Eduard JU-87G-2 Stuka Updates (for Trumpeter 1:32)

[Mike]

JU-87G-2 Stuka Updates (for Trumpeter)
1:32 Eduard

Trumpeter's big late Stuka is a tempting kit with its sloping canopy and big guns in gondolas, as I can attest because I've got one, despite 1:48 being my usual scale. Eduard's new sets will take the existing detail to the proverbial next level, allowing the modeller to pick & choose which areas to focus on depending on budget, skill and where their interests lie. Each of the three Photo-Etch (PE) sets and mask set come in the usual re-sealable flat-pack with white card insert protecting the frets as well as the instruction sheets.


Interior (32847)
This is a big set, consisting of two frets of PE in nickel-plated brass that are pre-painted (printed) with full colour instrument panels amongst other things. The other fret is larger and in bare brass for constructional parts that can be painted by the modeller. The cockpit of the Stuka is a glass-house, and even more visible if you open the canopies, so detail is paramount here. The sidewalls are first to be improved with the moulded-in detail removed first to accept a horde of additional parts, such as levers; switch panels; throttle quadrant and numerous boxes of different types. The floor is detailed with map boxes; a small raised panel; foot-rests, additional equipment racks and compartment separators. At the front the kit instrument panel is torn-down to make way for a lamination of pre-painted dials and bezels that have additional knobs & levers bristling from it; a new set of rudder pedals and their suspension arms; a detailed gun-sight, and interior windscreen farming details. The other canopy parts are also detailed with grab-handles, latches and rear-view mirrors, plus a small instrument block. The aft machine-gunner's twin mounted gun is clipped of over-sized ammo feed and handles, before new PE parts are added, along with a pair of cooling jackets that will need rolling to shape. Two sets of ring and bead sights are added to mount as good measure. As if that wasn't enough detail, the pilot's lower viewing panel that allows him to see his target below him is detailed with internal mechanism and an outer frame, just for good measure.

Exterior (32378)
The exterior set isn't quite as large as the interior, but it still spreads over two bare brass frets, and includes a substantial upgrade to the detail of the prominent chin scoop that first requires the louvres to be removed, before the oil-cooler core is detailed with new mesh, and the louvres are replaced by a five-part assembly, plus a brace to the opposite side, two small probes and a circular access-panel just forward of the lip. Similar treatment is given to the under wing radiators, with mesh inside and both the forward and rear doors replaced by PE assemblies and some short sections of 0.7mm styrene from your supplies.

The wing mounted gun bays are detailed with a panel under the gun breech, plus a replacement three-part door and latch so that they look more realistic when left open. The pannier mounted heavy cannons under the wings have their chunky mounting points removed and replaced with a highly detailed and accurate assembly that takes up a large number of parts, but adds a lot of authenticity. The ammo-cartridge that projects from the side of the pod is replaced by a PE part after the lip around the port is filed off and replaced by a more crisp PE part. Finally, the fuel tank under the belly is strapped in place by a new detailed PE part that wraps around and underneath the tank, and a frame is added around the leading edge landing light.

Seatbelts (32848)
Containing a full set of crew seatbelts, a back-strop for the gunner and a template in the fret sides that is used to cut out the slots needed for accurate belt placement, this set is a small fret that is nickel-plated and pre-printed, so you can have realistic metal furniture on the crew belts, as well as visible stitching on the belts themselves. There is also a cushion top that is folded around a small piece of 1mm styrene sheet from your supplies to give the gunner a nice comfy cushion on his draughty excuse for a chair.

Masks (JX183)
The Stuka could be the poster-aircraft for the canopy masking industry, as it has just so damn many panes in its greenhouse. Never fear - this set will address this with pre-cut kabuki tape in yellow that contains a mask for every single panel, using full masks for the flat areas, and frame-hugging strips for the compound curves. Fill the middle of these with scrap tape or masking fluid and off you go. Don't forget you also get masks for the opening side-window, both ends of the pilot's lower viewing tunnel and the landing light cover. If you're after bonus wheel masks, you're out of luck because there's hardly any spare space on the sheet!

Review sample courtesy of