Italeri

1/72 Ju-87 D-5 Stuka

Kit Number 1070

Reviewed By Clarence Wentzel, #11478

The famous Junkers Ju-87 Stuka is well known for its operation during the early days of World War II.  The screaming, dive-bombing Stuka was a major factor in the success of the early Blitzkrieg operations, where aerial opposition did not exist.  When the allies were able to provide more countering airpower, the weaknesses of the fixed-landing gear, slow Stuka became more apparent.  In spite of this, the Luftwaffe ordered a number of modifications to the basic design.  Project goals were aerodynamic refinement, the ability to carry a heavier bomb load, increased aircrew protection and stronger defensive fire.  This resulted in the Ju-87 D, called the Dora.  The Dora can be easily identified from earlier models due to a more streamlined nose – the cooling radiator was moved from under the nose and located under the wings.  Also, the rear portion of the canopy was lowered to provide a more aerodynamic shape.  The Dora was the most produced version of the Stuka, but it is not as well known because it fought a largely defensive battle and was outclassed from the start.  The subject of this kit is the D-5 model that had slightly longer wings and a pair of 20mm wing cannons for offensive armament.  The kit will also produce a D-8 night raider model with exhaust flame dampers and cannon muzzle flash suppressors.

This kit is a reissue of a previous kit from Italeri.  I am not sure when it was originally issued but the level of exterior detail is good.  Surface detail consists of fine, recessed panel lines.  The characteristic external wing ailerons and flaps are molded integral with the wing lower surface, simplifying assembly although leaving them somewhat fragile – the connection at the wing tip was broken on one of my wings.  Also, the delicate actuation mechanisms are molded solid, the balance weights were a little oversized and the wing walk skid strips are missing.  From a size and shape standpoint, the model measures to scale and looks like my available three-view from the Squadron “in Action” book.  The interior consists of a nicely molded seat with integral belts, a simplified instrument panel and a representation of the armored overturn structure between the pilot and the gunner but nothing on the sidewalls.  I chose to use an Eduard Basic photo etched set to provide a more detailed instrument panel and a simplified cockpit side panel but the model could still benefit from some scratch building on the interior.  Also, the wheels were very much simplified and were replaced by resin parts.

A three-piece canopy is provided with the portion over the pilot able to be displayed in open or closed position.  I don’t think that the rear turret is properly represented, but the final shape looks acceptable.

I had no problems with the assembly of the kit following the kit instructions.  My only concern with the instructions related to the bombs and to the color designations. Step 9 shows “x2” on the round nose bomb assembly but only one is provided to be mounted on the center location.  Also, the smaller bomb can be modified to fit the center location or can be mounted on the wings.  Since only two of these bombs are provided, the modeler has to choose one or the other.  In my case, I chose not to use any bombs.  (Now I have some extra parts for my next Ju-87 project.)  In the case of colors, I was really disappointed in Italeri.  The basic colors of the Ju-87 were RLM 70 and RLM 71 over RLM 65.  Italeri specified Model Master colors European Green and Pale Green over Light Ghost Gray.  This is strange because Model Master does provide the correct RLM colors.  In any case, any Luftwaffe enthusiast will have the proper colors.

The kit provides decals for three airplanes.  The two D-5s feature white distemper color schemes.  The model from SG 3 is mostly overall white on the upper surfaces while the model from SG 5 has the distemper missing from the area around the cockpit and around the wing markings.  The D-8 model is 70/71 over 65 with a squiggle pattern of some undetermined color over all of the upper surfaces.  The decals do not include swastikas or any alternative to provide them.  To utilize the kit markings, the modeler must either add some after market swastikas or live with the historical inaccuracy.

I am not a big fan of white models (I always seem to mess up the paint job in some way) so I looked through my files for some alternatives.  I recently reviewed the Mushroom Model book on the Ju-87 in Foreign Services.  I was enthused by the different color schemes shown in that book and I had an old set of decals from Blue Rider for Slovak aircraft. Problem solved.  A production line to assemble the Ju-87 D in Slovakia was set up in 1944 and the decals represent the third aircraft from that factory to be delivered to the Slovak air force.  It features civil registration in addition to the national markings and has that factory fresh look. The Mushroom book provided more information than the decal set so I was forced to find some additional small markings.  The final result was pleasing to this Small Air Forces fan.

I have wanted to add this model of the Stuka to my collection for some time and was pleased in general with this kit.  Some additional scratch building or some additional after market sets would improve the detail level but they are only for the more fastidious modeler.  The key thing that we modelers want in a kit is accurate overall shape and ease of construction and this model can be well recommended from both of those aspects.  The model captures the menacing look of the late model Stukas very well.  Let me add one last building tip.  When the antenna, pitot tube, cannons and counter-weights are added, the model becomes very delicate.  Add these parts at the very end – I had to glue the antenna back together once so I know from first hand experience.  A big thanks to Italeri for providing the sample and to John Noack for allowing me to do this build.  This kit is recommended.

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