Small Scale Military Headquarters

I got two FW-190s today, and they are really beautiful models. I have the A model which went together well, but I have an F model that has problems. The first thing I noticed was that the plane is missing a panel underneath one of the wings. This is a square panel where the bomb mounts go. One wing is fine, but the other has a blank square where this panel goes. You can't put the bombs on because the panel is not there. I looked in the box, but it looks like it was never put on the plane. Another problem it has is where the main bomb attaches under the center of the wing. The bomb mount is missing the little prongs that come down and fit on each side of the bomb. It has them on one side, but here again it looks like they were never put on the side where they are missing. It is ashame it has these missing parts, as it really is a great looking model.

[+] > Sheesh ! * * I hope it's not the one I just sent you. This is quite embarrassing. I did'nt think to take it out & inspect it first , DAMN ! ! ! *

* It looked fine through the window. *

[+] > Mine had the same problems when I first bought it awhile back. It was even missing one of the bombs.

* I just took it back and exchanged it.


Mitch v MG

Sorry yours had the missing parts. I think this is 21st Centurys finest 32nd scale model. I don't have the F model, but my A model was fine out the box.

[+] > It looked fine through the window. *

* I do apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. *

* Let me know if there is anything I can do.


Mitch v MG

Mitch,
You have no reason to apologize. This was a quality control issue, and there was no way you could have seen this by looking at the plane through the window. I didn't even notice it until I had the plane all together and was about to put the bombs on. Please don't feel bad, you were doing me a favor in finding the model for me. The plane will be displayed on my shelf, and after I work on it, it will look great. You are a good friend, and I thank you for finding the plane for me.

[+] > Thanks Paul ! *


Mitch v MG

21c sure is funny sometimes. While missing parts as in the case of Saberfan's FW-190F are more rare, I won't tell you how many time I got an aircraft that looked good in the box, only to discover major scratches or paint flaws on the parts I couldn't see. At the risk of sounding too much like King o Fools, 21c really does need to address their Quality Control measures better in all their scales.

I know what you mean Tristan. Even with the missing parts, I think the FW-190A and F are the best looking 32nd scale WW2 planes out there. The A model I got today was perfect, no missing parts, and a great paint job. I do hope 21st Century does something about the quality control. These are beautiful models, it just really bums you out when you are missing some parts.

I really like the box my 32nd scale Panzer 38t tank came in. With the window on all sides, you could really see the model. Maybe they could do that with their 32nd scale planes?

I believe someone else mentioned this problem elsewhere- the landing gear will not stay up on my 190f8-- I can probably fix this by heating up a jewelers flatedge screwdriver and making a tab on the side of the cover to hook to the wing like all the other planes have. Anyone else have this issue?

mikeg wrote:I believe someone else mentioned this problem elsewhere- the landing gear will not stay up on my 190f8-- I can probably fix this by heating up a jewelers flatedge screwdriver and making a tab on the side of the cover to hook to the wing like all the other planes have. Anyone else have this issue?

I have had this issue; it doesn't fail to stay up but you have to find the sweet spot. I am glad to get it in a position it will stay. When your only tool is a hammer all your problems look like nails!

The droopy gear on my 190 is held in place by a thin strip of Scotch tape.

I used a dab of superglue gel on the edge of the landing gear door. You let it dry and the little glue dab will cause friction, holding the door and strut in place when retracted. You have to be careful not to use too much glue, however

yea I had the gear prob too.

also on of the eyelets on the little spar that connects to the gear strut is cracked and it slips off every now and then..when someone picks up the plane to look at it.

Greetings:

It's very ironic that the FW-190 is probably the best airplane 21st has made in 32 scale but also has some of the worst flaws I have seen.

I had a heck of a time finding one for another member because all the examples I had seen were scratched so badly they weren't worth it. Many of them also had broken guns in the wings and the parts tree is a shame as well. I've heard many people complain about the direction finder being broken when they tried to remove it from the parts tree.

Although 21st's 190 is great, I have to say the quality on the BBI F-4 is the best in the scale so far between the two companies, and the Corgi and GMP models are in a class of their own.

Corey

I didn't have a problem removing the pieces from the sprue. I used an X-acto blade like I used to with my regular model kits.

Trying to remove them by hand will wreck them for sure - those thin parts love bending.

I have to agree with Corey, partly, on the FW-190A/F. Certainly, it is 21c's best effort in 32x to date, however, it really is more of a model than than a toy. I think 21c could have done something a little better than the parts tree as most of the antennas and pitot tubes were a little tricky to cut off. I broke a pitot tube trying to use an exacto knife, for example, and wound up using small scissors to do the job.

Then there's the QC issues. I've only seen a large number of "Red 9" FW-190s in person (apart from the single "White & '190F and "Yellow 11" '190A that were sent to me). Some had the scratches, while others were pretty much pristine. Most did not have the broken guns. The "Yellow 11" plane I go was in near perfect condition, with only a little glue streak in one spot. The "White 7" 190 I got had a broken gun barrel and a couple scratches, but nothing serious beyond that. So, in short, 21c is back to their usual games where some aircraft within a caseload (or even the whole load itself) are good examples while others are of poor quality. Why 21c can't get more standardized results is beyond me