Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner
 

Aeromaster's 1/48 scale Best Selling Stukas Pt.I is available online from Squadron.com

 

FirstLook

There are certain subjects that have great appeal despite their ugliness. The Ju87 Stuka is one of them. AeroMaster have released new sheets of this aircraft and as the name implies, have used schemes from their previous artwork. 

Three very different subjects are proposed for the modeller. 

• Ju87D-3 “T6+EK” of 2/ST.G.2, Russia

This interesting scheme sees a spotted application of temporary white paint over the usual RLM 70/71 upper surfaces. A photo of this aircraft reveals it most unlikely that these blotches of white paint were sprayed on as indicated in the instructions. Brushes, rags or a sponge are the most likely candidates as indicated by their messy appearance on the aforementioned picture.

Further interest is added with the yellow theatre markings around the fuselage and the yellow undersides of the wing tips. Underwing code letters have thankfully been supplied as these are sometimes missed elsewhere, including by one of the reference books quoted.  

• Ju87 G-2 “<-+-” Wk. Nr.494193, flown by Maj. Hans Rudel, Russia

Naturally Rudel’s machine makes an appearance and here we see the famous “494193”. Again the yellow Eastern Front theatre markings are apparent as well as a yellow chevron tactical marking on the wing. Upper surfaces remain in RLM 70/71 while the lower fuselage and wing under surfaces are painted RLM 65.

A spiral is present on the spinner and is included on the sheet. 

Take care when selecting the kit to make this aircraft. The G-2 was a modified D-5 airframe so it should have the extended wingtips. 

• Ju87D-5, “B6+41”, Hungarian Air Force, 1943.

For those that like something a little different, this option should satisfy that urge.

Although still in the RLM 70/71/65 finish, the National colours on the rudder and elevators really make for a striking appearance. The yellow theatre markings, along with the black and white fuselage codes (the Hungarians using “B” for Bombazo and the 3 numbers being the serial number in their own Air Force) add even more visual impact.

Stripes for the rudder are provided but those for the elevators will have to be painted on. 

This aircraft had its spats removed and so will provide an added challenge to the builder. The removal was done to stop mud from collecting inside these items and fouling the landing gear. 

As usual, the decal registration was perfect. Some welcome stencil data is provided and even the smallest writing is legible. To be on the safe side, AeroMaster have sensibly printed some items in separate colours to be overlapped by the modeller to ensure adequate registration.

Decal is also supplied for the non-slip walk areas on the wing, which will save a bit of work. 

The instruction sheet is well laid out so nothing has to be left to the imagination.

A guide for the stencil data is also included which rounds the package off nicely. 

National markings are not forgotten and there is a single full set for any of the options chosen. 

For those that missed these aircraft the first time round now is your chance to make amends. Everything you need is on the sheet and the variety should suit the tastes of all concerned. 

Recommended.

Review Text Copyright © 2004 by Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 23 December, 2004
Last updated 23 December, 2004

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