Warbird Replicas FW190 kit build

[The Fopster]

Thought I’d share my experience with a balsa kit build. It’s a FW190 made in the UK by Warbird Replicas. It’s designed to be a quick easy build - simple shapes with a low parts count, foam wings skinned with wood and some moulded plastic parts for the tricky bits! So far it’s going together really well and the build is a lot of fun. Much slower build than a foamboard plane but quick by balsa standards! I’ll fly it as a belly lander at first, but there will be a retro-fit retracts set I plan to add later.
Some pictures following to show where I am so far.

 

[danskis]

Thanks for pointing out these kits. I just might have to build one. They look good.

 

[The Fopster]

Thanks for pointing out these kits. I just might have to build one. They look good.

Really impressed so far. Going together very quickly and easily!

 

[The Fopster]

First time with all the bits together. It’s a little heavier than a foamboard master series plane (bare airframe is currently 870g) but boy is it rigid. It will be interesting to see if I can tell the difference between foam and balsa when I’m flying it.

 

[The Fopster]

A bit more progress on the FW190. Covering (brown paper with PVA) is complete. Final assembly and installing the electronics and then we’re ready for a maiden. With luck should be next weekend.

 

[The Fopster]

Well I have a flyable plane. Have really enjoyed the build so far, and lots still to do on painting and finishing. However it’s completed to a point where it’s flyable - I’ll paint the nose to waterproof the last bit of bare brown paper covering but I may try and get it airborne this weekend…

 

[The Fopster]

After a brief hiatus (vacation etc.) I’m finishing the FW190. Maiden today of the 90% finished airframe (no canopy as I haven’t printed a pilot yet). I have to say it was the easiest maiden flight I’ve ever had - flew straight off the launch dolly and needed just a couple of clicks of down elevator. I need to get the spinner balanced properly but otherwise this is a great flying plane - balsa may need a bigger investment of time in building but I must say it flies brilliantly. Some video of the maiden (mainly flying gentle circuits due to the spinner issue) and a picture with the canopy taped in place. Just need to finish it now!

 

[danskis]

@The Fopster Flys great! How about a close up shot of your launcher.

 

[The Fopster]

@The Fopster Flys great! How about a close up shot of your launcher.

Here it is - plus a shot of the almost finished plane. Flew four batteries this afternoon in very gusty weather and it really was incredibly stable. Not sure how much of that is down to it being balsa, but for sure this one is a keeper!

 

[The Fopster]

Finally got some video of the FW190 flying in a "finished" state - paint and decals all done, canopy fitted etc. It was very gusty so not ideal conditions but I'm getting comfortable with the plane so the wind wasn't a major problem, except for the wind noise on the camera phone. Resolution isn't brilliant but it's proof of flight at least!

 

[Mr NCT]

Finally got some video of the FW190 flying in a "finished" state - paint and decals all done, canopy fitted etc. It was very gusty so not ideal conditions but I'm getting comfortable with the plane so the wind wasn't a major problem, except for the wind noise on the camera phone. Resolution isn't brilliant but it's proof of flight at least!

View attachment 243350

That's a beauty and looks like it flies well, too!

 

[The Fopster]

Final piece on this build - I recorded a review to capture my thoughts about the kit. The production values are somewhat dodgy, but it's an honest review of the kit. If you want the synopsis - I am really impressed by the design, the build experience and the flight characteristics. Highly recommended!