The Ju-188 was a developed as a private venture in case the 'Bomber B' program ran into trouble. It was fortunate that they did as all entrants to that contest were dismal failures and did not reach production. It was a development of the Ju-88E and initially powered by BWM 801 radial engines instead of the usual Jumo inlines. The biggest difference between the 188 and the 88 series were the pointed wings of increased span, the 'square' fin and rudder of increased area, and the new, more streamlined cockpit section.

By 1942 the Luftwaffe realized the Bomber B program was in serious difficulties and the Ju-188 was officially recognized and ordered with test programs starting in early 1943. The Ju-188E-0 preproduction aircraft were made available almost immediately followed by the E-1. The main difference between the two being up-rated engines. The aircraft was capable of carrying 3,000 kg of ordnance and included torpedoes as well as bombs. The aircraft was also developed as the Ju-188A and this version was powered by Jumo 213A inline engines. A photo recce version of the Ju-188A was developed as the Ju-188D and F. There were other variants developed but only single examples or a handful were completed. Production of all kinds was completed by early 1944 and only the recce versions continued to see action until the very end of the war.

Italeri's Ju-188 kit is very similar to its earlier Ju-88 kits and may actually predate it. This Testors boxing is dated 1981. The molds are quite well done and consist of raised panel line detailing. There is no rivet detail as with the Ju-88 kit. This kit also includes crew members, which were not available on the Ju-88 kit. The overall level of detail is also a bit lower. For instance, there is minimal side wall detail in the cockpit and the seats are definitely of a generic type as compared to the more accurate seats in the Ju-88 kit. The kit also suffers somewhat from ejector pin marks on many components such as the inside of the gear doors where there is no detail at all.

Options for the kit are basically that of engines and whether or not to use the upper turret. Wing racks and bombs are provided, but no torpedoes, though those can be gleaned from other sources should you wish to use them. Instructions are by Testors and quite good giving not only a pictorial but also verbal construction sequence. Colors are given as RLM ones as well as Testors equivalents or mixes. Decals are for four aircraft: two A versions and two E versions. Decals are by Microscale and are sharp and in register. There is an A-2 from KG 2 in RLM 74 upper with black underside. The other A-2 is the box art plane from 9/KG 26 in RLM 76/74 uppers with an RLM 81/83 fin and rudder. Undersides are RLM 65. The first E-1 is from an unknown unit in RLM 74/75/76. The other is from 1/KG 66 in RLM 76 uppers with RLM 74 squiggles and a black underside. Some of these planes had no upper turret. None had markings beyond insignia and codes.

I can tell you from experience that this makes into a very nice kit as you can see from the image below, built around 1985. Sure, it isn't as detailed as one might want, but there are aftermarket sets for those who wish to add more. It is currently available from Italeri and lists for $20.00, though it can often be found for less in the Testors boxing at swap meets.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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