The Junkers Ju87 is one of the most iconic and fear inducing aircrafts to participate in World War 2. The so called Stuka (for Sturzkampfbomber "dive bomber) dominated the first half of the war with its precision bombing capacity and versatility while striking fear in its targets through the use of so called Jericho sirens which produced the Stukas distinctive howls during an attack.

In 2010 Hachette released a subvariant of Ju87 as a partwork, depicting variant G2, the so called "Kanonenvogel" or cannon bird specifically built to destroy Russian T-34 tank columns with the two 3,7cm canons strapped to its belly.

Developed by Amati, Hachette intended for this model to be a full metal version of Ju87 akin to Imcth skeleton model kits, but bigger, more detailed, more robust and with an option to be clad in metal skin.

Things didn't quite work out this way. Along the way of this build log we will see how things broke down.

Hachette never rereleased this kit after the initial run in Germany and so this kit has become rather rare, especially a completely unbuilt one. I have spent one and a half years to get my hands on one.

So without further ado, let's "dive in".

Issue 1 delivers the first parts for the cabin floor and the instrument panel. The panel shown here is actually built up out of 7 individual etched brass pieces to give it a more 3D look.



The next 4 issues all deliver various stringers and frames to build up the lower half of the crew cabin.



All of the brass etch has little notches grabbing onto each other, so when combined with CA this builds up into a remarkably strong structure. Fit is of course incredibly good, it is an Amati model after all. There is no push or pull or other exchange of pressure anywhere. Things just fit.

So far nothing out of the ordinary except for the coolness of the whole thing.

52 parts.

Well done on your find i bet you are very happy after searching so long.

Seen bits and pueces of this model being built but will follow your updates with great interest and wish you lots if luck with the build.

Oh, there were a lot of completed Black Pearls, absolutely. I meant the ones spending a lot of time on the minutiae were the ones most likely to drop out. ;-)

Thank you, it'll be an interesting experience for sure. The first hurdle is coming up later today were I get to paint some of the interal brass parts after all. I so do love painting metals and by love I mean hate.

I also have this kit, and when if I start this one it will be soldered.

My idea was to do a half and half kit, one side completed and painted and the other showing the ribs and cables inside with the wings folded back to save space. Even with the open side if your good at soldering you won't notice the joints once they have been cleaned, filed and touched up with some paint.

I agree with what Tom said about the Scotsman I built mine using solder and Carrs is the best to use.

I'd love to see this one completed, have seen a few started but that's as far as they've gotten..... Look forward to following your progress as I think this is a great looking kit and in the right hands will look fab when done.... Good luck with the build.....

Regards

Alan

Got the hint, guys. Did just order a soldering iron and a "learn how to solder" kit.

I use this solder station when I do any white metal or brass work as its adjustable. http://www.maplin.co.uk/...cd-solder-station-a55kj

You'll also need to get some small metal clamps for when your soldering, as brass conduct heat very well the heat from the iron will mostly go along the brass. If you place a clamp either side of the joint your going to solder the heat will flow into the clamps, this will then stop any other joints near the joint your soldering coming undone.

Also try solder paste, when your adding small brass bits place some paste onto the small bit then place that onto the piece your joining. The paste will act like a glue and hole the piece in place, then once you and the heat the paste will help the solder run along the joint and create a fine solid joint.

If this is your first try at soldering don't worry if you place a bit wrong just add a little heat and the pieces will pop apart. Then just clean the area and redo.

Good luck with the build.

6. Starting on the interior with the pilots floor window. This little thing is built up out of 18 single parts.