1/48 - Junkers Ju-87B-1 Stuka by Airfix - Ju-87B-1 released - Ju-87B-2/R-2 release December 2017

[Homebee]

Source: http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/exclusive-new-2016-announcement-airfix-at-ipms-telford/

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NEW for 2016 - the Junkers Ju-87 B-1 Stuka gets the Airfix 1/48th scale treatment

Computer rendered 3D image of the new 1/48th scale Stuka
One of the most instantly recognisable aircraft from the Second World War, the Junkers Ju-87 B-1 Stuka was a two man dive-bomber and ground attack aircraft which first flew in 1935. With a two man crew, up to three machine guns and the ability to carry 4 x 50kg bombs plus a 500kg weapon, the Stuka was rather a large aeroplane to be powered by a single V-12 Junkers Jumo engine and indeed the Stuka actually weighed over four tonnes. As a result of this, the aircraft was rather slow and suffered from poor manoeuvrability and very much relied on either close fighter support, or almost complete air superiority, for its effective use. When it was operated in favourable conditions, it was a devastatingly effective weapon, being both accurate and extremely reliable. During the first few months of WWII, the Stuka was unparalleled as a strategic strike weapon and was the spearhead of Blitzkrieg the Battle of Britain proved to be something of a rude awakening for the all-conquering Stuka crews of the Luftwaffe.


3D CAD screenshot of the new Battle of Britain Stuka project

The launch of the 2015 Airfix catalogue at the end of 2014 saw the announcement of a number of exciting new tooling moulds. In order to give modellers a better idea of what they could expect, the catalogue also included some computer rendered images of the forthcoming new models, which clearly illustrated the impressive levels of detail incorporated into the tooling. Amongst this collection of new models was a Junkers Ju-87B-1 Stuka in 1/72nd scale, which had been produced using the impressive computer design techniques perfected by the Airfix team. This totally new mould would make the perfect partner for the Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I announced at the same time and further strengthened the range of 1/72nd scale Battle of Britain aircraft available to the Airfix modeller.

Computer rendered 3D image of the fantastic new 1/48th scale Ju-87 B-1 Stuka

You may recall that in a previous edition of Workbench, we brought you the news that the impressive new Defiant had been up-scaled to the larger 1/48th scale we can now announce that the Stuka will also be produced in this fantastic larger scale! This really is great news for modellers, as the wonderfully distinctive shape of the Stuka will look fantastic in 1/48th scale and will further increase the growing number of Airfix kits in this popular larger scale. Again, we will bring you more details of this new Stuka project in a future edition of Workbench, but for anyone visiting us at Telford over the weekend, there will be a prototype example of this model for you to inspect.
The 1:48 Junkers Ju-87 B-1 Stuka (A07114) is scheduled for release in June 2016 and can be pre-ordered now.

 

 

V.P.

 

Edited November 10, 2017 by Homebee

[Wez]

Pleased to see this, they had to replace their old kit from the late 70's/early 80's as it had been overtaken by the competition.

AFAIK, there hasn't been a B-1 in this scale either - good choice Airfix!

[Shar2]

The test shot looked very nice indeed.

[modelling minion]

Certainly welcomed by me.

Definitely a Condor Legion machine in the offing.

[Homebee]

Source: http://www.primeportal.net/models/thomas_voigt10/airfix/

V.P.

[Homebee]

More

V.P.

Edited July 30, 2016 by Homebee

[exdraken]

nice alternative?!

good to see another STUKA

[Skids]

Not really a Stuka fan but that does look very nice.

[occa]

http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/8856/

[SleeperService]

That does look rather good and the optional tanks and propellor is a useful touch.

Release is now 24 September though

[Homebee]

Source: http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/victor-updates-and-handsome-ole-bill/

Scheme update for the new 1/48th scale Ju-87B-1 Stuka

We are now in a position to bring you a scheme update on the eagerly anticipated 1/48th scale Junkers Ju-87B-1 Stuka (A07114), which is due to be available during November this year. Without doubt, the Stuka is one of the most instantly recognisable aircraft of the Second World War and a feared exponent of the Wehrmachts Blitzkrieg tactics that overwhelmed their European adversaries during the early months of WWII. Designed from the outset as a dive bomber and strategic battlefield support aircraft, the Stuka was usually at the forefront of any German offensive and would be used to attack strategically important targets, allowing ground units to advance at great speed, simply overwhelming opposition forces.

