Tamiya 1/48th IL-2 Shturmovik

[AlCZ]

I´m a little bit sceptic for small scale Sturmovik. Look - in ´90 Il-2 made a Toko (now Roden), DacoPlast, Směr and Eduard. From Toko was a Il-2m3 (now is reboxing with Zvezda), Dako made a Il-2m3 "Tankbuster", Il-2m3 with NS-37 cannons pod, Il-2m3 with torpedo. Maybe (but i´m not sure) a Il-2 single seater. Směr made it Il-2 and Il-2 "profipack" with small photoetch fret...(In kit are too skies...)Eduard made an Il-2m3 from final production, in normal and profipack version with resin and p.e... (i have it and bought it...)And last - made it a Academy - yes it is a downscaled Il-2 from Accurate. I hope in twin seater Il-2m3 from Academy. But im not sure for small Tamiya Il-2m3. In 1/48 are to this time only one Il-2 and is logic time for next... But in smallest scale ? Maybe. Rumors on czech Modelforum say - "Yes, Tamiya prepare a Il-2m3 - in 1/32 ! Yes, it is a rumor and we have now a quarter-but... i still hope in two next year he relase a big Sturmovik too...) In small maybe too - but after a Spitfires :) Yes and you have a choice from obscure ancient Il-2m3 from Airfix and Plastyk.... In last relase have a Airfix monster very nice decals for mongolian Il-2m3. I have now on table an Il-2m3 from Eduard weekend edition. Isn´t ideal but here is very cheap (a 160CZK - 8USD.) And i can´t pay a aprox.20-30USD for new moulded Il-2m3 from Tamyia. Yes, i pay it (60USD ?) for 1/48 but for small scale ?

[ChesshireCat]

A couple of things regarding your post:

1. It's at least as divisive as the chocolate vs. vanilla debate, the less filling vs. tastes great debate, and the blondes vs. brunettes debate - but... I would have to disagree with your "very good" statement. There simply is no "good" 1/48 Spitfire IX (or related) kit. There just isn't. There are a couple of fair to so-so ones, but that's it. And as to the Griffon airplanes, I'm giving the new Airfix stuff a wide berth, given their Matchbox-esque panel lines reminiscent of the 1970s. Shapes are fine, but if I have to slather the whole thing with putty to get it not to look like a die cast toy, I don't really see the point. Keep in mind that these are *my* opinions, and they may disagree with those of others, which is just fine.

2. I don't see anyone "bashing" Tamiya. Scratching your head and trying to divine their thinking is not the same thing as "bashing". If people were calling for a boycott of Tamiya or swearing never to purchase another one of their kits, *that* would be bashing. I just don't see that happening anywhere that I've read. It *is* possible to disagree with someone without bashing them. Honest disagreements are just that.

J

I have that Airfix MK. XII kit in my stash, and it's a great kit. Would have prefered a MK.Vb in that quality, but you know how it is. I'll probably buy another MK. XII just to make sure I have a couple marking options. But had Airfix done a MK.II of that same quality, I'd bought four or five of them.

gary

[ChesshireCat]

For WW2 fighters, 1/48 is the only correct scale. True story. :P

Seriosly, the kit looks amazing, as expected from tamiya. Here is the preview.

I agree with you 200%! But as of late I've kinda gotten into the 1/72 multi engined bug. (Revell's JU88 got that cemented into my mind). But now I've picked up some 1/72 scale fighters that are nice, but also rather tiny. Jet wise I prefer 1/72 (with a few exceptions). Never really been able to get into the 1/32 thing all that much, unless the real item was small to start with. (1/48th scale four engined bombers are nice but way too big for me)

After looking at Brett Green's test shots of the Il-2, I know I made a good decision to go ahead and buy one. I just wish we had a couple to take a real view of on this side of the pond.

gary

Edited April 24, 2012 by ChesshireCat

[John Thompson]

For WW2 fighters, 1/48 is the only correct scale. True story. :P

No! No! I don't want to hear it... :russian-roulette-smiley:

