[Epapazian]

I just received an Altaya JU-188 in 1:144th scale and a brief review is in order.

On the plus side, there is a goodly amount of detail in the mold, though it is hard to see with the naked eye in this rather small scale ( wingspan is only 6" ). In general, the model looks to be fairly accurate and unlike larger planes in this series, its wings as well as the fuselage are metal, not plastic. The main wheels, which come fixed in the "down" position, are a huge improvement over the earlier Atlas depiction of the JU-188 in the same scale and the realistic camouflage is crisply applied ----a pleasant surprise---as are the markings, which are pad printed and positioned accurately.

On the negative side, there is a fault in the design which causes the main wings to be slightly loose or wobbly along the horizontal plane. Also, the swastikas are missing---no surprise, here---- the pitot head is missing, the landing lights and navigation lights are not painted on and the upper surface camouflage stops at both wing roots, leaving them "naked" in RLM 76 ( light blue/gray ). Another annoyance is a series of glue smears on the undersides, plus some of that oily residue we see so often on Altaya/IXO and, occasionally, on other models.

Overall, I'd rate this model as a worthwhile gap filler, as I don't expect to see it in 1:72nd scale from a quality manufacturer like Corgi for some time. However, you have to live with the negatives, cited above, or be willing to make corrections.

I have taken the time---about an hour---- to add the swastikas, install a pitot head, clean up the glue spill, extend the upper surface camouflage over the wing roots, paint in the missing lights, redo the props and spinners in RLM 71 ( black green ) and apply a touch of weathering. The little guy looks a lot better now. The first picture, taken from cristiantg's website, shows how the model appeared originally, while the second picture shows how it looks now. Give me a few secs to post the pictures.

[Epapazian]

[BIFFO]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I just received an Altaya JU-188 in 1:144th scale and a brief review is in order.

On the plus side, there is a goodly amount of detail in the mold, though it is hard to see with the naked eye in this rather small scale ( wingspan is only 6" ). In general, the model looks to be fairly accurate and unlike larger planes in this series, its wings as well as the fuselage are metal, not plastic. The main wheels, which come fixed in the "down" position, are a huge improvement over the earlier Atlas depiction of the JU-188 in the same scale and the realistic camouflage is crisply applied ----a pleasant surprise---as are the markings, which are pad printed and positioned accurately.

On the negative side, there is a fault in the design which causes the main wings to be slightly loose or wobbly along the horizontal plane. Also, the swastikas are missing---no surprise, here---- the pitot head is missing, the landing lights and navigation lights are not painted on and the upper surface camouflage stops at both wing roots, leaving them "naked" in RLM 76 ( light blue/gray ). Another annoyance is a series of glue smears on the undersides, plus some of that oily residue we see so often on Altaya/IXO and, occasionally, on other models.

Overall, I'd rate this model as a worthwhile gap filler, as I don't expect to see it in 1:72nd scale from a quality manufacturer like Corgi for some time. However, you have to live with the negatives, cited above, or be willing to make corrections.

I have taken the time---about an hour---- to add the swastikas, install a pitot head, clean up the glue spill, extend the upper surface camouflage over the wing roots, paint in the missing lights, redo the props and spinners in RLM 71 ( black green ) and apply a touch of weathering. The little guy looks a lot better now. The first picture, taken from cristiantg's website, shows how the model appeared originally, while the second picture shows how it looks now. Give me a few secs to post the pictures.

HI still waiting for mine! its a better model than the the ju88 just putting the swasticas on today as you say a gap filler, will have wait a lot longer for another one in 1/44