Halberd Models Junkers Ju.88A-4 (1:32 3233) & A-5 (1:48 4832) Wheel Sets

[Mike]

Junkers Ju.88A-4 & A-5 Wheel Sets

1:32 & 1:48 Halberd Models

 

 

Halberd Models’ recent flexible resin tyre sets require a slightly different method of construction to standard resin wheels, so I’ll refer you back to my initial review in 2019 here, which explains the process and design ethos in more detail.  It also has a link to a video that shows the process fully, so if you’re unsure about how to use flexible resin tyres it’s worth a read.

 

The assemblies are a drop-in replacement for the kit parts, so they should glue straight onto the landing gear axles, but it's always wise to test and adjust as necessary, as you'll be using either epoxy or super-glue to attach them because resin doesn't adhere with styrene glue.  The tyres will deform slightly under weight, just enough to give them a more realistic look, but not so much that they'll look in dire need of more air before the next mission.

 

Ju.88A-4 “Continental” Wheel Set (3233)

This set is designed for the big Revell kit, which has been available for a while now, and this one is getting treated to a set of new wheels.  Arriving in the by now familiar box, there are six resin hub parts on two casting blocks, plus three tyres – two main and one nose.

 

 

Construction involves liberating the resin from their undercut base either with a razor saw or motor tool, then cutting the spoked centres out of the tyres and smoothing the inner face with a burr chucked into a motor tool.  Each main wheel has a thick rear part with a deep hole in the centre, and a stepped front hub face, while the nose nose-wheel has two hub parts as you’d expect, over which you slip the tyre.  They’re best glued with super glue (CA), and the wheels can be painted with latex based acrylic paints if necessary.

 

 

Ju.88A-5 Early Type Wheel Set (4832)

This set has a huge range of models it can be applied to with a little adjustment of the axle hole being the only possibility.  They arrive in the same box as their larger sibling, and inside are ten resin parts that allow the modeller a choice of two types of hub, with and without a vented outer rim.  Choose the correct parts after checking your references, and glue each hub half into the tyres using the groove in the rim to guide you, checking the scrap diagrams for the correct orientation of the tyres on the ground.  The little tail wheels are built in the same way, but with one style of hub.

 

 

Detail is excellent both on the hubs and tyres at either scale, and with sympathetic painting they should far outstrip that of the kit parts.

 

Highly recommended.

 

They’re currently being sold direct to customers via their Facebook page and through their distributors worldwide.

 

Review sample courtesy of