I´m a little bit sceptic for small scale Sturmovik. Look - in ´90 Il-2 made a Toko (now Roden), DacoPlast, Směr and Eduard. From Toko was a Il-2m3 (now is reboxing with Zvezda), Dako made a Il-2m3 "Tankbuster", Il-2m3 with NS-37 cannons pod, Il-2m3 with torpedo. Maybe (but i´m not sure) a Il-2 single seater. Směr made it Il-2 and Il-2 "profipack" with small photoetch fret...(In kit are too skies...)Eduard made an Il-2m3 from final production, in normal and profipack version with resin and p.e... (i have it and bought it...)And last - made it a Academy - yes it is a downscaled Il-2 from Accurate. I hope in twin seater Il-2m3 from Academy. But im not sure for small Tamiya Il-2m3. In 1/48 are to this time only one Il-2 and is logic time for next... But in smallest scale ? Maybe. Rumors on czech Modelforum say - "Yes, Tamiya prepare a Il-2m3 - in 1/32 ! Yes, it is a rumor and we have now a quarter-but... i still hope in two next year he relase a big Sturmovik too...) In small maybe too - but after a Spitfires :) Yes and you have a choice from obscure ancient Il-2m3 from Airfix and Plastyk.... In last relase have a Airfix monster very nice decals for mongolian Il-2m3. I have now on table an Il-2m3 from Eduard weekend edition. Isn´t ideal but here is very cheap (a 160CZK - 8USD.) And i can´t pay a aprox.20-30USD for new moulded Il-2m3 from Tamyia. Yes, i pay it (60USD ?) for 1/48 but for small scale ?

Yes, I can't argue with that. I'd prefer a 1/72 Yak-9 anyway, although I don't seriously expect one from Tamiya. And don't forget the Academy 1/72 Il-2 single-seater, which is a very good kit - maybe they'll finally release the two-seat versions soon.

If Tamiya does produce a 1/32 Il-2, will it also be criticized as unnecessary because the HobbyBoss 1/32 Il-2 is "good enough", like the Accurate Miniatures 1/48 kit? Just wondering...

John

[AlCZ]

Yak 9 made it a Dako Plast too-i have it and on the box you can build two or three (it is a long time...) variants. Fighter, photo recon and fighter bomber with four bombs across pilot seat :) and it is a first kit of ICM (normal fighter and fighter with heavy canon in the engine and long range escort fighter (Yak-9D, Yak-9T and Yak-9DD...)ICM make a Korean War dual combo with Tu-2 and Yak but im not sure it is a real full metal version from Korean war. Im think a new tool Yakovlev in small scale can be from Zvezda. I have it´s Yak 3 Click clack kit and it is a nice small kit of nice small fighter :) for a few money... Yes, a Yak (another) from Tamiya, mhhh, but i prefer Lavochkins (Czechs airmen never flying of Yakovlevs fighters...) But - complet new tool La-5FN - yes - i want it ! (Is a short run from AML, but this is only short run, and i don´t like short runs...) Sorry for OT !

[dnl42]

FWIW, yesterday I saw the kit behind the counter at Brookhurst Hobbies. Was in one of those labeled white boxes that Tamiya uses for limited boxings, e.g., like the Beaufighter & Universal Carrier in my stash.

[B_Realistic]

What's going on here?

Man and that for a kit?

For those who like it just buy it.

For those who don't stop complaining about it!

A manufacturer does what they want and release what they want.

I also don't nag about the fact that there are so many Me-109's.

[Learstang]

Well, I have to add my tuppence here. I, for one, am mightily happy to see any new IL-2 kit, especially one from a manufacturer of Tamiya's reputation. I agree that the AM kit is a nice one (I have three, which includes the Eduard "kit-bash" straight-winged two-seater), but I won't turn down a kit that uses 2012 moulding technology, not mid-1990's technology. I've seen photographs of the Tamiya kit, and it looks beautiful. I'd also like to see some of the other aeroplanes mentioned, such as the Yak's and the Lavochkins, but for me the Shturmovik is a nice place to start for Tamiya. And yes I do hope it's very successful and they downsize it to 1/72nd scale and upsize it to 1/32nd scale. Like the AM kits, the Hobby Boss kits are nice kits, but Tamiya could do better. I also hope they come out with the other two versions (the single-seater and the straight-winged two-seater - from the clear parts sprue it looks like they may).

Regards,

Jason

[Berkut]

Jason, will you include the Tamiya kit in your book, considering you are fine tuning the book already?

[Learstang]

Jason, will you include the Tamiya kit in your book, considering you are fine tuning the book already?

I hope to, Berkut. I've already got the kit pre-ordered so hopefully I'll have it in a couple of months (don't keep me waiting, Tamiya!). I now have all the Hobby Boss kits, so this is the only significant kit I'm missing. I also have all or most of my drawings done and placed in the book (the drawings were done by Massimo Tessitori of sovietwarplanes and turned out very nicely, thank you Massimo!). This is such an important release, like the 1/32nd scale Hobby Boss kits, and the AM kits in their time, that it would probably be a good idea to wait a few months until I get the kit so I can review it in depth (as I have done with the HB kits). I'll probably need a month or two anyway to polish the book up to my standards. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. No typos in this book (or even in this post)!

