Junkers Ju188A with Torpedo

[Paul A H]

Junkers Ju188A with Torpedo

1:72 Hasegawa

Designed to replace the successful and versatile Junkers Ju 88, the Ju 188 was a good design but one which failed to make much of an impact because of the relatively small numbers produced. The type entered service in mid-1943, and differed from its predecessor in a number of areas including a new crew compartment, new engines and enlarged wings. The bomber versions of the Ju 188 were often used in the anti-shipping role by the Luftwaffe, flying from Denmark and Norway. The aircraft was developed further into a high-altitude, high-performance versions, the changes being so significant that it was re-designated Ju 388 before it entered service.

This is the latest in a fairly long line of kits that Hasegawa have developed from their successful Ju 88 tooling and is their second boxing of the Ju 188. I reviewed the original Ju 188 when it was first released and, as this boxing is 95% identical to the first, I won’t go over too much old ground this time. For a detailed look at the kit, please refer back to my original review.

As before, the box is absolutely jam-packed with parts. Not all of them are used, however, as some (such as the engines) are optional depending on the variant modelled. All of the parts are superbly moulded; panel lines are finely engraved and level of detail is very good. Unsurprisingly there are no sink marks and no flash. The only real downside to this kit is its complexity, cause by the fact that it is based on original ’88. Clever engineering has been employed in order to ensure the maximum number of variants can be squeezed from the basic mould, but this has had the effect of complicating design and construction, evidenced by the multi-part fuselage and wings.

The kits cockpit is nicely detailed, which is just as well given the large greenhouse that Junkers grafted onto the nose of this aircraft. Dials and switchgear on instrument panels and consoles is comprised of fine, raised detail, perfect for drybrushing. Decals are provided as an alternative. As with the previous boxing of the Ju 188, two different types of engine and airscrew are provided. This time, however, the BMW801s for the D version will not be used, so into the spares box they can go. The armament is the main difference between this boxing and the last, with two new sprues containing parts for the torpedoes and racks. A small fret of photo etch parts is also included in this version. These are used for make the radar antennae for the nose, and very nice they are too. Also included is a small bag of white metal parts (which I forgot to photograph). As before, the undercarriage is nicely detailed although no flats are moulded into the tyres. Transparent parts are thin and clear. Those concerned with masking up that large canopy should seek out a set of Eduard’s excellent paint masks for this kit.

Three options for markings are provided, albeit for three virtually identical aircraft; 7, 8 and 9 of KG26, Norway, May 1945. The decal sheet is nicely printed and appears to be in perfect register. Swastikas are included in this boxing.

Conclusion

This is a high quality kit that, if treated with the respect that its complexity demands, should build into a fine looking model. Detail throughout is very good, as is the quality of the mouldings. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for