Employing the use of a wailing siren during its dive attack, the Stuka not only provided the Luftwaffe with a means of accurately destroying high value ground targets, but also had a devastating psychological impact on opposition troops and civilian populations facing this onslaught. It is perhaps for these reasons that the Stuka still manages to hold such fascination to this day and despite its somewhat ungainly appearance, remains one of the most famous aircraft of the Second World War.

The new 1/48th scale Airfix Ju-87B-1 Stuka was first announced in Workbench Edition 8 and we have been keeping a keen eye on this impressive model ever since we are now in a position to be able to bring you confirmation of the decal scheme options that will accompany the Stuka when it is released later in the year:

Stuka Scheme Option 1

Profile artwork of Stuka B-1 T6+BC

The full Airfix decoration guide for the 1/48th scale II./StG.2 Stuka

Junkers Ju-87B-1 Stuka, T6+BC, II./Sturzkamfgeschwader 2, Bonn-Hangelar Airfield, Germany, Spring 1940

In the Spring of 1940, Europe had been at war for almost nine months following the German attack on Poland, but this period which became known as the Phoney War saw Britain and France committing little in the way of land offensives in support of their Polish ally, preferring to display their military resolve and deter any further German military aggression. This uneasy period of quiet would be shattered on the morning of 10th May when Germany launched a devastating attack against France and the Low Countries, which would see Europe plunged into five years of bloody conflict.

As the Wehrmacht prepared for their attack in the West, Sturzkampfgeschwader units (dive-bomber squadrons) knew that they would be at the spearhead of the assault and they readied for battle. The particular machine presented in this scheme was from II./StG.2 Immelmann and was stationed at the Bonn-Hangelar airfield, not far from the Belgian border, in the days leading up to the attack on France. The unit flew operations during the Polish campaign and through the battles of France and Britain, before transferring to the Balkans and eventually the Eastern Front. The B variant of the Stuka (Bertha) saw particularly heavy use during Blitzkrieg operations against Poland, France and the Low Countries and although it did see action during the Battle of Britain, the B-2 was already being introduced in large numbers.

II Gruppe of StG.2 would continue its long association with the Stuka until March 1944, when two of its squadrons would convert to independent tank destroyer units (SG.3 and SG.77).

Stuka Scheme Option 2

The impressive profile artwork for the Jolanthe Kette Stuka

Full Airfix decoration guide for this fascinating Condor Legion Stuka scheme

Junkers Ju-87B-1 Stuka, 29O8, Kampfgruppe 88, Legion Condor, Spain 1938

The Spanish Civil War gave Hitler the opportunity to forge a valuable ally that could prove useful in the years to come, protect some commodity supplies essential to German industry and allow his forces to get in some much needed operational experience. For these reasons, 10,000 German volunteers were sent to Spain to form the Condor Legion and assist the fascist nationalist forces.

Central to Condor Legion operations were some of the latest aircraft available to the Luftwaffe, which were sent not only to help their ally, but to experiment with bombing techniques that could be employed in future Luftwaffe operations. Condor Legion bombers conducted carpet bombing missions, designed to inflict maximum damage to their targets and instil terror in the civilian population below it was thought that this type of bombing strategy would quickly crush public morale end ensure their enemies sued for peace at the earliest opportunity. Operations in Spain also saw the first use of the Stuka dive bomber in the precision bombing attacks that would become commonplace during the early months of WWII. The first Ju-87A models proved to be something of a disappointment, but the few B models that saw Condor Legion service proved to be much more effective.

This particular scheme was applied to a Ju-87B-1 Stuka of Kampfgruppe 88 in late 1938 and was one of the few B model Stukas to be used in the conflict. It carries a large pig emblem on the undercarriage spat, which was referred to as Jolanthe Kette the pig Jolanthe was thought to be a character from a German romantic comedy film of the day and a kette was a formation of three aircraft adopted by the Luftwaffe. For this reason, it is thought that Jolanthe Kette is a reference to the rather poor performance of the ungainly A version of the Stuka, which proved particularly problematic on the soft ground conditions they encountered in Spain this scheme will prove particularly popular with modellers looking to build an unusual pre-war version of the famous Stuka and will look fantastic in this larger 1/48th scale. This impressive model is scheduled for release in November, but please keep checking the Airfix website for the latest information.

V.P.