Regards,

Jason

[Berkut]

I hope to, Berkut. I've already got the kit pre-ordered so hopefully I'll have it in a couple of months (don't keep me waiting, Tamiya!). I now have all the Hobby Boss kits, so this is the only significant kit I'm missing. I also have all or most of my drawings done and placed in the book (the drawings were done by Massimo Tessitori of sovietwarplanes and turned out very nicely, thank you Massimo!). This is such an important release, like the 1/32nd scale Hobby Boss kits, and the AM kits in their time, that it would probably be a good idea to wait a few months until I get the kit so I can review it in depth (as I have done with the HB kits). I'll probably need a month or two anyway to polish the book up to my standards. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. No typos in this book (or even in this post)!

Regards,

Jason

Hehe, very cool. Looking forward to it. What is the general consensus on HB kits? I remember reading something that they had mixed some versions (truly shocking ) but just purely accuracy wise, are they good?

PS: And i didn't know it was up to pre order already. I see it is going for 45$, so i guess we can expect it to be 40$ at some other shops. Which is decent considering it is not tiny and very high quality.

[randypandy831]

if it's not a Spit or corsair then people start complaining. gotta love all these accuracy freaks.

[Learstang]

Hehe, very cool. Looking forward to it. What is the general consensus on HB kits? I remember reading something that they had mixed some versions (truly shocking ) but just purely accuracy wise, are they good?

PS: And i didn't know it was up to pre order already. I see it is going for 45$, so i guess we can expect it to be 40$ at some other shops. Which is decent considering it is not tiny and very high quality.

Berkut, I pre-ordered from Hobby Link Japan for $42USD - here is the link - http://www.hlj.com/. Here is the link to an extensive, and occasionally accurate review I did of the original Hobby Boss ski-equipped single-seat IL-2 - http://www.largescaleplanes.com/reviews/review.php?rid=782. To answer your question about the Hobby Boss kits, they are good, not great. The problem is, no doubt to save money, they used something of a "one-size-fits-all" approach. For example, they all have the same metal-type fuselages (the cockpit areas are of course different between the single-seater and two-seater versions), with the metal panelling presented on the rear fuselage. Very few wartime IL-2's had these - some of the early single-seaters and (perhaps) some of the very late arrows. The straight-winged two-seater ("IL-2M") never used them. The wing on the single-seaters and the straight-winged two-seater are the same on the kit, whereas there were some differences between the real versions. For example, the bomb-loading hatches over the wingroots changed from the early single-seaters to the later single-seaters and two-seaters, and the metal-covered ailerons of the metal-winged single-seater changed to fabric for the two-seaters, whether they had the metal or wooden wings. The straight metal wing, since it doesn't have the anti-flutter balances near the wingtips, is actually pretty accurate for the straight-winged two-seater, but needs some work to make it more accurate for the metal-winged single-seaters. At any rate, there are no problems with these kits that can't be corrected even by an average modeller such as myself. There's nothing wrong with the basic shapes and outlines, and the plastic is very nicely moulded. The clear parts are very clear, and the decals worked fine also. Of course, once my book is available, all questions will be answered (at least about the Shturmovik; for lifestyle advice, folks, you're on your own).

Regards,

Jason

[Learstang]

if it's not a Spit or corsair then people start complaining. gotta love all these accuracy freaks.

That is very true. I love the Spitfire, and I like the Corsair, but it seems that there are a few kits available of these ("Yes, but the Platonically ideal kit of the F4U-1D in 1944 New Zealand markings in 1/32nd scale has never been done.". I never thought I'd see the day when people would go "What, another IL-2 kit? C'mon, you Shturmovik-nuts, you get a new mould kit every decade or so, what's the problem?". Yes, folks, we've certainly been buried underneath Shturmovik kits from mainstream Western and Japanese manufacturers. I'd like to see how people would respond if we went 15 years between Bf-109 releases in 1/48th scale (the Accurate Miniatures arrow was first released in 1997, I believe). They'd be jumping off bridges.

Regards,

Jason

[B_Realistic]

Jason,

That's what I'm talking about.

Sometimes I don't believe it how many other manufacturers release the same kits over and over again.

