1/72 Tamiya Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik
I recently did an in-box review of this kit for iModeler...here is the finished product.
The kit is engineered very well, as one would expect from Tamiya. Interestingly, I found the plastic to be slightly softer than what I am used to from them. I would describe it as "Italeri-like" in it's composition. This will serve the modeler well, as only some light sanding is all that is required for seams to vanish.
Assembly was very enjoyable. Overall fit is problem-free, with the exception of a slight gap at the aft wing roots. However, that may have been operator error. The decals performed well. Despite Tamiya not including canopy masks, as in their 1/48 version, masking was not an issue. The window frames are well-defined, and make masking and trimming very easy. I had all three sections ready for paint in under an hour.
Tamiya acrylic paints were used throughout, and the antennae wire is stretched sprue.
21 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Gregor de Ste Croix said on April 24, 2013
A lttle beauty James - fantastic finish and attention to detail. Have you built the academy 1/72 Sturmovick? If so how does it compare to the Tamiya kit?
James Kelley said on April 24, 2013
Thanks, Gregor...:)
No, this is the only Shturmovik in my collection. I hear the Academy kit is pretty decent.
Korolev Vlad said on April 24, 2013
Beautiful Sturmovick!
Best regards, Vlad.
James Kelley said on April 24, 2013
Thank you Vlad. 🙂
Magnus Fridsell said on April 25, 2013
Just the fact that it is a new 1/72 Tamiya makes me inclined to try one for myself! Nice work James!
Regards
Magnus