Italeri (Dragon) 1/72 Su-24 Fencer C

ITALERI (DRAGON) 1:72 SUKHOI SU-24 FENCER C
'In The Box Review'

Reviewer: Mark B (SMAKR Webmaster) (smakr@bigpond.com)
- A Built up review of the DRAGON boxing exists on this site - see links at bottom of page

Kit Details: Italeri (Dragon) 1:72 Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer C; Kit number 019

Aircraft History: The Sukhoi Su-24 was the first Soviet warplane with full variable-geometry wings, and also the first to match the best comparable NATO plane. Development of this interdictor, inspired by the General Dynamics F-111, began in the early 1960's, and the first prototype flew at the end of the decade, with the first Fencer-A production version entering service in 1974.

The airframe/powerplant combination's capability is matched by the advanced nav/attack system, which includes a pulse-Doppler nose radar, twin terrain-following radars, an inertial navigation system, head-up and head-down displays, and various targeting and warning systems. At least 900 were built and only about 50 of these not to the USSR. The Fencer C provided greater power and improved defensive electronics.

Kit Parts: Apart from a couple of sprues and the clear sprue which are bagged together all the sprues are effectively bagged separately. There are six main sprues of light grey injection molded parts with a couple of smaller ones thrown in as well, with finely engraved surface detail and no flash. There are a few ejector pin marks which will require attention on the interior of some parts, most notably wings and intakes. I didn't count all the parts individually but there would have to be about 100 in total. There is also a clear sprue of about 11 parts, four of which make up the canopy allowing it to be displayed open, and some areas of this is actually frosted looking.

Instructions: These come in an A5 sized foldout booklet strip featuring a b&w photo of the model on the front cover and brief historical overview in Italian, French, German and English, as well as a small paragraph on decal application directions in several languages. The first two fold out pages provide some more modelling tips, sprue diagram, symbols used in the instructions and the alphabetic labels assigned to the different Testor ModelMaster paints (with generic names and FS codes) used in the kit. The next three pages follow the standard Italeri assembly fanfare of 10 steps; followed by two four-view colour scheme and markings sketches. There are obviously some anomalies in the instructions though, perhaps some misunderstanding between Italeri and Dragon, or perhaps some short cuts or just not full research on the molds? The sprue diagram certainly doesn't appear to cover all the sprues and all the parts, a couple of parts appear misnumbered (although easy to identify from the sprue in any case) and a few parts like all the stores not really covered. I am sure that further scrutiny will probably pick up a few other small things so it will be a case of being aware of what you are doing while you are doing the project. Also, when discussing optional components between the two versions, the instructions say Version A throughout but this becomes Version 1 for the schemes at the end.

Colour Options: There are two Soviet examples provided for by the kit, neither identified in text and neither actually shown on the boxart either! The first is "Blue 03" wearing Field Green (FS 34097) over base Military Brown (FS 30117) upper surface only camouflage scheme; with Light Ghost Grey (FS 36375) fuselage and undersides - as shown on the boxart examples; and a winged emblem is also shown under the cockpit. The second example is "White 39" with overall upper Light Ghost Grey scheme and White leading edges and underside.

Decals: Printed by Zanchetti the decal sheet is small but in excellent register. The decals themselves appear thin and there is a reasonable amount of stencilling also provided. They look like they will present no problems when applied to the model surface.

Cockpit/Wheel Bay Detail: Cockpit detail is quite reasonable with a tub provided into which is fitted two ejection seats and side pilot divider. A main instrument panel is provided which has molded gauges and dials raised onto the face. A HUD and bomb aiming sight/screen are also provided to attach to the panel. The surface detail on the instrument panel can be sanded off and replaced with the decal from the decal sheet if desired - there are also three side panel decals for instrumentation. Other than a tiny bit of structural beam-work there is no detail in the tiny wheel bays.

Optional components: There are certainly a few options in this kit, a couple will be dependent on what version you choose to replicate at the end. The wings are obviously swing-wing and the kit has been set up to allow these to move. Two types of nose probes/antennae are included which will be dictated by the version you choose. The canopy can be displayed in the open position and choice of several weapon options include small air-to-air missiles, large drop tanks, gun pod, various bombs and different rocket pods - some of the weaponry is found on the sprue but not discussed in the instructions! So plenty for the spares box later.

On the Sprue Impressions: If there is ever a case that looks can be deceiving then this is probably a prime example. For many of us who have been modelling for many years the talk about the Dragon Su 24 is one which has done the rounds many a time and apparently from numerous reports it is a kit that is best attempted by those with at least intermediate skills. The kit has shape errors and a number of fit problems and will take a while to build. Why does that not put me off you must ask? Two very good reasons, one is that it is still probably the only real mainstream kit of this Soviet aircraft around which I really want in my collection and two, I picked it up brand new for $5..... yes that is right - and that is also Australian Dollars!! Hobbyco were keen to get rid of some discontinued stock and I could not believe my eyes.... but that is another story.

The parts certainly look well engineered on all their sprues and to be honest with you just trying out a few of the major components didn't reveal any major fit problems, but the breakdown of the wing into several pieces to allow it to "swing" might enable one to stumble onto problems later, and I can see those intakes giving one a bit of grief. The surface detail is very fine and probably quite true to scale and there is certainly an abundance of stores options to choose in this kit. The exhaust section is in two large parts, the exhaust nozzles themselves, blanked off from the inside with their fans and the outer cowling casing.

Accuracy: This is by no means a definitive kit of the Su-24 Fencer and while I have not yet seen a review or verification of all the bad points in this kit (that is the Dragon original release) there are said to be numerous shape errors in relation to this kit, slightly over scale in measurements. The basic outline is good but most of kit's shape was based on published information before the Su 24 was really comprehensively understood by the West. On this basis don't expect the finished version to be an absolute pristine example of accurate Russian Fencer modelling!

Conclusion: If it weren't for all the pre-warned opinions of other modellers you would be absolutely delighted with what you see inside the box of this kit. Still it has to be recommended on the basis that it is really the only (and probably closest) Su 24 on the market in mainstream injection molded plastic. I am still looking forward to building it, and certainly a steal at only $5 - I hope I don't lose readers because of this!! :-)

Related Reviews:-

Dragon 1/72 Su-24 Fencer

Related INBOX Reviews:-

ST 1/72 Su-24M Fencer

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