Introduction

The following introduction is taken from the ICM website:

In early 1942, the Luftwaffe command became obvious the need to create an anti-tank aircraft that could hit the armor of Soviet medium and heavy tanks. In the summer of 1942, a decision was made to convert a small batch of Ju 88A-4 bombers into anti-tank versions, later they received the designation Ju 88P-1. In the large ventral gondola of these aircraft was a 75-mm PaK 40L anti-tank gun (also known as BK 7.5) with an electro-pneumatic loading system, the gondola in an extreme situation could be dropped using pyrotechnic devices. The aircraft’s engines were protected with armor. Initially, the nose of the aircraft remained glazed, like a regular Ju 88A-4 bomber, but the test results showed that the glass could not withstand the action of gases during the shot. Therefore, the Ju 88P-1 was later modified with a nose section devoid of glass, borrowed from the Ju 88C fighter, and the muzzle brake was also changed. By September 1943, 18 copies of this aircraft were produced, some of them fell on the Eastern Front as part of the Versuchskommando für Panzerbekämpfung. Subsequently, six Ju 88P-1 were transferred to the 1st Hindenburg Bomber Squadron. (Kampfgeschwader 1 “Hindenburg”).

Review

This release from ICM in 1/48th scale covers another of the uses the Ju 88 was put to, namely a ground attack aircraft intended for destroying armoured vehicles on the Eastern front. ICM has done a very good job of releasing the Ju 88 in its many formats, with this particular offering having a particularly aggressive look due to the large cannon mounted under the fuselage. A reasonably complete interior is provided, however, no harness details have been included - these can be scratched or easily sourced via the after market suppliers. 

Looking over the exterior detail, raised detail is of a very good standard and the recessed panel lines are well scribed and very fine in quality. All of the flight surfaces are separate and so can be set as desired. 2 engines are included in the release for those who want to go to the effort of displaying them. Another nice feature is the undercarriage, which is very nicely detailed but hydraulic lines would be a good addition to improve the look. As indicated in the introduction, both the glazed nose and solid nose are included but it was my understanding that the glazed nose was only utilised in trials. 

The large gondola that takes up the bomb bay and previous gondola location adds a very different look to the model, with a reasonably detailed cannon inside and out. The view of the interior is not great, as you only have the glazed area of the rear belly machine gun to see through. One concern is that the muzzle brake of the cannon was different depending on the glazed or unglazed nose. Both options are included in the model, and so you will need to make sure that you correctly choose the option for the cannon and nose combo to get it right. A nice inclusion again by ICM, is that a template is provided for the glazed areas during painting. This release offers 2 finishing options:

Ju 88P-1, Rechlin Test Site, 1943

Ju 88P-1, Eastern Front, 1943

ICM has provided the Swastika’s cut into 2 parts to avoid the issues with this emblem in some countries. 

Conclusion

This Ju 88 from ICM in 1/48th scale holds a lot of appeal due to its large size and aggressive looking finish. Anyone who has interest in the Ju 88 family of aircraft will I feel, be glad to get their hands on this one. My complaints, or negatives are restricted to the interior of the model due to the lack of harness detail but looking at the model as a finished product I feel is very impressive.