Airfix Junkers Ju 87B-1 Stuka 1:72 Airfix A03087A

[Julien]

Junkers Ju 87B-1 Stuka

1:72 Airfix A03087A

 

 

The Ju 87 Stuka (Sturzkampfflugzeug or dive bomber) was one of the most famous German aircraft of World War II. First flown in 1935, it made its combat debut in the Spanish Civil War in 1936 before going on to serve throughout the European and North African theatres of the Second World War. Although it was initially a highly effective ground attack aircraft, the Stuka’s shortcomings quickly became apparent during the Battle of Britain when it came up against the fast, modern fighters of the RAF. The B was the first mass produced version, and the B-1 having a large engine,  redesigned fuselage and landing gear, the twin radio masts of the "A" version with were replaced with a single mast mounted further forward on the canopy, the wheel "spats" were simpler and lighter, discarding the transverse strut bracing of the "A" version. The Ju 87D sought to remedy these shortcomings with a new, more powerful engine, improved armour and defensive armament and increased fuel capacity. With the later Ju 87G being a dedicated tank buster variant based on the D. It featured two 37mm cannon mounted in pods under the wing. Each gun was fitted with a magazine holding six rounds of armour piercing ammunition. While relegated from certain operations the aircraft did excel in the ground support role on the Eastern Front, and was feared by the partisans in areas such as the Balkans where it had less of an issue protecting itself from fighters. 

 

The Kit

This is Airfix's new tool kit from 2016 which we have not seen so far on BM. It looks to be a great kit with nice moulding recessed panel lines, and some good engineering when it comes to the construction.  The first indication of this comes with the centre section to hold the famous cranked wings of the stuka at the right angles. A study frame fits to the bottom centre section f the main wing. To the top of this fits the pilots seat, here there is one plain seat for use with the supplied crew figures; or a second empty seat with moulded in belts. The control column and rear seaters position also fit onto this centre section. Next up we move to the main fuselage. Into both halves go the internal structures down each side, then at the front the main instruments panel with the instruments being supplied as a decal. The fuselage can then go together and be fitted to the wing centre section.

 

 

Now we move to the wings. The uppers are fitted direct to the completed fuselage as they have tabs which fit to the centre section. The lowers can then also be fitted, again these have tabs. If using the bomb racks dont forget to open up the holes for these first. Once the main wing is on it is time for the tailplanes and rudder. The tail planes have struts which attach to the fuselage. Work now switches to the front of the Stuka with the nose/engine being assembled and added. Next up is the wheels and spats. We see a little bit of thought again from Airfix here in that the wheels do come with a bulge, however if you dont like this (I do think its a little too excessive) then the wheel positions can be rotated on the spats. Either position has a tab which locks the wheels in place. Once completed these can be added to the aircraft. 

 

 

Now the main fuselage/wings/wheels are together its time to finish off. The large distinctive dive brakes are added along with the bombs and their racks if you are using them. The trapeze being provided for the centre line bomb to enable it to clear the prop disc.  We finish off the cockpit with figures if needed , the radio sets and the bomb sight. Airfix have provided separate parts for either open or closed canopies. This is either both open, or both closed. There is also a separate clear disc to add the rear machine gun to. Lastly the propeller is made up and installed along with the leading edge landing lights and the pitot tube. 

 

 

 

Markings

A small decal sheet from Cartograf provides markings for two aircraft. There should be no issues with these. Airfix have provided no swastikas its noted, so the modeller will have to source these. 

 

 

 

1. II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77, Germany/Poland - Spring 1939
2. I./Sturzkampfgeschwade 2 "Immelmann" - Balkans 1940/41

 

Conclusion

This is a great to see this kit released its well thought out and should build into to a great looking model 

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of 

 

 

[Hook]

Worth getting just for decal option #1.

 

Cheers,

 

Andre 

[593jones]

Perhaps the bulged wheels could be used if modelled with a full bomb load.  Just a thought

[Julien]

On 16/08/2021 at 20:11, 593jones said:

Perhaps the bulged wheels could be used if modelled with a full bomb load.  Just a thought

Its personal choice, at least the kit gives you the option of using them or not depending on how you want.

[Hook]

On 8/16/2021 at 9:11 PM, 593jones said:

Perhaps the bulged wheels could be used if modelled with a full bomb load.  Just a thought

You can fit the wheels either with the bulge on the underside, or with the bulge inside the spat covers for an unloaded option. 

 

Cheers,

 

Andre 

[Julien]

1 hour ago, Hook said:

You can fit the wheels either with the bulge on the underside, or with the bulge inside the spat covers for an unloaded option. 

 

Cheers,

 

Andre 

I did mention that in the review