Academy JU87G-1 Stuka "Tank Buster" Model Kit

This kit first appeared on the market in 2002 surpassing every other model kit of the Junkers Ju-87G-1 Stuka "Tank Buster" in 1/72 scale which had preceded it. (In 2005 Academy added a Junkers Ju-87G-2 Stuka "Tank Buster" in 1/72 scale, based on their prior G-1, but with the longer wings of that variant.) What's more is that from the very beginning it was a very affordable model kit despite the intricate detail that allowed for the construction for a variety of different aircraft of this type OR an example of one aircraft at different points in the conflict.While others claim that this kit was difficult to build due to how fine some of the parts, were disappointed because it was unpainted or because the pieces didn't immediately fit together I sincerely disagree. Firstly, unless it states that it is pre-painted then it should be assumed that it will be necessary for you to paint it. Secondly, it clearly states that this is a MODEL KIT. A model kit is something that needs to be assembled.Most model kits require glue, ordinary model glue is good for beginners because it gives them time to position parts correctly & teaches them patience as they wait for the parts to dry. More advanced builders might choose to use cryoacrylate glue because it does not melt the polystyrene pieces together, it simply affixes the parts together & a variety of materials can be used in the construction of the model kit.Whenever you are building a model kit it is standard practice to carefully study the instructions. Then when you begin assembly you should attempt to "dry fit" the components together without glue to see how well they will fit. This gives you the opportunity to troubleshoot any problems that might come up before you apply glue. If a part is too snug or won't fit into it's designated place, check the instructions, if you have not made an error assume that you may have to sand that part so that it might fit properly. If it has gaps, again consult the instructions for any errors you might've made or it may just need a little modeling putty to fill the gaps.All of that aside while this is a fantastic model of the early Ju-87G there are some areas where I wasn't completely satisfied, as an advanced modeler. Although the page describes it as having "Highly detailed 37mm flak cannons(sic)," this is somewhat misleading. The gun barrels are just "plastic sticks." I purchased a set of turned brass barrels designed to replace those which come with this kit.While the interior is quite detailed it IS representative of the time period in which it's molds were manufactured. (Tamiya model kits do NOT count - they were way ahead of their contemporaries around this time frame.) While it isn't bad it also isn't great, especially if you're looking to build a highly detailed model of this aircraft.Personally, I chose to purchase a polyurethane resin & photo-etched brass aftermarket interior set to replace the interior components & the MG 81Z in the aft gunner's station. I also purchased replacement polyurethane resin exhaust stacks so that they properly look like exhaust pipes rather than just random sticks facing backwards.The only real shape/detail oriented problems I can point a finger at with this model kit were the MG 81Z defensive armament not even loosely resembling the real thing & the spatted landing gear that come with this kit which isn't easy to remedy. Again I turned to the aftermarket option of a polyurethane resin replacement set for the spatted landing gear. (The MG 81Z replacement was mentioned above.)Finally, while I replaced many parts of my own kit with aftermarkets which ended up costing me 3 times the amount of the base kit (not a joke, unfortunately,) this IS a nice model kit all by itself. With a lot of care I probably could have drilled out the end of the barrels of the 37 mm cannons, the end of the exhaust stacks & scratch built details I felt were missing with the interior. Then had I ignored the problems with both the MG 81Z as well as the spatted landing gear it STILL would have turned into an attractive looking model to put on my shelf.As long as you know what you are getting into, are prepared to carefully & patiently paint, build & then apply the water slide decals to this MODEL KIT you'll get out of it all that you put into it. I recommend this kit to builders as young as 10 & to anyone else interested in military aviation that can still see/handle these small parts!

I used to build models in my youth with Testors glue and a pocket knife, which worked out really well (not!). Last year I got a wild hair up my _ and decided to to take it up again as I near retirement, so on Christmas my wife bought me several kits and enough Testors glue to choke a horse. This Academy Stuka was the first one I chose to start with, so I watched hours of Youtube modeling videos to learn techniques, tools, supplies, what to do, what not to do, etc. I then bought a bunch of tools and supplies on Amazon plus 4 more of these Academy Stuka models so that I could build up some skills and keep one variable (the model) the same.You can see the fruit of my initial efforts in the attached pics. As you can see, I've built 3 so far and have stayed pretty close to historical colors and markings. I started on my fourth model tonight based on the aircraft of the famous German ace, Baron Eduard Von Halen.I guess the model is OK, I haven't built anything but the Academy Stuka so far. Everything fits pretty well, and what doesn't I'll file to fit and paint to match. I'll continue to post finished models as I progress, I hope someone got something out of this that they can use.

Item received as I expected. This is a plastic model that needs built and paint, for modelers with experience is great.

Fit together well except for some of the parts are just too small and didn't provide holes for them overall it's a good model for the price great for beginners paint job was pretty easy you can do it with a spray can

A nice model to build. Fun to build. At 1/72 scale the model doesn't take up too much space. Excellent quality and detail.

I consider myself an accomplished modeler & this by far is the worst model I have ever assembled. Several microscopic pieces that are near impossible to get off the sprue without destroying, several missing assembly holes, parts that do not fit correctly & decals that curl beyond use once dipped in water. Avoid purchasing this at all costs, not worth the $.

For the price, I get it, but this is not something a beginner would find enjoyable. Many parts have tabs, but no holes on the fuselage/wings to insert them. So you have to cut, drill, sand, whatever. Instructions are very vague. I'm enjoying the conundrums but I've also been building models for a long time so it's just a creative challenge to make the parts work together. Otherwise, you can't lose with the price of this kit and it can turn out decent.

Christmas gift