Trumpeter 1/32 Junkers Ju-87A-1 Stuka Build Log

Epimedium · August 14, 2017

Hi All I have a build log currently running on my blog and I figured I may as well post it here for you to look at, its my first major 1/32 build and I'm really enjoying the bigger scale!

In this build log I’ll be building the Trumpeter 1/32 Ju-87A-1 ‘Anton’ and I’ll be adding the Eduard Big Ed set BIG3351 along with Montex K32296 Mask set for 29-5 from the VJ/88 experimental group in Spain 1937.

For reference I’m using Hikoki Publications Condor by Patrick Laureau and Military Illustrated Modeller 073 which has an in depth build of this kit by James Hatch.

Work begins, unusually, with the engine front cowling and propeller. I opted to leave the propeller until later.

Eduard provide the correct horizontal slats for the ‘A’ model, these simply stick over the top of the kit part.

The engine and radiator are very well detailed and its a shame that so much will be hidden, the work needed to open up the hatches is far in excess of what I’d like to tackle so it will have to be closed up. There are various scoops and intakes which show a little of the engine so it is nice to have it there.

Next its on to the cowling and front of the fuselage and straight off there are a few gaps showing themselves in the test fitting stage.

Also a well documented problem is the amount to which the exhausts protrude from the the side of cowl. Without modification they are flush but reference shows that they should protrude quite a bit so I went about thinning the inside until I had the desired effect.

Also at this point I fixed the scoops on the underside of the cowl so that they had the correct rounded gouge in the panel which they dont have straight from the box.

In test fitting the engine, radiator and bomb cradle into the cowl I found that its quite a tight fit so you need to ensure that everything is aligned properly before gluing. The radiator attachment to the bottom of the engine is a little flimsy too so care needs to be taken throughout this stage. It is worth pointing out that I glued the exhausts onto the inside of cowl instead of to the engine. This meant for a more secure join and gave me the maximum protrusion.

Now to get this lot together and then onto the cockpit.

Edited August 14, 2017 by Epimedium
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Epimedium · August 14, 2017

This part mainly covers the construction of the cockpit ready for painting, I have also finished off the nose/engine cowling and re-scribed and re-riveted lost detail.

I had a little trouble with re-scribing the panel lines, I was using the Tamiya scribe but it just seems to have a mind of its own, I have switched to the Trumpeter scribe and I find this gives much thinner lines and is more controllable.

Once everything is together I will clean up the last few areas and smooth everything down, the nose part does look a bit rough in places but this will all come together before the paint goes on.

The etch metal set is mainly concentrated on the cockpit and I have worked through the uncoloured fret ready for paint.

The cockpit floor is a little sparse but what is there is enhanced by the photo etch, the rudder pedals in particular are nice.

The racks for the machine gun ammo are replaced with etch metal and this improves them greatly, I may leave off a few ammo containers to show this a bit more.

Side wall details are then added from the etch fret and plastic parts, I have also filed down the areas where the colour etch will sit after painting.

Other parts are also prepared for paint with the rear of the seat and cockpit frame receiving some wiring in anticipation of the radios (the dials and front panel are on the colour sheet).