin continues with their agenda to produce examples of the many “test beds” used during the Fw190 program.  

Although the kit itself is an outstanding piece of work, a bit more attention needs to be directed at the quality control. 

Recommended 

Thanks to Radek from R.V. Resin for the review sample

Footnote:

David Cooper from DMC Models has advised that he is willing to check all the resin parts in RV Resin kits and accessories that he sells for defects, with the permission of the customer. The parts are sealed in their plastic bags, so the prior authority of the customer will be required as the bag will not be re-sealed per the original packaging. However, the customer will be assured that the resin parts are defect free.
 

In North America, R.V. Resins Products are available from David Cooper at DMC Models; or from North American Hobbies website;
or elsewhere in the world, direct from R.V. Resin at their website

Review and Images Copyright © 2003 by Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 17 September, 2003
Last updated 19 September, 2003

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