But when something different comes around what doesn't have the typical classic stuff they all start nagging.

But fellow modelers stop complaining about o it's 1mm oversized or that panel isn't correct.

Buld and if you don't like it don't buy it and let other fellow modelers be happy that Tamiya releases something different then other manufacturers.

Don't be alarmed.

Other kits will also be released.

Man if you see how many kits have been released since the 90's!

O yes just look back at the old catalogs where there was only 72nd scale and some 48th scale kits. 32nd scale? No way!

Otherwise build military.

Michel

[Berkut]

Berkut, I pre-ordered from Hobby Link Japan for $42USD - here is the link - http://www.hlj.com/. Here is the link to an extensive, and occasionally accurate review I did of the original Hobby Boss ski-equipped single-seat IL-2 - http://www.largescaleplanes.com/reviews/review.php?rid=782. To answer your question about the Hobby Boss kits, they are good, not great. The problem is, no doubt to save money, they used something of a "one-size-fits-all" approach. For example, they all have the same metal-type fuselages (the cockpit areas are of course different between the single-seater and two-seater versions), with the metal panelling presented on the rear fuselage. Very few wartime IL-2's had these - some of the early single-seaters and (perhaps) some of the very late arrows. The straight-winged two-seater ("IL-2M") never used them. The wing on the single-seaters and the straight-winged two-seater are the same on the kit, whereas there were some differences between the real versions. For example, the bomb-loading hatches over the wingroots changed from the early single-seaters to the later single-seaters and two-seaters, and the metal-covered ailerons of the metal-winged single-seater changed to fabric for the two-seaters, whether they had the metal or wooden wings. The straight metal wing, since it doesn't have the anti-flutter balances near the wingtips, is actually pretty accurate for the straight-winged two-seater, but needs some work to make it more accurate for the metal-winged single-seaters. At any rate, there are no problems with these kits that can't be corrected even by an average modeller such as myself. There's nothing wrong with the basic shapes and outlines, and the plastic is very nicely moulded. The clear parts are very clear, and the decals worked fine also. Of course, once my book is available, all questions will be answered (at least about the Shturmovik; for lifestyle advice, folks, you're on your own).

Regards,

Jason

Aha, thanks for the detailed reply. Good to hear that basic shapes are accurate. I have no interest in one seater, so if i get one, it will be two seater. That should simplify things.

That is very true. I love the Spitfire, and I like the Corsair, but it seems that there are a few kits available of these ("Yes, but the Platonically ideal kit of the F4U-1D in 1944 New Zealand markings in 1/32nd scale has never been done.". I never thought I'd see the day when people would go "What, another IL-2 kit? C'mon, you Shturmovik-nuts, you get a new mould kit every decade or so, what's the problem?". Yes, folks, we've certainly been buried underneath Shturmovik kits from mainstream Western and Japanese manufacturers. I'd like to see how people would respond if we went 15 years between Bf-109 releases in 1/48th scale (the Accurate Miniatures arrow was first released in 1997, I believe). They'd be jumping off bridges.

Regards,

Jason

We don't like logic in these parts. :)

[Otto]

That is very true. I love the Spitfire, and I like the Corsair, but it seems that there are a few kits available of these

Regards,

Jason

There is not ONE decent 1/48 F4U-4 Corsair on the market. The best one is the Hasegawa which is correct in outline but is from the early 70s, with raised panel lines and very sparce detail at best . The new Hobby Boss is completely out to lunch and not worth the plastic it's molded out of. The Academy one is also from the 80s and though better than the H.B. it is worse than the Hasegawa. It looks like it is pregnant. It is almost a scale half foot too wide in the cockpit area. At least the Accurate Miniatures Pe-2 is a nice kit and still quite modern.

[Otto]

Here you go guys, all the 1/48 Il-2M3s you could ever want for $10.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190670654214?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

[Learstang]

Here you go guys, all the 1/48 Il-2M3s you could ever want for $10.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190670654214?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

Wow! I wished there had been this a few years ago before I put down $30USD (or more) for my AM arrow.

