Dakoplast 1/72 Ilyushin Il-2 Stormovik

EASTERN EXPRESS/DAKOPLAST 1:72 ILYUSHIN IL-2 STORMOVIK
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Ian Childs (rec.models.scale)

Kit: Dako/Eastern Express Il-2(single seat version). Scale 1/72.

Aircraft: Over 36,000 Il-2 were produced, most of which was during WW2 where it earned its reputation as arguably the most important tactical warplane of that era. Principally in use by two countries, Czechoslovakia and USSR, the Il-2 featured four main variants of the basic type. After the German invasion, the Il-2 proved itself a potent warplane, in particular as a tank buster and ground support aircraft, although it was vulnerable to fighters.

Parts: 80 plus parts on 2 sprues of dark grey, 1 sprue of light grey/brown & 1 sprue of clear (separate canopy/screen parts etc). Good detail on the parts, minimal flash on some parts. (All part of kit-building children!)

Instructions: 2 off d/sided A4 photocopies. All parts numbered on instruction sheets & cross referenced to diagrams. (Anyone who gets it wrong did not read them!)

Versions: Winter 1941/42 (main box top) & Estonia, summer 1944 (green/brown camouflage as per box top side - not copied). Good cross reference between Humbrol & Agama(?) paints on paint chart page.

Decals: Appear o.k. (branded Eastern Express).

Dimensions: Appear pretty close (only able to estimate as no parts removed from sprues yet).

Detail: Panel lines are recessed but very finely and hard to see. There is nothing really to brag about as far as the surface detail is concerned but is adequate. Nothing in the wheel wells. The brass etched detail set will help spark up the cockpit and includes rudder pedals, sidewall console, side panels, throttles and seat harnesses. The kit itself provides cockpit base, stick, instrument panel (with engraved detail), seat, stick and molded rudder pedals.

Options: Options as per paint chart. (Winter 1941/42 & Estonia summer 1944)

Impressions: Plenty of cockpit/wheel well detail etc. A good model would be easy to do out of box. Extra detailers will have no trouble I am sure. I hope to do justice to what appears to be a good & inexpensive kit.

Further References: Modelling the Aircraft of the V.V.S. (links from SMAKR). Wings & wheels publication:- Il-2 Type 3 & Il-10/Avia B-33 in detail.

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