Building a Microaces Focke-Wulf
Joe Malinchak [email protected]
I reviewed the beautiful Microaces 1/24-scale P-51D Mustang kit in my January 2013 column. Microaces has changed the way we build kits by using highly detailed graphics applied to lightweight, self-adhesive covering.
Rivets, panel lines, and realistic weathering make these kits stand out from other micro models of this size. The material is applied over a Depron foam airframe, creating a rugged model with amazing looks. After building the P-51D, I could hardly wait to build the new Focke-Wulf 190.
Microaces Focke-Wulf
The 1/24-scale Focke-Wulf 190A-8/R8 Black 8 is a nice-size micro with a 16-inch wingspan and a flying weight of 2.3 ounces. It is available in a standard or deluxe kit option. The deluxe kit includes the AP05 5,000 kV brushless motor and the XP-7A ESC. The kit includes everything needed to build and fly the model except for the receiver, battery, glue, and tools.
- Recommended battery: 3.7 V, 300 mAh LiPo.
- Recommended glue: UHU Por foam glue (my preferred foam-safe adhesive).
- The kit is designed around the popular Spektrum AR6400 or AR6400L receivers.
- Spare parts and recommended items can be purchased on the Microaces website (see "Sources" at the end).
If you have an extra compatible receiver, a Microaces kit is a good way to put it to use.
It's All About the Stickers!
For me, building models is as much a rewarding experience as flying them. The concept of using stickers as covering material is neat, and they are fun to apply. The model seems to come to life with the application of each sticker.
The manufacturer included a sticker-sheet history of the aircraft and the pilot who flew the example you are constructing. It takes some practice to correctly apply the stickers.
The instruction manual is well thought out and easy to follow, with images for each assembly step. Construction begins with the rudder, which is a good place to practice applying stickers. Be careful when removing stickers from the sheet because they can tear easily.
Tips for working with the stickers:
- Use tweezers to remove stickers from the sheet and to apply them to the model.
- If a sticker doesn't look correct, you can reposition it; if it loses some adhesive, apply a small amount of UHU Por or other foam-safe glue.
- Microaces provides building videos—watch them if this is your first kit (YouTube link available from the company webpage).
A few construction details to note:
- When installing pushrods onto the fuselage, attach them to the receiver first and ensure they move freely before applying the side fuselage sticker.
- Leave the receiver in the model and wait to install the rudder and elevator control horns.
- When applying stickers to the beveled edges of the elevator and ailerons, apply some UHU Por to the beveled areas first to prevent lifting and possible control binding.
- The spinner comes unpainted; I colored mine with a yellow highlighter and a red Sharpie permanent marker. The red applied over the yellow without bleeding.
In the Air
My completed model balanced perfectly with the recommended 300 mAh LiPo cell. I checked the controls and went outside to test-fly it.
The wind was about 10 mph and gusting. I flew from a grass field, so I removed the landing gear for the first flight and gave it a hand launch into the wind. It flew right from my hand and climbed out nicely.
Flight characteristics:
- Performs well and can do scale-like aerobatics such as loops, rolls, and inverted flight.
- Looks beautiful in the air; low flybys are enjoyable.
- When slowed to a stall, it dropped a wing and lost some altitude but recovered easily.
Later, when the wind calmed, I flew with the landing gear installed. The gear adds some weight and drag, but the model still performs well. I made a successful takeoff from the finely cut grass; the ground roll was short and landings were straight as long as power was carried until touchdown.
On one flight I reached the cutoff point and had to dead-stick it. Like most foam models of this type, it has a short glide ratio without power. I dropped the nose to pick up speed and belly-landed it undamaged.
The Microaces Focke-Wulf 190A-8/R8 is a great model with beautiful looks and good flight performance. I would not recommend it for beginners, but intermediate or advanced fliers will enjoy building and flying this airplane. Microaces says their aircraft are "flying history"; I think they are flying art.
SOURCES
- Microaces
Email: [email protected] Website: www.microaces.com
- Spektrum
Phone: (800) 338-4639 Website: www.spektrumrc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
