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A very nice little kit that was supposed to help me over the wait for the Artemis kit in the same scale and be a bit of a replacement for a nice Soviet/Russian Rocket in 1/72, e.g. the Mach 2 Vostok (for those of us who prefer injection to resin kits!). The model comes either with a Soyuz MS crewed top or a Progress MS payload. I opted for the crewed version to go with my other rocket kits. It builds fine, although one probably could have thought of some cleverer ways to hide the seams on the rocket and booster parts. All the necessary details for this scale (IMHO) are there and the decals are very good. The painting instructions caused some trouble however. The instructions included a double sided colored page for the painting (who knows why on both sides of this sheet the exact same picture is printed). It shows a three sided view of the launcher in both configurations. I guess, the fourth side wasn't worth showing? But - and a big but in my view - there are errors. Error no 1.: the drawings on the instructions don't match the kit exactly. If you are (like me) using panel lines or hatches etc. to place decals, it doesn't work for you. In fact, putting the decals on for the "Soyuz MS" letters is a problem, as where they are supposed to go wrt the instructions are three protrusions on the body that prevent the decals. The kit or the real thing are also not symetrical, which makes it a bit tricky. I ended up placing the decals 90 degrees off their placing according to the instructions Eerror no2.: the white bands on the boosters are (according to the instructions) on the 5th band of panels from below. after painting it so and trying to put decals on, I realized that the 4th panel band should have been white. (actually, the picture of a build model on the carton shows it right as do original pictures. So I am willing to share the blame with Zvezda) I can easily live with these errors - sue me, Roskosmos In any case, the instructions don't give an exact date or launch number, and the rockets looked different on each picture ... I only added a few more simple details to the rocket body (everything in "remove before flight red, as I used those colors - including the inside of the nozzles to make it a bit more colorful). I had a bit of an issue with the larger nozzles of the boosters. Each of the four needs to be in its correct location (probably so they point straight down, despite the overall angle of the boosters). I missed that somehow and then they didn't really fit well into the holes in the kit (could be my fault or Zvezda?). So the bottom doesn't look too great and considering the way the Soyuz sits on the stand, I refrained from adding details to the bottom. ... and without the boosters, plus the Progress MS payload ... and together with the other 1/144 launch systems (well, Ariane 5 is 1/125) As always, thanks for looking, any comments welcome! Cheers Here are my otherr space related builds: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DLrnifbiBdBnwxfF7

Zvezda is to release in 2024 a new tool 1/144th Airbus A-330-300 - kit ref. 7044 Source: https://vk.com/zvezdamodels?w=wall-29859496_2798054 V.P.

Expected in 2025 - ref. 4837 - Yakovlev Yak-7B - late variant Source: https://vk.com/zvezdamodels?w=wall-29859496_2851458 V.P.

Just got this model, it was an absolute hell to find it sold here in Canada and nobody has it, and I mean nobody at all. I searched in US stores but very few had it and the prices were really high, so I had to try on Ebay and found a decently (still pricey) one sold by a Latvian store. It got here today (took exactly 2 weeks, so really good). This is the second helicopter kit I got , the other one is an AH-64D by Hasegawa (1/48), I haven't started it either. Will be posting the progress here, Regards

Very well made model, the plastic quality is good, the parts fit no issues, the tracks were a bit of a challenge since I wasn't very used to segmented tracks back when I built it (this actually was my 6th finished model ever). The model was primed with Tamiya flat black and painted with AK real colors Russian Green Gray. All in all it was a great build, the only downside for me was the price as I had to get it from an international seller so the price was slightly higher than usual, Zvezda kits are really hard to get in Canada due to the import restrictions due to the ongoing conflict. Please let me know what you think and if you have any criticisms they are very welcome as well.

Zvezda is to release in 2020 a 1/48th Mil Mi-24 "Hind" kit. Probably the start of a family of Mi-24: D/V/P etc. Fingers crossed. Source: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235061306-zvezda-2020/ V.P.

