Hasegawa 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 88A-4

Kit: No. E25
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Hasegawa, from Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, www.dragonmodelsusa.com
Price: $51.98
Comments: Injection-molded, 171 parts (4 vinyl), decals
Pros: Accurate shapes, great subject, excellent tailwheel assembly, good detail
Cons: Uninspiring markings

Few aircraft can lay claim to success in as many roles over as long a timeframe as Junkers' Ju 88, which may be why it has remained a modeling favorite. Hasegawa has designed their new 1/72 tool of this classic to be as versatile as the real aircraft. This is readily apparent in the separate fin and rudder, wingtips, and engines, as well as the number of parts included that are marked as "unused" in the instructions. It is obvious Hasegawa intends to release other versions.
When building this kit, choices begin immediately, with three different pilot seats - you're on your own to determine which is required. Interior features include molded details, or you can use the optional decals included for the instrument panel and side consoles. I only applied the instrument panel, and the fit was in perfect register. The fit of the panel itself is somewhat vague - I would suggest attaching it after the nose halves are together.
I didn't glue the nose halves together until I had assembled the rear fuselage so I could verify the near perfect fit. Hasegawa has helpfully provided two spars that make attaching the wings with the correct dihedral a snap. The fin-and-rudder assembly along with the stabilizers fit brilliantly on tabs molded into the tail.
Assembly of the engines and nacelles needs to be done with careful fitting and trimming to avoid gaps. The only other fit issue worth mentioning is a need for some filler at the "corners" of the nose to rear fuselage joint.
The ventral gondola is molded in clear and fits well, although it is devoid of all interior detail. I left the gorgeous tailwheel assembly off until after painting was complete. I didn't take enough time aligning the sway braces for the bombs, which caused one weapon to be askew.
The challenge of a black underside and low-visibility markings appealed to me, so I finished my Ju 88 in the third of three schemes provided in the kit. All are in the standard RLM 70/71 splinter, while the first two schemes have the underside in RLM 65. Painting was accomplished with Gunze Sanyo paint, with most of the effort aimed at masking the myriad clear panels. The decals are typical Hasegawa - on the thick side, but usable. Two of the markings options include additions to the crosses that mimic overspray on the highly visible white areas. Complete swastikas are provided in three styles, although the low-visibility version I used appears "pixilated" on close examination. All the decals went on well.
Hasegawa has provided a good, solid basis for a lineup of the Luftwaffe's most versatile mount. I spent about 15 relatively trouble-free hours on mine, many of which could be saved with purchase of the inevitable aftermarket canopy mask set.
- Chuck Davis