1:72 Fw 190 A6-A7/R11 Nightfighter - FuG217 "Neptun" antennas

MASTER 1:72 FuG 217 Neptun radar antennas for the night Fw 190

This product is not a kit of the aircraft but a detail accessory from the manufacturer MASTER. It contains turned metal (brass) antennas of the FuG 217 Neptun airborne radar, with which the night fighter conversions of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in the A-6/R11 and A-7/R11 versions were equipped. The accessory is intended for Fw 190 kits in 1:72 scale.

Why metal instead of plastic

The Neptun radar antennas are long, extremely thin rods projecting from the wing and the fuselage. In this scale injection-molded plastic has to thicken them because of the mold — the result is coarse projections that break off easily. Turned metal keeps the true slenderness, is strong, straight and does not flex. The difference is visible on the finished model at first glance, because it is precisely the antennas that make the characteristic silhouette of the night Fw 190.

Use and fitting

• Cut off the original plastic antennas and level the area; drill a hole in the part for the pin of the metal antenna.
• Glue them with cyanoacrylate (super glue) — plastic cement does not hold on metal.
• Degrease the metal before painting and spray it with a primer, otherwise the paint flakes off.
• Fit the antennas at the very end of the build, after painting and decals, so that they are not bent during handling.
• Working with small parts calls for tweezers and a steady hand; a magnifier or good lighting helps.

Who the accessory is for

For modelers building the night fighter Fw 190 in 1:72 scale who want a faithful antenna array and do not want to rely on the coarse plastic parts from the kit. Suitable even for the less experienced, if they are willing to drill and to use cyanoacrylate.

The accessory is supplied unpainted. Glue, paints and the base kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.