Warning: Bandwidth-heavy thread! I documented this build with video again from start to finish. If you want to see it, here's the video: I actually completed this kit back in November 2024, but I only got the time to edit and upload the video now and then post it here. Background The Boeing 787-10 is the largest variant in the Dreamliner family, extended by 5.5 meters compared to the 787-9. It’s designed for high-capacity routes and can carry approximately 318 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. While it has slightly less range than its smaller siblings, the -10 is optimized for regional and medium-haul international routes for seat count. Like the rest of the 787 series, it features a new generation of composite construction and shares a common type rating across the family. The aircraft is finished in the livery of All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline by fleet size and one of the most prominent carriers in Asia. ANA was the global launch customer of the 787 program and operates a significant number of Dreamliners across both domestic and international routes. A trip I had at the end of 2023 wherein I was on JA901A for a flight to Tokyo gave me the impetus to build this particular aircraft in the iconic ANA "Triton Blue" scheme. This is one of I believe three 787-10s in ANA's fleet that are lower-density in seating and equipped with the RR Trent 1000 engines, as opposed to ANA's more densely configured 78Xs for domestic routes with GEnx engines. The Trent-powered 78Xs are often used for routes within Asia and configured for international flights. On to the build photos: Review My main challenge with this build was the extremely sparse decals, which will be an issue for anyone needing stencils. Some people go the route of buying aftermarket decals that include all the stencils and details. I tried to save money by designing them myself to print, but this turned out to be a much bigger challenge than I anticipated—the decal design process took almost as much time as the build itself. They were then printed through SetupDecal164 in Thailand. In the research I did for the build, and designers uploading airline decal assets for fellow modelers (https://shikichandao.wixsite.com/jetstream), which was hugely helpful. It was great to see how many resources they had for modeling these aircraft accurately, though it does make me wish I spoke Japanese, if only to thank them and learn from their incredible techniques and work. The build itself I was expecting to be a slog, turned out to be relatively breezy. A few hiccups here and there but it was thankfully relatively stress-free. It's definitely not perfect, but I'm quite satisfied with it. Thanks for reading!

Zvezda catalogue 2025 is downloadable here (total 96 pages) : https://vk.com/doc6108131_682097510 The aviation pages are downloadable here : https://t.me/zvezdamodels/904 https://m.vk.com/doc582237887_682729881?hash=KyalVv2mlzXqiqspjVVSpCYeon3pXouHqHmMzU0gmZc New tool/parts aviation kits expected in 2025: Source: https://vk.com/zvezdamodels?w=wall-29859496_2851458 - ref. 4808 - 1/48 - Sukhoi Su-30SM "Flanker-H" (thread) - ref. 4835 - 1/48 - Mil Mi-171 "Hip-H" (thread) - ref. 4837 - 1/48 - Yakovlev Yak-7B - late variant (thread) - ref. 7045 - 1/144 - Tupolev Tu-144 "Charger" (thread) - ref. 7047 - 1/144 - Airbus A-330-200 (thread) - ref. 7429 - 1/144 - Kamov Ka-52 Alligator/"Hokum-B" - ref. 7435 - 1/144 - Lockheed-Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon - ref. 7436 - 1/144 - Sukhoi Su-30SM "Flanker-H" - ref. 7501 - 1/144 - Vostock-1 (thread) To be followed. V.P.

My second attempt on the 1/72 Zvezda Hercules. This time the recent version of this iconic bird, the C-130J-30. The kit was built with only few after market sets, I used tires and the Litening pod from Eduard Brassin and masks from ResKit. Some details were improved by myself, for example the seats in the cargo bay, Satcom antenna, HUD or lots of structures around the fuselage. I used Gunze colors for the camo aswell as Tamiya and Alclad colors for the interior and some details. Regards Daniel

A change from my recent 1/48 fast jets, and this time a 1/72 heavy companion for the Victor and Vulcans. I love the two-tone brown scheme of the RAF’s early Hercs, especially with the white above the cockpit. I’m often slightly reticent to do these types of kits as there is so much detail to build and paint on the interior, but I’ve wanted to add a Herc for ages and have seen some brilliant builds on here. I’ve read good things about the Zvezda kit, so here we go … Obligatory aftermarket, including masks which I think will be invaluable with so many small windows. Slightly intimidating number of plastic components! Crud n’ custard ready … I’m actually thinking of doing it with the white cockpit but two-tone roundels. I’ve seen a few photos with this combination, so a mix of the two options below: Please can anyone help with what colours I’ll need for the cockpit and interior?

After my Caledonian 757 build,somewhere deep here in the RFI,I also had plans to do one in the Landor livery. The excellent 26 decal sheet offers both versions, so the build was underway in no time. The BA Landor livery is one of my favourite liveries and makes the sleek lines of the 757 all the more elegant. Painted with Gunze and Tamyia paints. Gunze grey 315 for the upper fuselage and Tamyia Royal blue, mixed with a few drops black for the underbelly and engines. All clear coated with Gunze Premium gloss. The usual modifications on the cabin windows for the correct layout and the option of leaving the windows clear. Cheers Alex

Hello to all.I have jsut finished this model.I managed to rescribe the panels and rivet it.Quinta 3d ockpit was used and master pittotube and nose machine gun.I also did add a lot of additional scratch details.Painted in revell enamels and weathered with oils.The ub-32 rockpet pods came from the excellent eduard brasin sets.Decals I made myself at home.

