L&M Resin 1/72 Ikarus S-49

L&M RESIN 1:72 IKARUS S-49A

Reviewer: Johan De Wolf (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 25 July 2002

Aircraft: Ikarus S-49A
Kit: L&M resin kits 72-01
Scale: 1/72
Parts: 30 resin, 2 clear heatsmash
Surface detail: finely engraved
Decals: none, paint masks for one aircraft
Accuracy: very good
Price: 17.95 euro

History:
Designed in 1946 the S-49 was the first Yugoslav produced fighter after WW II. Although it closely resembles the Russian Yak-9 design it has absolutely no relation to that aircraft. In fact the S-49 was based on the pre-war IK-Z (IK-3) fighter having essentially the same wing and tail. The S-49A was the first production version and deliveries to the Yugoslav airforce started in 1948. These machines where powered by a Klimov VK-105PF engine and where armed with one 20mm cannon and two 12.7mm machineguns. A much revised version powered by a Hispano-Suiza 12Z-11Y engine started rolling of the Rogozarski line in 1952. Armament of this version, the S-49C, was changed to a 20mm Mauser cannon and two 12.7mm CL machine guns. It also had four hardpoints under the wing for carrying rockets and light bombs. About 100 S-49A's and some 75 S-49C's where produced. The last machines where retired from the airforce in 1961.

The Kit:
L&M resin kits is a new producer from Croatia and the S-49 is their first kit. It comes in a full colour but a bit flimsy box. The parts are molded in a cream coloured resin with virtually no bubbles. The parts are stuck to a transparent sheet with bits of tape to prevent rubbing together and breaking of the smaller parts, well done!! Surface detail is very delicate and the fabric skinning of the rear fuselage is captured very well.

The canopy has been produced using the heat and smash method. Although it is clear it isn't too well defined. A spare is provided. There are no decals with this kit. Instead paint masks are supplied for the roundels and the id number, but not for the fin flash and serial number. Instructions, which are in Croatian language only, include a history and technical data. There is also a scale drawing in 1/100. The construction diagram consists of a single exploded view and a drawing identifying all parts. More than adequate for what is a relatively simple kit. Last but not least are the colour schemes for 3 machines.

Accuracy:
Length and span are spot on. The tail planes look a tad short on chord near the root to me, but they compare well to photographs and the scale drawing. The kit captures the S-49's look very well. Like the original machine it will be easily confused with a Yak-9 despite having a distinctive Rogozarski style tail.

Construction:
After cutting them of the molding blocks the smaller parts need a bit of clean up. This has to be done carefully as the resin used is a bit brittle. The cockpit is fitted out with a chair, rudder pedals, the stick, instrument panel and a radio box. A gun sight is shown on the instructions but its not part of the kit. Also not shown nor included is the armoured headrest. These parts are easy to scratchbuild though. The radiator tubs are moulded onto the fuselage which will make removing of the seams very difficult.

After the fuselage is closed the wings can be attached. They have locating pins but during the clean up of the mating surface they will be sanded off. The landing gear is well moulded with separate strut and actuator, threaded wheels and thin covers with internal rib detail. The scale drawing is a great help in placing these parts correctly. The three blade prop is a single piece with separate spinner and backing plate. The exhaust stubs look a bit too thin to me so I'll probably replace them with some plastic rod.

Painting and Finishing:
There are no colours given for the interior and details. This is a pity as information on Yugoslav designs is rather rare. The exterior colours are light grey for the upper and pale blue for the lower surfaces. An approximate match in FS numbers being given. This applies to the three machines drawn in the instructions as well as for the machine shown on the colour profile on the boxtop. The paint masks only enables this last machine (id 31). Of the other three (id 15, 30 and 39) only number 15 is identified as a machine belonging to 204 fighter squadron based at Beograd airfield in 1952. I do not fancy using the paint masks, but the lack of decals is not too difficult to overcome as there are several aftermarket sheets that incorporate Yugoslav airforce roundels.

Conclusion:
I was suitably impressed with the accuracy and fine surface detail of this kit considering it is the first attempt of this new company. I also bought an UTVA 75 but the instructions are missing so you'll have to wait for a review of that kit. But I can already say that it beats the Aeropoxy UTVA kit hands down. These kits have wetted my appetite for the next releases which will include a S-49C, a Sim-X and a Fizir FN. Hopefully they will include decals instead of paint masks. L&M are to be congratulated for their choice of subject. Bring it on guys, more more more....

References:
Air international vol 18 number 5
Aero Magazin vol II, 1/91

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