Edited July 30, 2016 by Homebee

[Homebee]

Update
Source: http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/the-flying-bomb-bay/

Quote The Luftwaffe’s feared dive-bomber screams in

Over the past few years, the Airfix kit range has benefited from a number of newly tooled 1/48th scale models that mark some of the most famous aircraft to take part in the Second World War. Allowing the design team to incorporate incredible levels of detail into these slightly larger kits, this expanding range has found favour with modellers all over the world as they build into display models that beautifully illustrate the power and majesty of these popular aircraft. As 2015 saw the UK commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the range benefited from the addition of a number of aircraft that took part in this monumental aerial struggle, which had all been developed using the very latest design and manufacturing technologies available to the Airfix team. The first to appear was the new Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I, which arrived in early 2015 – this was joined by a Hawker Hurricane Mk.I later in the year and more recently, the stunning Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I. This magnificent trio of RAF day fighters needed something to chase and although an excellent 1/48th scale kit of the Messerschmitt Bf 109E was already in the range, modellers and enthusiasts were keen for more Luftwaffe subject matter to be covered. With this in mind, many will have been delighted to hear the announcement made in the ninth edition of Workbench that one of the Luftwaffe’s most famous aircraft would soon be joining the growing 1/48th scale kit line-up - we are extremely pleased to be in a position to bring you the latest update on this beautiful new kit.

Computer rendered 3D CAD image of the business end of the Ju-87B-1

As Europe braced itself for conflict at the end of the 1930s, few could have imagined how air power would become the dominant force in future conflicts and that aircraft would become instantly recognisable by both military personnel and civilian populations alike. Arguably, the aircraft that best illustrates this fact is the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka, which in the early months of WWII came to symbolise the strength and invincibility of the Luftwaffe, as it supported Wehrmacht advances through Europe and heralded the coming of war. With its inverted gull-winged design and the almost vertical bombing runs carried out by their well-trained crews, it seemed to a watching world that the German war machine was almost unstoppable and the Stuka dive-bomber was always at the head of the latest advance.

The Junkers Ju-87 Stuka was designed as a precision dive-bomber and close air support aircraft for the German Luftwaffe and saw its combat introduction during the Condor Legion deployment during the Spanish Civil War. It was cleverly integrated into the close air support role, using its precision bombing ability to surgically destroy strategic targets that were holding up advancing Wehrmacht units, proving to be a devastatingly effective weapon. The German propaganda machine quickly seized upon the opportunity to ensure that the Stuka was also successful in spreading terror and confusion amongst their enemies who were on the receiving end of the latest attack. They bolted air-speed driven sirens to the undercarriage spats of their Stukas, which produced a terrifying wail during the near vertical attack dive of the aircraft and as the wailing stopped, the bombs began to explode. Not content with this, the bombs themselves could even be equipped with cardboard sirens, which continued the terror even further. With the distinctive profile of the Stuka and the fact that its very presence announced that war was coming, it is little wonder that the Stuka was considered by many Western Europeans as the manifestation of Blitzkrieg!

Although usually associated with Blitzkrieg and the astonishing German advances in the early months of WWII, the Stuka proved to be equally effective in attacking Allied shipping throughout the war and actually proved to be one of the most successful aircraft of the entire war in this role. From the evacuation beaches of Dunkirk, to the weeks of shipping attacks prior to the start of the Battle of Britain, Stuka units would perfect their dive-bombing techniques at sea, to take a worrying toll of British shipping in the English Channel.

One of the main reasons for the success of the Stuka was that it was designed for this specific task at the outset and incorporated a number of technologically advanced features to help crews fulfil their missions. With a relatively thick and incredibly strong wing, which was designed to withstand the rigors of the steep bombing dive, the Stuka featured a number of automatic features that helped the pilot concentrate on his attack run. These included automatically operated dive brakes, which limited the speed of the dive attack and allowed some stability during this relatively violent manoeuvre, along with an automatic dive pull-out system that prevented the aircraft from crashing into the ground (or the sea) as a result of g induced blackout. Significantly, once a Stuka crew had managed to position themselves for an attack and started their attack sequence, it was almost impossible to defend against this almost vertical attack.