For many years I have been working intermittently on a project to build a model airliner representing each of the European national or “flag carrier” airlines. Aer Lingus is next on the list so for this GB I thought it would be fun to build a Zvezda 757-200 as EI-LBT “St Brendan” one of a trio of ex-Finnair aircraft which they leased from ASL Airlines (previously known as Air Contractors). “St Brendan” served with Aer Lingus from 2014 to 2020. The Zvezda Boeing 757 came out in 2021 but I haven’t got round to building one yet so it’s a new kit for me. There have been some beautiful builds posted on Britmodeller and I know I’ve got a lot to live up to! I’ll be using Drawdecal decals supplemented by Authentic Airliners windows and details. I may throw in some BraZ resin bits but I’ll decide that later. Otherwise it will be an OOB build apart from altering the door layout. Dave G

Good day, Here is my second submission for the year. The highlights of this kit are as follows………….. 1. Airframe : Model Master Euro One Grey, AK Pale Grey (AK11013), Vallejo White Grey ( 71.119), Neutral Grey (71.051), Russian AF Grey (71.346), Vallejo light grey wash, Tamiya NATO Black (XF-69). 2. Cockpit : MRP Light Blue (MRP-A033), Ejection seat - Tamiya Flat black (XF-1), Life Color Ocean Grey, Mission Models Tire Black (MMP-040), Tamiya Black & Grey panel line wash 3. Exhaust section : AK Jet Exhaust (lacquer base), AK Steel (lacquer base), AK Metallic Purple (lacquer base), Tamiya Gun Metal (X-10), Tamiya Black & Grey panel line wash, Tamiya Titanium Silver (X-32) dry brush 4. Weapons : Kh-31P / Model Master Euro One Grey, Gunze Silver, Brunt Iron, KAB-500 / Tamiya Flat White (XF-2), NATO Black (XF-69), Titanium Silver (X-32), AA-11 / Tamiya Flat White (XF-2), NATO Black (XF-69) 5. Landing gear and bays : Model Master Aircraft Grey, MRP Green (MRP-034), Vallejo Black, Brown, & Light Rust washes, Chrome oleo piston struts. 6. Misc : Black and medium grey chalk pastels were used on the airframe. Tamiya Clear Red & Green for the ID wing lights. Tamiya Flat Red for the intake and exhaust covers. 7. Extras : Master metal pitot tube, True Details resin ejection seat, Quinta Studios 3-D instrument panel decals. This is the first kit I have made from Zvezda. The fit and detail between parts is excellent. The kit comes with seven different underwing weapons options which the extras are saved for future projects. Seated and standing pilot figures are provided. I used the kit included decals and they are very nice. My only quibble is that this kit tends to be a bit over engineered as landing lights, Infrared cockpit pod, and various intake scoops were separate tiny parts. I lost the infrared lens into the abyss when it snapped from the tweezers I was using to hold and place it. Fortunately I had something similar in the spares box. While the kit supplied ejection seat is very nice, the level of detail for the aftermarket resin type is excellent and then Quinta Studios 3-D instrumentation panels are superb and add quite a bit of realism. While I largely enjoyed this multi-role version of the Fulcrum from Zvezda, due the large amount of very small parts, I can only recommend it to those with some experience. Thank you in advance. Respectfully submitted, Mike I have become much more enamored with the various paint sets provided from manufacturers such as Vallejo & Ammo / AK. I used this one for the Fulcrum….. I would like to provide an endorsement for the newly discovered Yellow Frog Tape brand here found in the US. I do not know if my friends and colleagues abroad have this particular brand of tape available to them. I learned of this masking tape from a trusted friend who pretty much knows everything related to the hobby ( Shout out to you QT!!!! ). The tape as you can see, is similar in appearance to the trusted Tamiya brand and possesses the same properties at a much more friendly cost. It did not pull up the paint however it tends to become a bit “weak” when used along curved surfaces over an extended period of time however I found this is not a significant issue whatsoever. And in closing, it has been a mind numbing 30 years since I last built a Mig-29 Fulcrum. This is the venerable but still quite lovely offering from Hasegawa. Where did the time go to my friends????????

