The Ju-88G was an improvement over the earlier Ju-88A. Specifically, it had larger tail surfaces that provided more area and greater stability. The G version also allowed for use of either BMW 801 radial engines or Junkers Jumo 213 in-line engines. The G model was pretty well specifically designed as a night fighter. As such, all of the bomber stuff was removed from the plane, and that included the ventral gondola.

The type started coming off the assembly lines in spring of 1944. They carried the 'Schräge Musik' oblique 20mm cannons which were designed to fire up into the belly of British night bombers. In addition to this, they also could carry a ventral cannon pack of 2 or 4 20mm cannon. These aircraft were rather successful, but did fall prey to Mosquitos and other Allied night fighters that often accompanied the bomber stream.

AMT was once a viable model company for aircraft modelers. They produced several highly sought aircraft types in 1/48 including a series of F7F Tigercats, P-40 Warhawks and A-20 Havocs. They also did a number of 1/72 models including an F-100F and the Ju-88G. Now the F-100F used what appeared to be ESCI components with an AMT-designed fuselage (not surprising at ERTL owned both ESCI and AMT). The Ju-88G kit looks similar to the excellent Italeri Ju-188, however, I would be willing to bet that the AMT kit was an all new mold.

The detailing of the kit is really first rate. Nice engraved panel lines and good detailing in the cockpit and wheel wells. There are bits and pieces to allow you to build the radial engined G-1 or the Jumo engined G-6. You even get different radar antenna and props for each type. The kit also has a couple of other things that are a bit hokey. One is the installation of the fuselage guns. These are simply two barrels stuck on a plate that you glue to the outside of the fuselage. From what I can remember reading, there was no plate jutting out of the upper fuselage. You may want to consider drilling holes for these guns and sticking the barrels through them.

You also get the belly gun pack and a pair of bomb racks for the underside. Not sure how many of the night fighters carried bombs, but several did carry extra drop tanks on these racks. I recommend some research on the plane you are doing to see if these apply. It also seems as if AMT had planned on doing a series of Ju-88s using these sprues as there are mounts for the underwing dive brakes. These can be filed off as the night fighter had no use for them.

Instructions are superb with large assembly steps. There are decals for two aircraft; one G-1 and one G-6. Both are in overall RLM 77 with RLM 75 splotches and RLM 82 prop hubs. Personally, I'd go with RLM 70 for the prop hubs. Anyone know who makes RLM 77? The G-1 is from NJG2 and the G-6 from NJG5. Decals are by Scalemaster and guess what?  They are off register!! No surprise to me. Fortunately, this only affects a few insignia as the rest are single-color markings. The swastika is in two pieces.  Before I leave this kit, I should say that the packaging is first rate. The kit comes in several bags to help keep the bits from rubbing against each other and either scratching or breaking parts. I only wish Hasegawa would wake up to the need to do this rather than by stuffing all 10 to 12 sprues in a single bag.

Overall it looks like a really nice kit. It is one that I'll be looking forward to building. It has been a very long time since I built a 1/72 night fighter.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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