Bilek Ju 188?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

As work continues on my Do 217K, thoughts have turned to another late war development of an earlier design, the Ju188.

However I don’t feel like rescribing all the panel lines on the Italeri version, after all I’m still doing that on the 217!

That leaves just the Matchbox kit, not so much engraved panel lines, as excavated!!!, and the Bilek offering.

So has anyone built one of these?

I’ve tried Google seraches, but without any joy!

Thanks

Karl

2

I just finished the Matchbox one a few months ago. My main quibble was the chunky struts on the clear parts, but other than that I enjoyed it. Fit was good, and the Denmark-based recce version has an interesting scheme.

Plus, swastikas included!!![:0]

3

Keith, my LHS had a Matchbox Ju188 in stock until quite recently. but when I went back yesterday it had gone!!!

I’ not sure but I have a suspicion that the Bilek Ju 188 is a rebox of another kit, possibly the Matchbox one. I just need to check.

I built the Denmark based recce version when I was about 13.

Karl

4

Is it not more likely to be the Italeri one? Just thinking out loud, since I’m pretty sure my Bilek Me110 is the Italeri tooling.
I think my LHS has a Bilek one, and I’m going in either tonight or tomorrow, so I could have a look in the box and see if it’s raised lines or not?

5

Keith, I was looking at a review of the Bilek 410 online yesterday, and looking at the photos it’s not the Italeri kit, as the panel lines look way too soft.

I know saw sell an ex-Airfix BV141, and possibly a Handley Page Hampden from the same source.

Thanks

Karl

6

Hey again,

Was in the shop today, and they had a 188 I’ve never seen before - Bilek E1/F2 “Racher”. Looked pretty nice, tho panel lines were raised. It’s definetly NOT the Matchbox kit!!! The thing that really caught my eye were the decal options - a very nice German black underside/squiggled top Luftwaffe version, and a BLUE plane from the French Navy!!!

Just in case you wanted to check it out - I’d have bought that over the Matchbox one if I’d seen it. If you can’t find it, I’d happily get it and post it down.

Happy hunting [:)]

7

Keith, thanks for that.

I’ve currently got 2 builds due to complete at the end of November, with a GB starting in Feb., so I was looking for a project in between.

Must admit, I’m not sure I fancy another rescribing project just yet, which was one reason for looking at the Matchbox kit. Still pondering but thanks for the offer.

Karl