Miniwing 1/144 Fw-190V-18U1/V-30 FL

The Kit

The Miniwing 1/144 Fw-190V-18U1/V-30 consists of just 14 pieces of resin and two clear vacuformed canopies (one a spare, "just in case").  This is definitely one of the easiest kits from Miniwing.

There are decals for two aircraft, CF+OY painted in RLM 02, Silver and RLM 70 (basically an "unstripped and primed" version), and GH+KT, what appears to be an operational machine painted in RLM 74 and 75 over RLM 65 undersides.  This one also has an RLM 70 painted prop and spinner.  Decals are ALPS printed so extreme care must be taken when handling and applying.  From my experience, you want to "float" them in a puddle of water where they're supposed to adhere because if you move them too much, you risk tearing the decals as well as rubbing off the ink.

As I mentioned, construction is simple.  This is the first Miniwing kit I've seen that contains nothing in the cockpit.  No seat, no instrument panel decal; nothing.  So, once you have the canopy cut and sanded out, then mask it and glue it to the fuselage prior to painting.  In addition you add the separate horizontal tail surfaces, the separate rudder and one-piece wing.  To the wing you add the underside radiator and to the fuselage sides the long exhausts, although you might want to wait until the end to add those due to masking the spliter scheme.

The landing gear and gear doors are one piece, the tail-wheel is part of the fuselage and there are two separate wheels.  The area that will require plenty of work is removing the one-piece prop/spinner from its pour block, along with the skin of resin surrounding the propeller blades.  Just take your time and be extra careful.

Conclusion

Another winner from Miniwing.  Also another one that should be a relatively simple build with only 14 pieces of resin to the main kit.  Definitely recommended if you're looking for this subject matter in 1/144 scale.

Many thanks to Miniwing for the review kit.