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Here's another one of the famous Airfix 1/24th
scale series, the Junkers Ju 87 - B2. It's the biggest and most
impressive kit in this line, the length is 463mm and the wingspan 574mm, so
better prepare your shelf for this huge model. This model is
built straight OOB but it "begs" for more details and it would
be nice to have a detailing set.
This kit is more than 20 years old and the 344
pieces of this kit are still the same. As
I built it the first time, it was in 1978, it came also with a little electric
motor for the propeller and you where able to choose. The "real"
plastic engine or the electric motor. The little display, that allows to show
your model "flying" is still included but not the small
electric motor.
You have two different versions to build. The
first one is the Ju87B-2, 9./St.G 1, St. Omer France,
November 1940, flown by Oberleutnant Otto Blumers. The second version is the
Ju87B-2/Trop, 4./St.G 2 "Immelmann", Tmimi Libya, June 1941.
You start with the cockpit assembly, it's very
easy and the parts go together very well.
After
the cockpit, you start to build the engine. It's a nice replica of the Junkers
Jumo 211Da but it's also very simple. The instructions for the engine
assembly are a little bit confusing and
they should be more specific.
The installation of both components to the
fuselage is smooth (P001/P002). I decided to build the first
"Battle of Britain" version and I used Tamiya acrylic colours for the paint.
Unfortunately the instruction book was not
complete, it stops at chapter 43 and continues at 63 and the pilots canopy was broken. I send a
letter to Airfix three weeks ago but I'm still waiting. I fixed the canopy for the photos
but it looks bad. It's the first time that I have a problem with an Airfix kit
and I'm curious about how fast their "Flash service" is.
The assembly of the engine cowling is a nightmare
(P004/P005). You must be sure in advance what do you want to do. You can build
it with a stripped or closed cowling.
I tried to build a removable cowling but it
doesn't work. So I decided to make only a removable hood.
Another trap is the bomb under the fuselage. Make
sure that you check the size of the fork and
the mounting first before you continue.
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The installation and adjustment of the
wing mount in the fuselage causes no problems also the size of the gull wing
and the flaps is nearly perfect.
These kits are "pure fun", all the
parts are so big, you're thinking about climbing in when you have
finished these giant.
From all the aircraft kits that you can buy are
these the kind of model that gives you the best "look
and feel". Also the price for these kits is very good, much aircraft for
less money.
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I want to build the whole 1/24th series from
Airfix, I hope to see you again soon.
Holger
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