Junkers Ju.87 "Picchiatello"

Aviolibri Special 2
Maurizio Di Terlizzi
Istituto Bibliografico Napoleone, © 2000
ISBN 88-86815-58-1
64 pages

Available from Pacific Coast Models for $21.95

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

Did you ever want more information on the Junkers Ju 87 in Italian service? Well your prayers have been answered with this book, although from a modeling point of view it may not be as good as you think. Why, you ask? In the center section of this book are a series of color photos of the most beautifully built Ju 87s that I've ever seen. Just looking at them has me thinking that I'll never attempt one myself, as perfection has been obtained! Seriously, though, this is an excellent little book that is filled with some great photos of Italian Ju87s. The written history is provided in both Italian and English text and is well written. In addition to the great model photos the author goes into detail on how he built the two kits (a Ju87B and a Ju87D, both from the Hasegawa 1/48 kits).

Accompanying the photos and text are a series of color side view profiles showing different markings of both the Ju87B/R and Ju87D, as well as several sketches of the cockpit area and other assorted details. If you want to build that Hasegawa Ju87 but don't want to put it in German markings, this is an excellent book for you. Even if you don't want to do an Italian one, the text on how to build up the Hasegawa kit is worth the price alone.