ICM 1:48 Junkers Ju-88 A-4

[Fran]

1:48

Junkers Ju-88

USAAF/RAF

 

 

ICM

Catalogue number 48227

Price: around 51€

  

Junkers Ju-88 was one of the most versatile aircraft of World War II, serving in various roles for the Luftwaffe, including bomber, dive bomber, night fighter, and reconnaissance aircraft. The ICM 1:48 Ju-88 USAAF/RAF Bomber kit (catalogue number 48227) focuses on a unique aspect of the Ju-88’s history: captured aircraft operated by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF).

 

Now check this out that I found on the internet. Lovely diorama possibiliy.

  

I was very curious about this release mainly because of the striking scheme that shows in the boxart and curious about these “different” schemes.

But first, let´s check the plastic.

 

The plastic sprues are molded in grey plastic with minimal flash and clean mold lines.

 

The grey plastic is of excellent quality, with crisp details and minimal flash. Ejector pin marks are strategically placed to avoid visible areas after assembly.

Surface detail is finely engraved, with recessed detail subtle but well marked.

 

 

 

The cockpit is well-detailed, featuring molded instrument panels, control yokes, and seats. The sidewalls include structural details, adding realism to the interior.

 

 

 

The wings feature detailed wheel wells and accurate aileron/flap lines. The kit includes options for different underwing configurations, such as bomb racks or fuel tanks.

 

 

You will also get two detailed Jumo 211 engines, though they are not fully exposed unless the cowlings are left off. The engine nacelles are well-designed, with accurate cooling flaps and exhausts.

 

 

ICM doesn’t gives you the open options to see those beautiful engines in the instructions but with some references I think its possible to do it.

 

 

The landing gear constructions gives a very robust one with lots of details on structs.

  

 

 

 Some pictures of airbrakes

 

 

 

Clear parts, such as the canopy and nose glazing, are crystal clear and free of distortions, though careful handling is required specially when to glue into one another.

 

 

This release offer a two schemes in a single decals sheets, dcecals with good color registrations and density, and very good definition.

 

 

The schemes are:

-          Ju-88 A-5 HM509, n.º 1426  (enemy aircraft) Flight RAF, Collyweston, 1942

 

 

 

 

-          Ju-88A-4 , 86^th Fighter Squadron USAAF, Foggia, October 1943;

 

 

As for the instructions booklet, is a typical ICM offering with good drawings, good parts place indication, with clear assembly steps.  detailed, multi-page instruction manual with clear assembly steps and good color callouts (only with ICM paints)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Another winner here from ICM as far I concern.

 

It’s a very striking Ju-88, different from all other and it will stand out in your collection.

And that picture is calling for a diorama, at least for me.

This model is going to the top of to do pile!

The detail out of the box is very good and it will make a very good replica. You can get full engine out straight from the box. For the expert and keen modeler some AM will make some extra detail to make this beauty into a masterpiece if you have a very stedy hand for that camouflage. That`s is a real challenge but a really good one!

 Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler

 

My deepest Thanks to ICM for bringing the subject into model kit form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Martinnfb]

Thank you for the preview Fran, ICM's 88s are absolutely stunning. 

[Fran]

Thanks Mike. 

Absolutely! THese Ju-88 are little gem that beg to be build! This one is going to my top to do pile!