From a crew’s perspective, a Stuka attack run must have been something of a wild ride and was certainly not for the faint hearted. It would usually commence from an altitude of around 15,000 feet, with the pilot locating his target through a small bombsight window in the floor of the aircraft. Moving the dive lever to the rear would restrict the movement of the control column and automatically trim the Stuka for the attack - similar automation would set the engine speed and propeller pitch for the dive. The Stuka would now perform a leisurely roll onto its back, before commencing its dive attack – the dive brakes would limit the speed to around 350mph with an angle of attack anywhere from 60 to 90 degrees. Approximately 30 seconds from the start of the dive and with the ‘Trumpets of Jericho’ wailing, the pilot initiated the automatic dive pull-out system, which also released the bomb load at the correct moment. The large centrally mounted bomb would be deployed by the use of a long metal cradle sling, which cleared the bomb from the arc of the spinning propeller and sent it on the way to the target.

After the automatic dive pull-out system had done its invaluable work, the pilot would attempt to regain control of the aircraft by disengaging all the automatic features and powering the aircraft for a swift getaway. For the Stuka crew, this would prove to be the time when they were at their most vulnerable – trying to regain their senses following the severe manoeuvre they had just performed, they were in real danger of being hit by shrapnel from the exploding bombs, failing to regain control sufficiently, or falling prey to enemy fighter aircraft. Indeed, once allied fighter crews became accustomed to the attack procedure of the Stuka, they knew that their best chance of destroying them was as they attempted to recover from their diving attack and many aircraft were lost during this vulnerable phase of their attack.

Profile artwork of the II./StG.2 Ju-87B-1 Stuka scheme included with the kit

With a two-man crew, the early B-1 variant of the Stuka had two forward firing machine guns in the wings, with a third gun operated by the gunner/radio operator for defensive purposes. Offensively, the Stuka B-1 would carry a single 500kg bomb under the fuselage and a further four 50kg bombs under the wings – it was rather a large aeroplane to be powered by a single V-12 Junkers Jumo engine, especially as the maximum take-off weight of a bombed up Stuka was over four tonnes. As a result of these factors, the aircraft was rather slow and suffered from relatively poor manoeuvrability and very much relied on either close fighter support, or almost complete air superiority, for its effective use. When it was operated in favourable conditions, it proved to be a devastatingly effective weapon, being both accurate and extremely reliable. During the first few months of WWII, the Stuka was unparalleled as a strategic strike weapon, however the Battle of Britain proved to be something of a rude awakening for the previously all-conquering Stuka crews of the Luftwaffe.

With an aircraft as famous (or infamous) as the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka (A07114), there was always going to be a great deal of interest in this new 1/48th scale model, which already seems destined to become one of the most popular models in the range. Currently scheduled for a November release, if recent new tooling releases are anything to go by, initial supplies of the new Stuka will sell out almost immediately and unless modellers either pre-order their example on the Airfix website, or via their usual model supplier, it could be some months before they manage to get their hands on one. The detailed CAD rendered images we have included above show that the model is progressing nicely and we can all start to get a little excited about its actual release, but as appealing as these images are, we have even more Stuka news for you!

Battle of France artwork for the new 1/48th scale Stuka

The magnificent box artwork that will accompany the release of the 1/48th scale Stuka

The release of new box artwork always meets with the approval of Workbench readers and is also a good indicator that some of the most anticipated new model projects are moving nicely towards their proposed release date. In a final update of the 1/48th scale Ju-87B-1 Stuka project, we are pleased to be able to bring you this exclusive first look at the magnificent artwork that will adorn the box of this highly anticipated new tooling release. The artwork that accompanies new Airfix releases has an aesthetic appeal all of its own and certainly helps to inspire modellers of all abilities on their next model build project. They definitely manage to capture the drama of aviation and play right into the hands of enthusiasts – they are fascinating to look at.

How the new box will look on the shelves - the new 1/48th scale Stuka in all its glory

The artwork that will accompany the new Stuka release is a scene from the Battle of France and appears to show retreating elements of the British Expeditionary Force coming under attack from a pair of II./StG.2 Ju-87B-1 Stukas. Both aircraft have released their bombs and are trying to make good their escape, although the lead aircraft has a French Air Force Curtiss H-75 on its tail. Closer inspection of the image also reveals a number of Matilda I tanks amongst the British vehicles under attack – these two-man infantry tanks were used quite extensively during the Battle of France, but their exposed running gear and light armament dictated that they were quickly relegated to training duties following the evacuations at Dunkirk. This artwork effectively portrays the confusion that must have reigned during the Battle of France, which was arguably the high point of the operational effectiveness of the Luftwaffe’s Stuka squadrons. Clearly, this new release of the distinctive Junkers Ju-87B-1 Stuka is going to be a valued addition to the growing 1/48th scale range of aircraft kits and many modellers will be hoping to pick up an example as soon as they are released later in the year.

