Scale Plastic & Rail

1:72 Junkers Ju 88 decals, 'Experten' and 'Bomber' from AIMS

1:72 Junkers Ju 88 decals, 'Experten' and 'Bomber'
AIMS
Catalogue #'s 72D021 and 72D020 respectively Available from AIMS

Pastor John, the mastermind behind AIMS, really is the modfather of Luftwaffe modellers, and in specific, the versatile Junkers Ju 88 type. We have reviewed several of the AIMS decal sets here in our time, and also their excellent resin conversion sets. I've certainly come to know that John's products are well researched and provide some excellent value for money. The sets we have for review here are as follows:

• 72D021, Ju 88 'Experten'
• 72D020, Ju 88 'Bomber'

72D021, Ju 88 'Experten'

Packaged into a re-sealable zip-lock wallet, this set contains two full colour, laser printed A4 sheets and a single decal sheet measuring approximately 108mm x 149mm. One sheet, apart from displaying the packaging image, also contains camouflage demarcation image for the standard Ju 88 machine, with colour codes given in RLM numbers. The remainder of this graphic displays the various 'kill' tally marks in large scale, with the machine reference code and pilot name too.

The second sheet outlines the TEN schemes, from recognised Ju 88 aces, which this decal set caters too, again printed in superb colour. At this point, I have to tell you that the schemes provided are for Ju 88 A's, C's, D's, G's and R's. The schemes supplied are extremely varied, and as such, it would have been good if an indication could have been printed on the cover to explain the variants that this set caters to.

The scheme illustrations are in profile form only, so you will need to ensure you check your sources with regard to upper and lower wing variations. Luckily though, the reference material used to produce this set is listed beside each colour profile. Notation is also included for machine history and, where applicable, the fate of he pilot. Fuselage detail which would normally be obscured by the engines is given in both cutaway and extra detail graphics. Of course, RLM colour notation is also given for the specific machines too, and any notable variations.

The single decal sheet is superbly printed by Fantasy Printshop, and the printing itself is in perfect register, with solid and authentic colour. Swastikas are also included, as are the varied national markings. With a few extra Balkenkreuz, it would be very easy to build several of these schemes.

The supplied schemes are:

• Ju 88C-2 (4?), Fw. Hermann Sommer, 2./NJG, Derna, 1942
• Ju 88C-2 (4?), Hpmt. Dr. Horst Pastuschka, 2./NJG, Derna, 1943
• Ju 88A-5, 7./KG30, Catania, Sicily, 1941/1942
• Ju 88G, Wk.Nr.360379, Lt. Udo Cordes, 9.(Eis.)/KG3
• Ju 88A-4, Oblt. Kohnke, 4./KG3, 1949
• Ju 88A-4, 1./KG77, North Africa,
• Ju 88R-2, Wk.Nr.750897, St.Fhr Knud Gmelin, ZG1, Nantes, 1944
• Ju 88G-6, Major Paul Semrau, II./NJG2, Kassel-Rothwestern, Germany, Spring 1944
• Ju 88G-6, Wk.Nr.622330, Staffelkapitan Oberleutnant Walter Briegleb, 7./NJG2, Kassel-Rothwestern, Autumn 1944
• Ju 88G-6, Oblt. Herbert Koch, 1./NJG3, Grove, Denmark, April 1945

72D020, Ju 88 'Bomber'

This second set comes in the same format as the first, with regards to colour sheet profile representation, and again with TEN schemes, complete with colour profiles and historical notation, complete with reference listings. The schemes this time include nine Ju 88A schemes and one Ju 88S.

The decal sheet is is the same size as for the Experten set, and contains all unit, national and personal markings. You may also create more than one scheme from this sheet if you source extra national markings. The real difference with this kit is the inclusion of a Mistel 2 scheme!

Printing is again by Fantasy Printshop, and the decals are in perfect register, thin, and carry solid and authentic colour. Carrier film is also minimal.

The schemes supplied with this set are:

• Ju 88A-1, Staffelkapitan Gunther Zetzsc, 5./KG77, Laon-Athies, France
• Ju 88A-1, Oblt. von Watenbuerg, 1./KG30, Oldenburg, Spring 1940 Ju 88A-5, 4./KG76, Russian Campaign, 1941
• Ju 88A-4, 8./KG51, Nickolajew, Southern Crimea, March 1942
• Ju 88A-4, Wk.Nr.50371, 6./KG3 'Blitz', Ukraine, mid 1942
• Ju 88A-4, Wk.Nr.140206, Gruppenkommandeur Hauptmann Heinrich Paepcke, Stab.II/KG77, 1942
• Ju 88A-4, 6./KG76, Spring 1943 Ju 88S-1, KG66
• Ju 88S-3, 1./KG66, Rhein Main, Winter 1944 Mistel 2, Fw. Rudi Riedl, Red 12, 6./KG200, Tirstrup, Denmark, February 1945

So what do we think?
I have already said that these are superbly varied and researched machines. The inclusion on the cover of the types within would have been a nice touch, as would the actual machine variant within the first set. Some of the types listed by me are my own conjecture due to the variant not being given in each case. The subject matter is superb and the schemes quite challenging in some cases. Being able to use the decals for more than one machine is also a factor, which in context with the price of these sets, to me makes them an essential purchase for the Ju 88 fan

Very highly recommended.

James H

Our sincere thanks to AIMS for the review samples used here. To purchase directly, click this link.

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