JUNKERS Ju 88 RADAR-EQUIPPED NIGHT FIGHTER KIT FROM HASEGAWA

World War II model makers, in particular aircraft fans, will be pleased to see the latest from Hasegawa. The 1:72 scale model kit of the Luftwaffe’s Junkers Ju 88 G-6 is the radar-equipped night fighter (‘nachtjager’) version, complete with nose and tail sprouting spiky radar antenna trees. The kit also comes with a pair of the upward-firing cannon that were often fitted to the G-6, as well as three sets of decal markings.

The Ju 88 was probably the single most successful German twin engine plane of World War II, with more than 15,000 of all types built throughout the war. Hasegawa’s kit is a neat one, with a wingspan of some 280 mm (10.5 in) and has 150 parts, enough to keep a model maker busy during the cold, snowy nights we’re having in the UK at the moment.

The video is worth watching, as it shows all sorts of German night fighters of the era, including detail shots and commentary on Ju 88 G-6 version.

Talking of German aircraft, here’s another mention for the Luftwaffe Museum in Germany. We don’t think there’s a Ju 88 on display, but the Museum has many other interesting aircraft, and the site is well worth a visit here.

The Hasegawa Ju 88 G-6 will be with stores and online suppliers soon. Meantime, the Hasegawa kit of the earlier Ju 88 A-4 is available now here.

The pictures show, top to bottom:
1 Box art for the Ju88 G-6 from Hasegawa.
2 The assembled and painted kit.

Video courtesy ‘spottydog4477’.

A NEATLY PRODUCED KIT OF THE FAIREY GANNET PATROL AIRCRAFT

SMN reports
It seems to be something of a Revell week here at SMN, but it's all good news, with this neat 1:72 scale kit a real boon for fans of anti-submarine patrol aircraft.

The Fairey Gannet was a British design that first flew in September 1948, and went on to have a long service history with the air arms of the UK, Australia, Germany and Indonesia.

At first glance the Gannet seems to be a single-engine design, driving contra-rotating props - in fact, it was powered by the Double Mamba turbine, essentially a pair of side-by-side engines driving the props through a common gearbox. The advantage was that on long patrols, half the Double Mamba could be shut down to save fuel and extend range.

The Revell kit is of the AS4 version, with seats for three, and a radome under the rear belly. It’s a new-tool offering, with many of the refinements that we expect of such kits, such as finely-drawn recessed panel detail, decent cockpit equipment including instrument panels and side units, separate ailerons and flaps, plus positionable weapons bay doors.

Despite being a three-seater, the Gannet was not a particularly big aircraft, being designed to operate from modest-sized World War II era aircraft carriers, and the model reflects this with a wingspan of just 230 mm (9.05 in) and length of 187 mm (7.4 in). There are 99 parts, the contra-props rotate, and decals are provided in Royal Navy and Kriegsmarine markings.

An unusual subject and a fine kit available at a very good price. It’s made for carrier-deck dioramas, though you’ll need to add figures and a decent weapons fit, so let’s hope the aftermarket suppliers jump on this requirement very soon.

The pictures show, top to bottom:
1 Box art shows a Gannet in Kriegsmarine markings.
2-3 Unpainted test-shot samples.
4-5 The Gannet looks good when assembled and painted.

The Revell 1:72 scale Fairey Gannet is available from model stores and online suppliers, including Amazon here.