This set is intended to be a quick upgrade to the gunner compartment of Special Hobby’s Ju 87D or Academy’s Ju 87G Stuka.The parts are 3D printed and as expected the detail is exquisite. As there are only three parts to the set, for most people this will be an easy upgrade. Unfortunately, my experience went the other way, but to be honest, with one exception, that was all my fault.

When I received the review sample, I discovered that somewhere in transit, both of the gun barrels of the MG81 gun (part PP1) had broken off and in fact one of them had disappeared completely. While I am sure the barrel was nicely detailed, as it was so small and fine, it was impossible for me to see any detail, so I elected to replace the missing barrel with stretched sprue using the remaining barrel as a template for the correct diameter and length. I superglued on the original barrel and the replacement barrel and proceeded to painting. I painted the gun support post RLM 02 with the gun itself and the barrels black. I painted the ammunition feed silver with a bit of brass to highlight the actual shells. After painting was complete, I discovered that my alignment of the barrels was off – as shown in the photographs. Mistake #1 for me.

After separating the gunner’s seat and its support structure for the resin printing stand, I learned my first lesson on how brittle some 3D printed parts can be when I accidentally dropped the support structure onto my modeling desk. It promptly broke into several small pieces, one of which is still to be found. Again it was back to the stretched sprue and superglue as I glued up the parts I found and replaced the missing ones with stretched sprue cut to size. Once repaired, the seat was attached to the support stand and both painted RLM 02.

There are no decals to the set and as I did not yet have either the Special Hobby Ju 87D or the Academy Ju 87G kits, I have set both assemblies aside in a foam padded container for use when the one I have since ordered arrives.

This is a very nice set and with careful handling will make a very nice addition to your Stuka. Recommended.

Thank you to Special Hobby/CMK for the review sample.