The last of the 1:24 'Superkits' from Airfix, this FW 190 was released in the very early 1980's. This kit was repackaged in the early 1990's in the Heller range, but for most modellers it remained Airfix to the core and it is pleasing to see is has been reissued again, but this time by its originator.

First things first, this is a big kit, and an initial glance at the contents suggests is has been simplified, but this is not really a kit for beginners. Alternate parts include separate gun covers and a choice of standard and 'blown' canopies, drop tank or a single SC500 bomb. All panel and rivet detail is all recessed , some pundits have decried this as being over scale, but under a coat of paint it looks pretty authentic to me.

The cockpit is sparse, consisting of just a tub with basic side console detail, a seat, stick and rudder pedals - plenty of scope for more detail here. The instrument panel has separate 'glass' with dial detail moulded on. If I were to build another 190 I would use Reheat's dial decals on a backing piece and make the the glass from thin acetate. Harness straps could realistically be fashioned from thin fabric and larger buckles culled, again, from Reheat models 1/32 sets.

The kit includes a complete BMW 801 D-2 engine and choosing this feature adds to the construction time considerably. Most of my building time was spent preparing subassemblies, scraping down mould-part lines and waiting for things to dry.

In fact, the most difficult aspect of this kit centres around the engine. I had originally intend to to pose the model with engine and gun bays open, but at this point I hit some problems. Reviews at the time mentioned problems in getting the engine parts into place and this was the case with my model. I found that test fitting the engine assembly to its support mounts left the whole unit sticking out too far. I tried cutting back the mounts, but this resulted in the forward row of cylinders being to far aft.

My only advice is this - the main point of reference is the forward row of cylinders. When exposed, they should almost be parallel with the front of the (open) nose cowl panel, which in turn means that the exhaust pipes (parts 67 and 68) then lock properly into place and rest on the edge of the exhaust port. If you can achieve this, then chances are you're halfway there, but be prepared to trim back the crankcase and fan blades and almost everything else. A good cutaway drawing is a bonus here, I can't claim that the final layout of my engine parts is accurate, but it fits.

Of course, all this can be avoided by just assembling the forward row of cylinders and closing up all the access panels, using putty to bridge any gaps. Sorting out quite where and how the roof of the wheel wells bolts onto the forward fuselage bulkhead takes a bit of figuring, but after a couple of dry runs it becomes obvious. Use a slow setting liquid cement and adjust the pieces until they are in position.

With the engine fit solved, I was able to assemble the rest of the aeroplane which was relatively trouble free. I needed filler to blend the underside wing/fuselage join but that was all. The rear fuselage is a little too thick where is meets the tail but isn't objectionable. I chose to close up all the gun bays and though I used the cannon breeches, I replaced the muzzles with plastic rod. All control surfaces are separate and can be made to 'work' though I fixed all mine in position. Other basic improvements included drilling out all exhaust pipes - including t those under the fuselage - and thinning down the trailing edges.

Another magnificent decal sheet has markings for three aircraft, an A-5 based at Basic, France, an A-6 night fighter of JG300, and an F-2 of II/Sch G1 stationed in Poland, all circa 1943. Plenty of stencil markings are provided, but no swastikas, though these could easily be hand painted using paper mask or made up using solid decal film.

I chose the JG300 option as this featured an unusual of scheme of RLM76 weissblau to the fuselage with RLM 74 mottling. The upper surfaces are a loose splinter pattern of RLM74/75, with the undersides being black. The spinner is red with a yellow spiral. As each colour was applied it was carefully weathered with an airbrush. A coat of gloss lacquer provided a smooth base for the deals, the final finish was Humbrol's Satin Cote As my model was being used for a trade display, I was asked to leave swastikas off. Final weathering touches were some rusty pastel dust brushes onto the exhaust pipes.

The tyres are moulded in vinyl and I found that I was able to remove the mould part lines by wet sanding along the seams. Despite being 'rubber' or sorts, I gave the tyres a slight over spray of dark brown/grey which contrasts nicely with the semi gloss black hubs. Adding the undercarriage provided a few final tense moments. Its accurate and well moulded, but being so stalky it tended to shift slightly under the weight of the model. Reinforcing the joins with superglue and fixing the wheels in place cured this.

Due to the fit problems with the engine this is a kit to be approached with caution, but if you've ever wanted to add a 1:24 model as a centrepiece to your collection, or you fancy a challenge, then its well worth considering this reissue. The finished model is big and certainly turns heads. Obviously a kit of this size offers almost limitless scope to add the most minute detail, but I was surprised just how good it looked even if built straight out of the box.

Airfix's FW 190A/F maintained the high standard set by the 1:24 'Superkits' range and serves as a reminder of just how good, and ahead of their time, they really were.

I enjoyed my brief flirtation with 1:24 scale, but I have a problem: 1:48 looks so small now...