Roberts Airfix 1/48 Junkers Ju 87B-1 Stuka

[Robert1968]

Airfix have solved a very good question which all of us come across when building Aircraft, ( the suspension )
In the Airfix 1/48 Stuka new build they have addressed that very point.
The Stuka had spats that were attached to the undercarriage. I believe these were either pneumatic or on springs tha when the Aircraft landed they were at rest. Once fuel and bomb load was loaded etc and the aircraft took off the legs returned to there original state of extended
I hope the pic of instructions booklet gives you the idea.
I find this very handy and Airfix have pre cut in the moulds so it is easy to detach the part if your Aircraft is to be depicted on the ground.

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[Guest]

That's a clever idea - well done Airfix!

[Guest]

Forgot to post last pics of the view port that I have masked with maskol ( RLM 65 ) will be sprayed later then I can scrape off with cocktail stick ( it's a small part but worthy of explaining and showing off later.
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Ooh Maskol, I hate the stuff! Hopefully you'll have no problem with rubbing it off later Robert

[Robert1968]

Ooh Maskol, I hate the stuff! Hopefully you'll have no problem with rubbing it off later Robert

I only use maskol with a cotton bud tip never a brush and never with my new A/B !!
I find it seems to protect clear plastic IMHO but it's not infallible and most masking areas are done using tamiya tape.
I have also heard maskol to be used when doing camo on tanks ( never tried )

[papa 695]

Fantastic work on the cockpit Robert, very nice indeed.

[Ian M]

I have heard a lot of good things about the new Airfix Stuka and looking at your build, it would seem most of them are true.
It does look very good. And you are doing a great job of nailing it together!

[Robert1968]

I have decided even thoudh saying it's going to be OOB I couldn't resist doing a Stuka from the Russian front. I'll have lots to do and a few surprises up my sleeve. It's still going to be a B version
Thanks to Monica on here and her Siberia latest builds.

Regards

Robert

[Robert1968]

Well the build is now looking more like an Aircraft as it was destined to be. The lower wings were attached first according to instructions. I drilled the four holes in each wing for the external stores. Imleftoff the wing light till later as I want to put a blank in before the clear plastic to replicate the light.
The to wing places nicely with only a very fine gap needing filled so I used PVA to fill the line ( repeat if needed)
I trimmed the spats down to show the weight of the bomb load ( as they are in real photo examples )
I have built up the engine and trimmed down the spare prop and will display once painted up ( or may nave seperate
I may get a little more done tonight
Pics and comments welcome
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[Guest]

That all looks really good Robert, it's nice to see that Airfix haven't gouged out the panel lines as with many of their other new-tool offerings.

[monica]

looking real good,Robert,some nice work going on hear,,liking what I do see,
and so glad that you can get inspiration,form ,my work,

I have seen pic,and read ,I real forget were,that with the stuka,on the front line,with
the mud and snow,that ,they did remove the guards,as they would get clogged up,
and add weight to them,so it maybe some think to look into doing,it set on the front lines,

[Robert1968]

looking real good,Robert,some nice work going on hear,,liking what I do see,
and so glad that you can get inspiration,form ,my work,

I have seen pic,and read ,I real forget were,that with the stuka,on the front line,with
the mud and snow,that ,they did remove the guards,as they would get clogged up,
and add weight to them,so it maybe some think to look into doing,it set on the front lines,

Well spotted there Monica on the Spatz and a very good piece of info too.
My version will be a B-2 which still retained the spats and had the early white wash camo ( don't tell everyone as it's a surprise
With the invasion of Russia ( Barbarossa ) the Stuka squadrons all came from units involved in the Battle of Britain/ also units from Norway/Germany ( surviving units ) from my research the Stuka operated ahead of the advancing troops and occupied the retreating Russian bases. I believe the spats started disappearing in late 41/ 42 as the weather set in pretty nasty.
All my ref on the later G2 with 3.7cm cannon pods all seem to be without the spats.

[monica]

so glad to,be of some help,As I have never seen someone build them without,
As it was meant to be a front line,attack plane,the less maintenance the better and the quicker ,
to refuel,and arm ,the better,

[yak face]

Just caught up with this one robert, it looks a cracking kit and youre doing a fantastic job of it. The cpckpit and IP look excellent cant wait to see the winter camo , cheers tony

[papa 695]

Some great work Robert its looking fantastic

[Ian M]

Coming on very well.
Can you get under carriage for a Ju 87 with out spats? That would be kind of cool. I've seen them om ski's but never one without the spats.