Eduard 1/144 scale Ju 87R Stuka

Kit: No.4415
Scale: 1/144
Manufacturer: Eduard, 420-47-611-
8259, www.eduard.cz
Price: $6.98
Comments: Injection-molded, 42 parts (14 photoetched), masks, decals
Pros: Quick assembly, great decals
Cons: Some parts require extra cleanup

Eduard has recently started releasing some classic World War II Luftwaffe aircraft in tiny 1/144 scale. The company's latest offering is the Ju 87 Stuka, available in four versions: the long-wing tank-busting G-2, the early-war B-2, the late-war D, and the long-range R.

Construction is covered in three diagrams. All parts exhibit fine detailing, which I suspect is overscale but looks good. There's no interior in the kit other than the radiator, which needed trimming to fit. The wings and all of the other one-piece moldings had a step along the edge where the mold was misaligned. This required a little trimming, but after that, assembly was quick and easy.

How much can there be to a Stuka this size? Plenty. I installed the wing control surfaces after completing the main assemblies, but I kept knocking them off. I ended up drilling small indentations in the controls to give a more-positive locating point. The canopy needed slight trimming as well. Masking provided an exercise in finesse. I painted the upper camouflage first to make masking easier. Four marking options are provided on a color diagram. The decals are outstanding, and even include the tiny portion of the snake head on the right-side intake. The white fuselage stripe was slightly translucent. I painted the photoetched parts on the fret, then installed them with tweezers, patience, and a few grumbles. Despite my misgivings, the etched parts do enhance the kit. The underwing dive brakes are particularly effective. I did have to drill two small holes in the bomb to accept the photoetched bomb crutch, though.

Although it's not for beginners, this kit grew on me - my daughter called it the cutest kit I've made. After just a few hours, I was able to add a sharp-looking Stuka to the shelf. Eduard's little 1/144 scale gems have won me over.