1/72 BE-12 Chayka Ukraine Amphibious Aircraft
1/72 BE-12 Chayka or Seagull in Ukrainian markings. The aircraft made its operational debut in 1968 and served in the ASW and SAR role and is still flying today with a handful still operating. The NATO, cold war code name for this amphibious aircraft is "Mail." Kit is by Modelsvit and I recommend that if you build this kit that you reinforce the structures with epoxy as you build. The fuselage is constructed in three sections. The wing structure is a center piece with two outer pieces. I reinforced this with thirty minute epoxy and woden popsicle sticks. It comes with precut vinyl masks for the clear pieces. The wheels are in black vinyl, rubber like material that looks convincing. There was a seam down the middle of the tires that required a few scrapes with an xacto knife. I used MRP acrylic lacquer paint in Ukraine AF Light Grey (MRP-46).
What a cool looking model, James (@jbpruitt). This must have been a difficult model to construct, but you have certainly created a winner. Well done.
Thanks George- the trickiest part was the main land gear- it's a complex series of components and the instructions are not very clear.
That's an unusual looking bird but you knocked it out of the park... Well done, James.
They should have called it the Platypus.
I can see it! Platypus face for sure. Thank you, Gary.
Fine build & finish of a rather weird-looking aircraft. Complicated landing gear is very well-executed.
Thanks Bob! It is a weird, very utilitarian look about it!
From personal experience I know how much effort you put into this kit, and it came out great! I’ve always liked the way it looked. Great job!
Thanks Jeff! It was a labor of love- mostly, except for the times when I was ready to toss it in the bin!
Great work, James. I can tell that this was definitely not a box chaser.
The pre-cut canopy made up for a lot. With this airplane- we don't have many choices.
Superb work on a kit that shouts "I'm not easy!" Great result.
Thanks Tom- it wasn't for the kit assembler for sure. I do think the unusual subject made it compelling. So long as you're not afraid of reinforcing the structure, it wasn't really too bad.
A beautiful result of this unusual aircraft, James @jbpruitt
Thank you, sir.
Excellent result on a most challenging kit, James!
Well done!
I appreciate the kind words, Spiros.
I really love these Soviet monsters and you did a great job on it!
Next up is a TU-142! Thanks, Martin!
Very nice! I build the old Revell Be-7 Madge, and wanted to do one of these but realized they were going to take up too much cabinet space - that are BIG. I like the finish on this - looks great.
You could try mounting on a base and hanging on your wall. That's what I do. Thanks Greg.
Well done - Slava Ukraini!
Slava Ukraini!
Great build of a very interesting aircraft.
Agreed on the interesting aircraft. Thank you for the compliment.
Nicely done James.
I built this kit a few years ago (and posted it here on this site!) and I have to say what a great job you did building a "challenging" kit! This was by no means a shake and bake kit, and your skill is very evident here!
Juan, I just read your entertaining and accurate review. I also used miliput for filling and blending. I liked the livery you chose withthe bright red breaking up the gray, in firefighting guise. Caracal decals puts out some amazing choices. I also remember being frustrated by fit and butt joins...not a shake and bake kit and it really stretches all ones skills! Still, if you want an unusual Seagull in your collection, you will have to fight for it a bit!