Airfix 1/24 Stuka

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hi folks,

I’m preparing to start this kit and would like to know the colours I need (model colour numbers) and if any aftermarket parts such as swasticas are available (EU doesn’t allow them in model kits any more).

For those who have built this kit I would like to know interior colour, instrument panel colours and engine colour and any possible pitfall I can avoid. It is a very long time since I did this kit (small boy) and much afluence of incerhol has dimmed the memory. I have been fired up back to this scale by the 1/24 Mossie which is for me a stunning kit and I really enjoyed its build.

Thanks for the intel

James

2

I’m not certain about decals.

1/24 th scale Masks have been advertised.

Montex Super Mask

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/masks/mont/mask_mont_24010.shtml

A web search can bring up a lot of information re: builds by other modelers

Regarding interior colors: the Official Monogram Painting Guide to German Aircraft 1935- 1945 mentions a German directive L.Dv.521 November 1941

quote: " stipulating all cockpit areas or crew areas visible through glazed covering were to be painted Black Grey 66.The remainder of the interiors, including weapons bays and undercarriage housings, were to be finished in Green-Grey 02. Instrument panels were to be Grey 41 with individual instrument locations identified by a letter/number combination, usually hand painted, in either 04 or 21."

3

True enough, but the directive dates from November 1941, and at least one of the finish options on the Airfix 1/24 Stuka is for a Battle of Britain-era machine. This would have a cockpit in RLM02, with instrument panel, radio and gunsight in black.

Xtradecal do swastikas suitable for a 1/24 Stuka on their 1/32 swastika sheet:

http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/X32002

Cheers,

Chris.

4

I’ve just got my copy of this kit out of the stash. The problem is that yu’re mot given the names of the relevant colours, just the corresponding paint numbers in the Humbrol (and, in early releases, the old Airfix,) paint ranges.

So, here we go (and assuming you’re not using the crew figures. All colours are matt unless otherwise stated. I’m using RLM numbers, which you’ll have to translate into your preferred paint ranges, but Xtracolor, Xtracrylix, and White Ensign Models Colourcoats have a comprehensive range.

Cockpit - RLM02 as suggested above, except;:

Upper panel on part 7C, boxes on starboard side of lower section of part 2B, raio sets, gunner’s seat, gunsight, instrument panel, part 1A, machine gun ammo drums: very dark grey (possibly RLM66)

Back of clear istrument panel, circular section of part 13A, parts 51A, 53A: black. Spent ammo box: khaki-tan. Throttle control knobs: yellow. joystick glove and machine gun spent ammo bag: semigloss black. Joystick grip: red leather.

Engine: firewall, engine mounts, insides of relevant parts of airframe: RLM02.

cylinder block: semigloss black For detail elements, there are plenty of pictures if Jumo 211, the engine used in Stukas, on the internet. The oil cooler is oily steel with a black radiator grille, the main chin radiator RLM02 with black radiator grille. Exhausts: whatever shade of red oxide primer you usually use for xhausts. Exhaust backing plates: slightly darkened RLM02.

Propeller blades: RLM70

Udercarriage: wheel hubs: semigloss black, Tyres - dark grey, but lighter than the shade of dark grey/ tyre black that you usually use for tyres.

Wing machine guns: semigloss black, gun bays RLM02, ammo boxes very dark grey (same shade as used on cockpit ammo boxes).

External finish (Battle of Britain machine): Uppersurfaces: RLM70 over 71, undersurfaces RLM65.

Lybian theatre machine: Uppersurfaces: mottle of RLM80 over 79. Undersurfaces: RLM78. It is possible, but unlikely, that the parts of the cockpit interior painted RLM02 on the BoB machine were painted in RLM66.

HTH,

Cheers,

Chris.