V.P.

[Homebee]

More: http://imodeler.com/2016/11/new-airfix-148-junker-ju-87b-stuka/

 

 

 

 

V.P.

Edited November 12, 2016 by Homebee

[Work In Progress]

It looks as if they've achieved a result that will sell well and certainly fits the current fashions. But for my money, I still prefer the old one, and stocked up when they were super-cheap on run-out. It's a good accurate kit, is dead easy to build, is cheap enough that you can chuck in an after-market cockpit and canopy in budget if you want to, and has surface treatment much more appropriate to the full size than this new one or the Hasegawa kit. Stukas aren't flush-riveted smooth things!

 

Couple of nice builds here which show it off well enough.

http://intscalemodeller.com/viewtopic.php?t=162

http://hsfeatures.com/features04/ju87r2vt_1.htm

 

Commercially they've done the right thing though, this is what the market seems to want these days so I don't blame them for going where the money is. And the new box art is properly vivid and exciting too.

Edited November 13, 2016 by Work In Progress

[k5054nz]

In all the P-40/Sea Fury/Phantom excitement I'd forgotten this!

 

Airfix's site says it releases in two days (15/11/2016) whereas Hannants has it as "early December". Perhaps, like with the P-40, it'll be delayed?

[Homebee]

A new variant is expected in Q4 2017: 1/48th Junkers JU-87B-2/R-2 Stuka - ref. A07115

Source: http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/shop/new-for-2017/junkers-ju87b-2-r-2-1-48.html

• Scheme 1 - Ju87R-2 S1+AK 2./ST.G. 3 Greece Spring 1941

• Scheme 2 - Ju87B2 T6 + AN 5. STG.2 ‘Immelman’ Libya May 1942

 

  

 

V.P.

[John]

Look's like the B-1 is out:

 

http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/shop/new-arrivals/junkers-ju87b1-1-48.html

 

John

[Homebee]

Yes indeed.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/officialairfix/posts/10154788085726271

 

V.P.

[k5054nz]

I was right - it was delayed a bit! I look forward to seeing some builds from folk here.

[Homebee]

Source:

http://www.ipmsdeutschland.de/Ausstellungen/Nuernberg2017/Bilder_VH/Bilder_VH_1.htm

 

 

 

V.P.

 

 

 

 

 

[exdraken]

not so nice German inbox review:

look at those sink and ejector marks!

 

overall accuracy is judged quite positively though..

how can this happen?

latest Airfix kits were quite ok in respect of mould/ kit quality!

 

http://www.ipmsdeutschland.de/FirstLook/Airfix/Airfix_Junkers_Ju87B-1_48/Air_Ju87B-1.html

[Ka-Efka]

He didn't really speak about the accuracy. He was very pleased with the kits options, and details. And, then there are the issues with the mould quality as you correctly pointed out.

That's quite disappointing imho. And very unnecessary...

[Work In Progress]

The ejector pin marks are by intention, and don't look well placed to me. The sinkage is not by intention and should be susceptible to elimination when they learn how to run the moulds better. That kit should not have got thought quality control. It is disappointing.

[exdraken]

3 hours ago, Ka-Efka said:

He didn't really speak about the accuracy. He was very pleased with the kits options, and details. And, then there are the issues with the mould quality as you correctly pointed out.

That's quite disappointing imho. And very unnecessary...

you  are perfectly right, my mistake,

he sums up the kit as ~"good, up to very good, but badly made" 

 

2 hours ago, Work In Progress said:

The ejector pin marks are by intention, and don't look well placed to me. The sinkage is not by intention and should be susceptible to elimination when they learn how to run the moulds better. That kit should not have got thought quality control. It is disappointing.

probably, yes it will improve.... but form which box on??

and the ejector pin marks look like being done by a newbie.... put them wherever you find an even surface...

 

 

I am quite disappointed as I really was thinking of getting one....

what is the verdict now on rel. early Ju 87s in 1/48??

 

 

 

Edited February 21, 2017 by exdraken

[Work In Progress]

If you want something done according to the modern surface detailing fashion It's still probably the best, if not the easiest to build. Correcting those ejector pin marks and sinkage is not stuff you should have to do but it's still only semi-basic modelling skills.

 

Meanwhile I'm still sticking with my old Airfix ones with the good raised rivets.