Quick Boost

1/72 Focke Wulf FW-190D-9 Exhausts For the Tamiya FW-190D-9

Stock Number: 72-147

Reviewed By  Brian R. Baker, IPMS# 43146

MSRP: $4.95 www.quickboost.net The Focke Wulf FW-190D-9 was the first in a series of "long nose" versions of this famous Luftwaffe fighter, and many kits have been issued of this aircraft over the years, including Airfix, Hasegawa, Italeri, Tamiya, and recently, Hobby Boss. There are some resin kits and conversions available, as this airplane went through some development during its brief existence. Quickboost has produced a series of resin conversion parts for readily available models in 1/72 scale. This conversion kit provides exhaust stacks that are a little better than those included in the original Tamiya kit, although the originals are totally satisfactory in my opinion. The only real improvement is the hollowing out of the stack ends, which would be difficult in the original kit parts because of their oval shape. However, there is a problem that is not addressed by either Tamiya or Quickboost. Looking at photos of the two FW-190D-9's still in existence in this country, it is obvious that the forward exhaust stack is partially covered by a small fairing ahead of the stacks. Therefore, the forward stack is almost hidden by this cover, and only five stacks are completely visible, while the leading stack only protrudes an inch or so from behind the fairing. Strangely enough, the Italeri and Airfix kits got this right, while Tamiya did not. Even the Hobby Boss kit addresses this problem correctly, although the stacks on their kit are not the correct shape. Note the photos of the three stack assemblies. On top are the QB resin parts. The Tamiya stacks are in the middle, while the Hobby Boss stacks are shown below. The other photos show the stacks installed on the Tamiya kit. The overall result, excluding accuracy issues, is good, and the stacks are an improvement. They are quick to install, and are worth getting.

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