Dragon/DML 1/48 Ju-188A-1 "Racher", previewed by Scott Van Aken

KIT #:	5517
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	Two options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	1994 release. Includes p.e.

The Junkers Ju 188 "Rächer" ("Avenger") was a German Luftwaffe high-performance medium bomber built during World War II, the planned follow-up to the Ju 88 with better performance and payload. It was produced only in limited numbers, due both to the presence of improved versions of the Ju 88, as well as the increasingly effective Allied strategic bombing campaign against German industry and the resulting focus on fighter production. For more information, visit the reference link.

THE KIT

In the early/mid 1990s, DML (now Dragon) released a fairly large number of aircraft kits. Among them was a series of Ju-88/188s. A logical choice as, through inserts and update sprues, the entire family could be kitted with just minor changes/additions. These were quite popular at the time and though they required careful construction, resulted in a very nice model.

Among their offerings were two Ju-188s. One was the Ju-188A with Jumo inline engines and the other was the Ju-188E with BMW radials. Since there were considerably more Ju-188Es manufactured, that was the more popular of the two. This kit is the Jumo powered variant. Other than engines, both kits are the same.

As you'd expect, the cockpit section is separate from the rest of the fuselage and thanks to the large glass area, DML went with a fairly well detailed interior that included separate side panels. This cockpit assembly fit onto the fuselage once the two halves were assembled. To incorporate different fins, a short spar allows for the separate fin and rudder assembly to slot in place. Same goes for the tailplanes. At the time, the tail gear can be installed and oddly, the instructions want you to put weight aft of this.

Next the engine assemblies are built up. These include flame dampers, though straight exhaust are also on the sprues. Props have separate blades and fit into the forward portion of the engine section. Main landing gear needs to be built and installed in the lower wing half prior to wing assembly. There is a separate aileron and a separate wing tip. The attachment of this latter item is one of the bones of contention regarding this kit and many will attach the tip halves to each wing half prior to gluing the wings together. All the aileron hinges are separate. During this time, DML wants you to attach the engines.

Though only one of the two markings options are torpedo planes, at this time the torpedoes are built and attached to their pylons. These are then glued to the lower wing. It is only then that the wings are attached. Personally, I'd leave off the torpedoes until after painting. THe next several steps are attaching a myriad of small items along with the large underfuselage section. It is only after all this is attached that the clear bits are dealt with. Most modelers will probably attach the clear bits prior to painting. A masking set is recommended as there are a lot of small panes.

Instructions are generally well done though a bit vague at times. Color info is with Gunze paints and offers no RLM numbers. The two markings options are a 188 A-3 from 1943 in what appears to be RLM 70/71/65, the standard land bomber scheme. The other is a 188 A-1 in overall RLM 71. Markings are fairly minimal and while the decals are nicely printed, the whites are off-white. You'll also need to source swastikas from elsewhere. There are a number of aftermarket options when it comes to markings if you don't like those offered. As a note, the Ju-188A-3 is the first variant to carry torpedoes and it generally also had a search radar, something not included in this kit. The Ju-188A-1 was the straight bomber version.

A number of years back, I built their Ju-88A-4 and while it was on the fiddly side, turned into a very nice model. With ICM releasing a Ju-88 family (no Ju-188 yet), that one will be the choice of those who want something newer. Still, this one is well worth building. A quick web search shows several being offered in the $70.00 plus range so even this older kit won't be cheap.