Otto, I do understand what you're saying about the Corsair (I'd love to see an F4U-5N in 1/32nd scale, for example), but it is a bit galling to us VVS modellers who have been starved of choice when it comes to good IL-2 kits in any scale to hear people complain about this American 'plane or that British 'plane not having been done properly in plastic. Before this Tamiya kit, there was not one kit from a major Western or Japanese manufacturer of this extremely important warplane (the Airfix kit doesn't count - not only is it not really a Shturmovik, it hardly counts as a kit!). Some times it feels to us that the aeroplanes we're interested in must have fought on the Moon, not in the most important theatre in Europe. Do we need this kit; of course not. Our lives don't depend upon it. It is however, extremely refreshing for us VVS modellers to see one of the major Japanese manufacturers actually look our way, for once. Now what we really need is an accurate kit of the Blackburn Botha in 1/48th scale! :D

Regards,

Jason

[Learstang]

Aha, thanks for the detailed reply. Good to hear that basic shapes are accurate. I have no interest in one seater, so if i get one, it will be two seater. That should simplify things.

We don't like logic in these parts. :)

Berkut, you're welcome about the reply. I reread it and I got confused with all the back and forth regarding the wing coverings and the separate variants, etc. That's correct that the straight-winged two-seater should be easier to build straight out of the box. The main thing you need to worry about is filling in the metal panel lines on the rear fuselage. This version never had the metal rear fuselage. If you really want to tart it up, you can get the Eduard sets, which are nicely done, and especially help with the cockpit. And yes we modellers are not the most logical lot around! We're almost like mediaeval theologians except that we argue about panel lines and rivets instead of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

Regards,

Jason

[sakai]

Berkut, you're welcome about the reply. I reread it and I got confused with all the back and forth regarding the wing coverings and the separate variants, etc. That's correct that the straight-winged two-seater should be easier to build straight out of the box. The main thing you need to worry about is filling in the metal panel lines on the rear fuselage. This version never had the metal rear fuselage. If you really want to tart it up, you can get the Eduard sets, which are nicely done, and especially help with the cockpit. And yes we modellers are not the most logical lot around! We're almost like mediaeval theologians except that we argue about panel lines and rivets instead of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

Regards,

Jason

Jason,

Looking at Tamiya test shots pictures on HS aren't those wings metal ones? Wasn't "so stryelkoi" with metal wings less produced?

Otherwise I'm really curious about color schemes in the kit instructions.

Cheers,

Mario

in NYC

[Learstang]

Jason,

Looking at Tamiya test shots pictures on HS aren't those wings metal ones? Wasn't "so stryelkoi" with metal wings less produced?

Otherwise I'm really curious about color schemes in the kit instructions.

Cheers,

Mario

in NYC

Those are indeed metal wings, Mario. However my research has led me to believe that the majority of arrows had the metal wings (they appear to have been metal from the middle of 1944 until production ceased in October of 1945, and Zavod 18 may have always produced metal-winged Shturmoviks, or nearly so). I'm also curious about the colour schemes, to see if they got them correct or if we'll see old brown/green again.

Regards,

Jason

[caiotfjr]

There is not ONE decent 1/48 F4U-4 Corsair on the market. The best one is the Hasegawa which is correct in outline but is from the early 70s, with raised panel lines and very sparce detail at best . The new Hobby Boss is completely out to lunch and not worth the plastic it's molded out of. The Academy one is also from the 80s and though better than the H.B. it is worse than the Hasegawa. It looks like it is pregnant. It is almost a scale half foot too wide in the cockpit area. At least the Accurate Miniatures Pe-2 is a nice kit and still quite modern.

By that standard, there aren't no great 1/48th kits of many important airplanes in the market, given that some of them are from the late 70s/early 80s or are "short run" kits. The B-17, B-25J, Lancaster, Fulmar, Tempest, to give a few examples

What I can't understand is why we entered the 9th page without even discussing what's in Tamiya's box. I said before: it's a model of one the most produced combat that fought in the most important 20th century war.

[B_Realistic]

By that standard, there aren't no great 1/48th kits of many important airplanes in the market, given that some of them are from the late 70s/early 80s or are "short run" kits. The B-17, B-25J, Lancaster, Fulmar, Tempest, to give a few examples

What I can't understand is why we entered the 9th page without even discussing what's in Tamiya's box. I said before: it's a model of one the most produced combat that fought in the most important 20th century war.

That's what Im saying this all the time how it's useless when no one is telling much about the new kit. I saw several pictures of it on Hyperscale and for me it looks good.

The detail is exquisite and Tamiya did a perfect job.

As soon it's available I buy it and build it immedeately.

I've built the AM one and it had difficulties concerning fit at the wheel wells and nose.

[jester292]

I'd like to get one! For variety more than anything. I don't have any 1/48 Russian WWII aircraft (ok I have the Eduard P-39Q, but that's going to be American!).

Aaron