Italeri Ju 87 D-5 Stuka 1/48

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/italeri-2709-ju-87-d-5-stuka--141024

The instructions have some errors. the SC500 bomb cannot be used despite the instructions showing it is an option - the cradle that holds the bomb in this kit is the incorrect size and the SC500 bomb would sit too far back.

The Montex mini mask i do not recommend. I've read on some other build forum that the vinyl is too thick and I can confirm this. It also leaves a sticky residue when removing.

I downloaded the image for the decal sheet for the JU87 B ( see here https://www.scalemates.com/kits/italeri-2807-junkers-ju87b-stuka--1305852 and here https://www.italeri.com/uploads/products/Wv7HWs8zsYNmQnIkNMBynrJ9M2PLVMwxqd1YQRvR.jpeg ) as the balkenkreuz in the latter kit has been modified from that in the D5 kit to include cut outs so the decal can slide under the dive brake mountings. I printed and scaled up the paper image to use as a cutting template.

The biggest issue with the kit is the nose section, installing the engine causes fitting issues and I had to do a lot of sanding to try best align the nose to the air frame. Italeri re-uses most of the kit for all of the Stuka variants as this kit sprue includes a redundant engine to air frame mounting plate.
I'd suggest if building to not show the engine then to leave the engine out ( glue in the radiator of course ) and use some other solution to install a mounting pin for the propeller.

I used ammo mig panel line wash and had to apply this more than once to build up wash in the panel lines - so for me not as easy to use as I'd thought.

I'm satisfied with the final result, despite some mistakes, for example the yellow on the wing tips is not same shade as the decal on the fuselage, but this is one of the best finishes I've achieved on any model I've built.

14 additional images. Click to enlarge.