Junkers Ju 52
"Auntie Ju"

AIMS Decals, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

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AIMS Decals are a line produced by talented modeler John McIllmurray and have been around for nearly ten years.  Released in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales, AIMS Decals cover a wide range of mainly German aircraft subjects, with a particular focus on the Ju 88. 

This new 1/48 sheet for Revell’s excellent Junkers Ju 52 kit features two aircraft that have been covered in previous 1/72 releases from AIMS:

• Junkers Ju 52/3m g4e, ‘1Z+BF’, IV.Gruppe Stab/KG.z.b.V.1, Balkans, May 1941.  This aircraft features an interesting ‘hybrid’ upper surface camouflage scheme of RLM 02 Grey, RLM 70 Black Green and RLM 71 Dark Green over RLM 65 Light Blue undersurfaces.  However AIMS points out that – due to a lack of definitive photographs – the suggested upper colour delineations are largely (educated) guesswork, and directs anyone interested in modeling 1Z+BF to several references as a starting point for further research.

• Junkers Ju 52/3m g4e, ‘WL+KLQ’ of an unidentified Luftwaffe sanität (ambulance) unit, probably August/September 1939.  This aircraft’s combination of the pre-war RLM 61 Dark Brown, RLM 62 Green and RLM 63 Light Grey scheme on its upper surfaces, RLM 22 Black undersurfaces and high visibility ambulance markings arguably make it even more attractive than the first option.  Again, AIMS has highlighted the fact that the exact pattern of the upper colours is not known, and provides several references for modelers who want further information about WL+KLQ.

The decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop and look to be of good quality.  Assuming they are up to Fantasy Printshop’s usual high standard, the decals should be straightforward to apply – although you will likely need to use some form of setting solution to ensure they snuggle down into the deep surface corrugations of Revell’s Ju 52. 

 
There were a couple of minor flaws in the review sample, with bits of fluff trapped between several markings and their carrier film.  I might also be tempted to apply WL+KLQ’s ambulance markings over painted white circles to avoid any transparency issues with the white parts of the decals.

 
The instruction sheet is clearly printed in full colour.  The aircraft marking guides (three view for WL+KLQ but unfortunately only two view for 1Z+BF) are comprehensive, with AIMS being careful to explain what isn’t known about either aircraft, and also to point out one minor error in the decals provided.  As mentioned above, references are thoughtfully provided.

Conclusion

I have read several build reviews of the Revell Ju 52 where modelers have bemoaned the lack of quality aftermarket decals for the kit. AIMS’ “Auntie Ju” sheet well and truly addresses this gap in the market, with its combination of high quality decals and interesting marking options likely to make it a popular choice for those tackling Revell’s big kit.  I’ve got the civilian boxing of the kit that features several attractive pre-war Austrian and German Ju 52s – but now I’m thinking that WK+KLQ’s pre-war splinter pattern will be hard to resist.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to AIMS for the samples

AIMS' decals, kits and accessories are available online from AIMS website

Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 15 May, 2012
Last updated 15 May, 2012

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