Italeri Junkers Ju87 B-2 1:48

Review by: Paul Kirsopp

Initial Assessment

The Box isn’t bad, with a decent picture depicting the Stuka in-action on the front and photographs of the sprues and decals topped off with colour views of the four finishes available.

The box itself is an envelope style but with a tray inside.  Be warned, on my kit the tray was, what I would consider to be, upside down.

What do you get?

This is a totally new kit and not, as many may think, a re-box of the Hasegawa`s model.

A total of six grey sprues, one clear, a small photo etched fret, decals, a length of rubber tube and the instructions are all included. Unfortunately there is no ‘mini book’ about the aircraft, which is a shame but cost must come into it somewhere. There’s about 163 parts in total, plus the etched fret and rubber tube.

Click on Image to Enlarge. 

The Parts

The parts are engraved with nice fine lines and the plastic has a smooth finish.  There’s a few bits that look like bombs and long range tanks for the spares box, leaving four small under wing bombs (50Kg?) and a large one (250Kg?) under the fuselage.  I’m no expert on the Stuka so I don’t know if any other versions could be made from these moulds. I think all the holes in the lower wing are used but there’s the bombs and drop tanks spares so it could be a possibility. 

The cockpit looks well appointed with plenty of detail on the sidewalls and floor.  There’s a choice for the main instrument panel.  You can go the easy way and use the decals provided or put a little more effort in and use the etched brass panel with the instruments as a separate decal going behind it. The infamous siren is depicted although I’m told not always fitted.  Flattened tyres and air brakes top off the grey bits. 

The etched fret covers seat belts, part of the observers seat, instrument panel and cowling and the funny aerodynamic on the tail planes and elevators.

The clear parts are thin and crystal clear with well defined framework.

The decals are printed by Cartograf and are nice and sharp with minimal carrier film, as you would expect, and contain some stencils for the airframe and bombs.

Bonus!

An engine is provided and it looks a little cracker.  The detail is just about right and the plumbing for the cooling system is also included.  The prominent radiator is well moulded. 

Conclusion

I think a decent replica can be made straight from the box and for those detail demons there’s the basis there for them to get stuck in and add every last nut and bolt. All in all, it looks to be a good package.  I have no reason to think it’ll present any problems with construction.

Cost’s about £25.00 and the review sample came care of my pocket.

Recommended.

Paul K.