Continuing the lockdown builds with the fresh Zvezda kit of the A350-1000. I'm aware that Aeroflot has (and only will have) 350-900 and I initially planned a conversion, but it turned to be way too complicated than just shorting down the fuselage so I went with a kind of 'what if' Aeroflot 350-1000. Pas decals livery fitted fine but the livery turned out to be not so simple as I expected. I had to copy the decals for the tailcone masking of grey/blue border (second time lucky). The kit fits very well except for the cockpit windshield which fits horribly wrong. Probably should have gone for the decal one. Gone through every airliner modeller's trial and error of masking the windows with a silicone masking liquid ended up quite bad. Never again. Other than that it's an enjoyable build, highly recommended. *THAT* winglet two of my last build together, as a random coincidence they're exactly the same length 1/144 and just 40 cm apart in real life Cheers, Steve

This is part 2 of my Kitty and Sledgehammer diorama. The Tiger got finished today so i made a start with this Russian howitzer. These things were used during the defence of Leningrad so it is pretty likely that the 2 models would have crossed eachothers path during the winter of 1943. This model is from Zvezda. And compared to the RFM tiger this feels quite different. The plasic feels a bit softer and there is a lot more flash and cleaning up to do. However the fit is decent and the details are good. The partcount is pretty low and there is no PE or decals involved. Pretty straight foreward building. And after an hour this is what i got as a start. The gun is dryfitted to check the angles. The lower frame consists of seperate parts so it is important to check the fit and to make shure all the angles are correct. That's it for now. I'll keep you guys posted. Cheers! 🍻🍻🍻

After the 1/48th kit (link) and a lot of modellers requests, Zvezda has decided to add to its 2025 programme a new tool 1/72nd Polikarpov I-16 Ishak kit. Source: https://vk.com/zvezdamodels?w=wall-29859496_2864276 V.P.

While the @Homebee sleeps, I'll crack his news - 4! 😎 On Moscow "МИР ДЕТСТВА 2021" ( WORLD CHILDHOOD 2021) expo , has announced a 1/48nd of Mill Mi-35 from Zvezda in 2022. B.R. Serge P.S. But if you think need to merge this branch with the Mi-24 from Zvezda in 1/48 - no problem!

Thanks Luis Pacheco - link Worth a dedicated thread ! A strong rumour coming from Moscovia: Zvezda could release a 1/48th Kamov Ka-52 Alligator/"Hokum-B" kit at the end of 2023. To be followed Source: https://dzen.ru/a/ZM4FGUonYhvCyrvu?share_to=vk&utm_referer=away.vk.com V.P.

Check out the new Zvezda 2015 catalogue http://scalemodels.ru/modules/news/img_8359_1419369777_Catalogue_2015_Cover_22_000021.jpg.html Can't wait!! Could a 757 and an MD-11 be a possibility now? Ian

In 2024 Zvezda is to release a new tool "easy-build series" 1/72nd Yakovlev Yak-1 kit - ref. 7327 Source: https://vk.com/zvezdamodels?w=wall-29859496_2798054 V.P.

I had a large stock of Zvezda 777-300s and the last one,I did not just want to make another -300,also due to display space problems... I had a f-dcal 777-200 set in my stash,that I once received with a decal lot I won at sn auction. So,I decided to convert the Zezda kit to a -200 version. The cuts are simple to do and the following build is also straight forward. I cut off the raked wing tips to make a regular -200 and not an ER version. The raked wingtips are now in the spares box for my planned 767-400. The decals are good to use and fit quite well. The only downside is,that the GE engine logos are printed with a blue backing,so matching the color is tricky. I used Revell 54 blue for the belly and engines,which came closest to a match. The white is Gunze white primer 1500,coated with Gunze premium gloss. As I saw many pictures of the BA 777s being quite dirty,I decided to weather it more than I ususlly do.In some places I think, it should have been less,but overall I am happy with the end result. Cheers Alex

Zvezda's 757 kit is an absolute treat to build and looks just fabulous. As there are plenty of available decal options ,I brought a large number of them.2 -200s and 2 -300s are left to do... This one is actually a rebuild,as I did an Air Europe 757 a few years ago,then using a Minicraft kit. The result was less than stellar,also due to my lack of sufficient skills yet to produce something decent from the Minicraft offering... As I saw Air Europa's 757s invading our Swiss airports during the summer hollidays,I wanted one in my collection. So,here it is now,the new Zvezda kit. The decals are from 26 and even they seemed to be designed for the Minicraft model,fit well on the Zvezda kit.Just some minor adjustments were needed. With most of my 757s,I also opted here for clear windows. To get the window layout correct,just close up 4 windows ,counting 13 windows forward from the last,so you get the correct location. Then place the small door in the middle,were those 4 windows are supposed to be,and everything is in place. Cheers Alex

Another of the excellent 757 kits from Zvezda. Royal Nepal Airlines used 2 757s on their routes out of Nepal,sometimes as far as Frankfurt. Today,A330s are used to do the job. The decals are from Flightpath ,but despite their age,worked perfectly. Its an interesting and unusual livery for the 757 and one that really suits the aircraft. Cheers Alex