Ju 87G-2 Build Thread

Step 1 of the instructions covers the assembly of the instrument panel 

The kit offers 2 options for the IP. The first is a simple set of decals and the second is some detailed PE over decals for the dials. The panel itself consists of 2 components that are sandwiched together to provide a nice 3D feel 

Two sets of decals are provided. The one for the decal-only panel option having the background color while the ones for use with the PE having only the dials. NOTE: The numbering for the decals on the instructions is incorrect. 

In addition to the kit options, we also have the color PE set from Eduard provided in the 49324 detail set 

The PE provided with the kit is somewhat thicker than usual and cannot be cut with normal scissors. I resorted to a strong craft knife on a wooden block to remove it 

The parts for the kit PE option ... 

... and the parts for the Eduard PE option 

Assembling the Eduard PE is a simple case of sticking the 3 parts together with some PVA glue. The advantage of using PVA glue is that you can flood the area and the glue will dry clear as 'glass' in the dials 

For the kit PE option, we start by priming the PE ... 

... followed by a coat of RLM66 

I opted for a lacquer based primer to allow me to try out a bit of reverse washing. Rather than trying to paint the raised areas black, I use a little acrylic thinners on a cotton bud to remove the RLM66 and let the black primer show through 

A spot or two of color are added ... 

... and then various weathering products applied 

I've used Flory White wash to lighten the panel and provide some definition ... 

... followed by a little dry-brushing with metalizers 

At this point, we can do a comparison of the 3 panel options ... 

... although, to be honest, the decal only option was never a contender. In reality, it's down to the 2 PE options 

In the end I opted to go with the painted up kit PE simply because the Eduard PE for the Hasegawa kit is a different shape and size and might have looked odd in this kit 

Next up, the gunsight needs to be added to the top of the panel. In the kit, this is a clear part that requires the lower part to be painted black 

Eduard has some additions to make here. Time for some small fiddly parts. Fortunatly spares of both parts are provided  

The Eduard changes are certainly an improvement 

And so, with great care, the gunsight is added. 

Although I'm not using the Eduard panel, I decided to add a few of the switches and levers provided  

And now GREAT care needs top be taken when handling this part. Perhaps I should have left the small parts till later 🙂 

The next step on the IP is to add the combing, which is a PE part that requires a little bending ... 

... and then a spot of paint. Once again this is primed and then a dash of RLM66 added 

The kit rudder pedals are supposed to attach to the back of the panel with 2 pins, which are conspicuous by their absence on my part. While this is not a major issue for me, as I intend to use the Eduard supplied pedals, I still wanted to show what the kit parts look like for comparison. So ... 

... a couple of styrene rods added and some Mr. Metal metalizer later ... 

... and the panel now has it's combing and the kit rudder pedals 

The funny thing with rudder pedals is that you very seldom get to see them in the completed model so I could have left the kit pedals as they were and nobody would be any the wiser. But I would know! So, time to add the Eduard pedals, starting with the individual pedals in Ikea form 🙂 

The heel rest and the toe straps are rounded over a conveniently sized tool ... 

... and when bent into place, we have a rudder pedal 

The pedals are mounted on a frame that requires some complex bending to get into shape 

After a few missteps and nearly breaking the part due to bending the wrong way too many times, we have our framework 

Simply attach the pedals to the frame ... 

... throw some paint at it ... 

... and attach to the panel.

So, here we are, 38 shots into the gallery and we've just completed the FIRST STEP in the instructions 😄