Scale: 1/72 | Models used: Revell Battle of Britain Set – Junkers Ju 87 B-2 Stuka (Nr. 03766), Zvezda German Airfield Ground Crew WWII (ZVE6188), Heller German Air Force Personell (49655)

This diorama displays German Airfield Ground Crew preparing a Junkers Ju 87 B-2 Stuka from 3./SG 2 Immelmann. These dive bombers were stationed in captured France and were a threat for the British across the channel. The crew utilises a trolley to transport the heavier bombs, while other mechanics are completing their last maintenance assignments. A pilot is ready to go, awaiting for the arrival of his rear gunner.

The Ju 87 operated with considerable success in close air support and anti-shipping roles at the outbreak of World War II. It led air assaults during the Invasion of Poland in September 1939. Stukas proved critical to the rapid conquest of Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France in 1940.

Though sturdy, accurate, and very effective against ground targets, the Stuka was, like many other dive bombers of the period, vulnerable to fighter aircraft. During the Battle of Britain of 1940–1941, its lack of manoeuvrability, speed, or defensive armament meant that it required a heavy fighter escort to operate effectively.

Source: Fotoafdrukken Koninklijke Luchtmacht | CC BY-SA 4.0

This model comes from the Revell Battle of Britain set (Nr. 03766), a very nice collection box which comes with four iconic planes of this famous air campaign. Compared to the Spitfire that was included in this collection, this kit feels a bit more dated. Expect to remove quite a bit of flash from the parts. Do the parts fit well together? Well, for the most part they do. Some filling is required.

Regarding the camouflage pattern, it was kind of a challenge to find the correct tones. I feel like they represent the accurate colours enough. The decals supplied in the kit are amazing and apply well to the model.

This base was realised as follows. I cut out pieces of card board and placed them on a Tamiya Base. To give the concrete texture I applied a thin layer of Earth Texture. Next was stippling on different kinds of greys on the airfield plates. A black wash was put on to enhance the depth of these plates. To give a little bit more interest I placed some grass on the side.

Figures from Zvezda and Heller -excellent figures by the way- breathe life on the scene and give an impression on the size of one of these Stuka dive bombers.