Hasegawa | 1:32 Ju-87
Reviewed by Jay Laverty
Absolutely Riveting
The die makers at Hasegawa broached the subject with their superb Ki-84 kit with the addition of some very subtle and in my opinion, well done rivet detail. For some reason the issue sparks debate among modelers (is there any topic that doesn’t?) and there are two definite camps on the issue. Personally I applaud the inclusion of rivet detail on this model as it is alot easier to fill them than it is to drill them.
When it comes to the rivets on the model, they are superbly represented in a couple of forms, which greatly enhances the detail overall. As is standard for Hasegawa kits, dimensionally this is one very sound model, and the appearance is that of a Stuka. There is some confusion it seems about the incorrect shape of the prop and I will add to the confusion by saying I don’t think they are all that bad. The data and measurements were for this model were most definitely taken from the D-5 that lives in Hendon and the prop is a pretty close representation of that. They seem a tad wide at their apex and I think with some careful re-shaping they could be corrected easily. Alternatively LSP Mark tells me that Jerry Crandall is working on some resin replacements for Eagle Editions. Sounds good to me! In further research I have also seen that the paddle bladed props were used as well ( in all variants of the D's and G's that I have seen, and some others as well.) , so replacing the kit prop with ones pilfered from a D-9 kit is also an option. Basically, it is a matter of deciding which prop suits the aircraft you are modeling as photographic evidence backs up the idea that there was variation in production. surprise, surprise!
The cockpit has to be some of the most outstanding work I have seen Hasegawa do in an area that they normally do not excel in. With finely detailed panels, consoles, and intricately detailed surfaces, this is a marked improvement over previous efforts like the Ki-84. However, there is some scope for improvement, and with the addition of some wiring, some sprucing up of details like the radio, a minimum of effort will be greatly rewarded here. Outside of the cockpit is nicely done as well as there is provisions for the additional exterior amour plating. a seriously nice touch.
The machine guns are also particularly nice and will also benefit from some additional detailing. The canon are a good example of having something excellent, that could do with some improvement, if that makes any sense. What I mean is that the pods are excellently done, and contain plenty of accurate detail, however I personally would have liked to see the muzzles done slightly better. There are perforations represented, and I imagine this is the best one can expect in an injection molded format, so hopefully we will see someone produce some replacement barrels. Steve Nutall has mentioned the possibility here in the discussion forums, so with luck something will come to fruition.
One particularly nice addition, albeit not really influential is the metal Rudel figure and accompanying Alsatian. Crisply cast and detailed, it will make an impressive scenic addition to the model, should you possess superior figure painting abilities than myself!
The canopy has the framework accurately represented mostly on the interior surfaces, although I am a tad dubious about using the decals provided in the kit for the framing. It will be easy enough to make a framework from plasticard, but I am still waiting for a manufacturer to step forward and give us photo-etched framework inside and out. Simply paint it the color required and glue it in place. No masking necessary.
With the breakdown of the kit, it is apparent that there will be a myriad of variations on this kit and luckily we will have several variants in the D and G series over the next couple of years. In fact with the layout of the sprues, the combination of new and existing parts will mean we can expect to see all marks of Stuka at some point. and before the inevitable cries of " Not another Luftwaffe subject" begin, keep in mind that the 109 and 190 series precluded the Ki-84 and perhaps positive sales of this kit will generate something with less black crosses on it.
In an overall appraisal of this kit, it is plainly obvious that this is a superb starting base for any level you want to take this model to and with some skilful painting this model will look stunning built straight from the box. By sticking to the Hasegawa theory of not overcomplicating a model and ensuring the basic outline and details are correct, we have here a model that represents the basic wishes of most modelers and I honestly hope Hasegawa are richly rewarded for this effort in the form of a large volume of sales with this model and the inevitable sub-variants that are bound to follow.
Very Highly Recommended!
© Jay Laverty
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016