Junkers Ju 87G-1 Stuka by Chris Wauchop (Academy 1/72)

Academy's 1/72 scale
Junkers Ju 87G-1 Stuka

by Chris Wauchop

Junkers Ju 87G-1 Stuka

images by Brett Green

Academy's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87G-1 is available online from Squadron.com

Introduction

Chris Wauchop has taken another rare plunge into the world of 1/72 scale aircraft models with his latest commission build.

Academy's 1/72 scale Ju 87G-1 in the box

Academy's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87G-1, kit number 1641, features short-span wing and two 37mm anti-tank guns slung under the wings.

The kit looks impressive in the box with its very crisp, finely engraved panel lines, thin clear parts and decent detail. The underwing 37mm cannon pods are especially well done.

As might be expected in this scale, some of the more subtle elements are oversimplified. These include the "zwilling" machine guns in the rear of the cockpit and the hinge arrangement for the flaps/ailerons.

The most obvious shortcoming of the kit - quite literally - is the propeller assembly. The diameter of the propeller is significantly undersized, while the spinner is too blunt. Finally, the compression boots on the undercarriage spats appear to be too long, although the spats themselves seem to be the right length.

Construction

The model was built with the assistance of the Extratech photo-etched detail set (Ex 72144).

Construction of the basic kit was very straightforward, but the instructions for the photo-etched set were vague to say the least. Parts 36 and 37, which were supposed to be added to kitmparts D9 and D10, were not used. The kit parts were modified instead. Parts 30 and 6 were not used at all.

Additional detail and modifications included the following:

plumbing for the 37mm cannon pods was added using fine solder and wire.

photo etched aileron control push rods were replaced with fine brass wire.
radio antenna was added using .0012 cross hair wire (thanks Al Bowie)

Painting and Markings

Painting

The model was painted using the Testor Aztek A470 airbrush.

Paints used included the following:

Exterior
- Gunze acrylic H67 RLM Light Blue
- Gunze acrylic H64 RLM Dark Green
- Gunze acrylic H65 RLM Black Green

Interior
- Gunze acrylic H70 RLM 02 Grey
- Tamiya acrylic XF-64 Dark Grey
- Tamiya acrylic X-18 Semi-Gloss Black

Markings

Academy's kit decals were used. They were a pain.

In particular, they did not want to conform to any curves and tended to silvering, especially the smaller markings. The "B" and "2" decals on the wheel spats were probably the most uncooperative of the whole sheet.

Also, the green "B" letter had registration problems, revealing a a prominent white drop shadow when applied to the model. Once the decals had set, these green letters were masked and the white area was carefully sprayed with the background colours.

Conclusion

Academy's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87G-1 Tank Buster was an enjoyable build, made somewhat fiddly with the inclusion of the photo-etched set from Extra Tech.

The result was worth the effort though, and it won't take up much display space either!

Photography

The photos were taken with a Nikon Coolpix 5700 digital camera and optimized in Photoshop CS.

The model was photographed on a base of artificial grass and dirt against a large photo of trees and skyline. A second set of photos was taken against a plain white background.