Kagero's Junkers Ju-188/388

Author:

Oleg Pomoshnikov

Publisher

Kagero

Price

$24.95

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

Notes: Top Drawings #119.
ISBN 978-83-66673-59-5

Plans have become a staple amongst modelers and enthusiasts over the last decade or so. Kagero has been one company that has embraced this trend with a now rather extensive catalog of books that focus on this aspect of the hobby.

This particular book is part of their Top Drawings series that has become very popular with modelers. The subject this time around is the Ju-188/388 series. With the failure of the somewhat complex Ju-288 to replace the Ju-88 in the medium bomber role, several of the design facets of the 288 were adapted to the Ju-88 airframe to produce the Ju-188. The most obvious of which is a similar forward fuselage section that was more aerodynamic. On most Ju-188s, the wingspan was also increased. Towards the end of the war, this was further developed into the Ju-388, which many think was the best looking of the family. The 388 incorporated a tail gun, something that the previous aircraft had lacked. The 188 was built in fairly small numbers with just a bit over 1,000 being produced with only about 100 388s built.

Typical of the series, when it comes to aircraft you get drawings in all the major scales. The 1/72 drawings are in the book and cover all the different variants and test aircraft. Due to the size of the 1/48 plans, those are provided in a large fold-out. These are also supplied for the 1/72 plan views of the Ju-188 and all 1/72 drawings for the Ju-388. Not surprising that most of the book's material is on the 188. You are also provided with number of full color profiles.

A very nice addition to a popular series.

November 2021

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