ICM 48237 – Junkers Ju 88A-4 Axis, 1:48 WWII Axis Bomber

Plastic model kit of the Junkers Ju 88A-4 WWII Axis Bomber aircraft in 1:48 scale

ICM 48237 is a version of the Junkers Ju 88A-4 kit featuring a decal sheet dedicated to the air forces of Germany’s allies. The kit allows the modeler to build the bomber in Finnish, Hungarian, or Romanian markings — countries that received Ju 88A-4 aircraft from Germany and operated them on the Eastern Front and in the Balkans. This release is aimed at collectors interested in the lesser-known aviation history of the Axis powers.

The plastic parts are identical to those found in kit 48233, meaning the model includes the same finely recessed panel lines, detailed cockpit, optional-display Jumo 211J engines, and separate control surfaces. The only difference is the decal sheet featuring allied operators instead of standard Luftwaffe markings.

Inside the box:

• Plastic and clear sprues with Ju 88A-4 components
• Two Jumo 211J engines with optional display
• Separate control surfaces
• Water-slide decal sheet for 4 allied marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalog number: 48237
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Finished model length: approx. 300 mm, wingspan: approx. 418 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires self-assembly.

Model assembly:

Assembly is identical to the standard ICM 48233 Ju 88A-4 kit. The camouflage schemes include the RLM 70/71/65 pattern used on all four variants — these colors were typical for Ju 88 aircraft exported to Finland, Hungary, and Romania. Finnish aircraft of PLeLv 44 carried white fuselage codes applied over the standard Luftwaffe camouflage.

Essential tools:

• Modeling sprue cutters for removing parts from the frames
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Model wash for highlighting details

About the aircraft – Junkers Ju 88A-4 in allied service:

Germany supplied several hundred Ju 88A-4 aircraft to its allies as part of wartime equipment deliveries. Finland operated the Ju 88 with Lentolaivue 44 (PLeLv 44) during the Continuation War against the Soviet Union, flying them until the end of combat operations in 1944. The Hungarian Air Force used Ju 88A-4 aircraft on the Eastern Front with 3/1 Bombázó század. Romania, one of Germany’s major allies in the east, operated the Ju 88 within Grupul 5 Bombardment, carrying out operations over the Black Sea and Soviet territory.

Technical specifications of the original aircraft (Ju 88A-4):

• Length: approx. 14.4 m
• Wingspan: 20.08 m
• Crew: 4
• Powerplant: two Jumo 211J engines, approx. 1,340 hp each
• Maximum speed: approx. 470 km/h
• Payload: up to 2,000 kg of bombs internally plus external hardpoints

About the manufacturer – ICM:

ICM is a Ukrainian model company based in Kyiv, known for its extensive catalog of World War II aircraft kits in 1:48 scale. The Ju 88 series is one of the manufacturer’s flagship projects, and kit 48237 with allied marking options is an excellent complement to the standard Luftwaffe bomber lineup. ICM regularly releases kits with alternative decal sheets, responding to the demand from collectors interested in the aviation history of the lesser-known participants of World War II.