Search the Community

I use these builds just as photographic props for my 1/72 aircraft models, so it is always good news when you can get a period proper scale (1/72) civil vehicle to accompany your aircraft models. In this case a soviet bus used by Aeroflot during the late 30s (although the kit does not provide that specific decoration) . This very nicely detailed kit does not provide as said the corresponding decals, but there is a 1/35 version by another manufacturer on the market that caters for that version, so that makes for a good reference. The kit has parts for at least three versions that I can tell. This is most likely a short run technology kit, so there is some little flash and the fit is not sharp, but you get a nicely detailed vehicle with interior and even engine and transmission, all fairly molded for the scale. I cut a door open to show some of the interior, And also cut the parts that cover the engine to show it is if some mechanical repair was being done, for which I added a few parts to bring up more detail. The instructions have the usual blurry, indifferent indications, mostly regarding how certain surfaces meet, and completely lacks precision regarding many other parts. Each part has to be cleaned to get rid of small imperfections (flash and sprue gates leftovers) but again the build is not difficult (and the label says "for experienced modelers", fair warning), but the fit of some parts is not good. I only wish that some contemporary manufacturer will issue vehicles in 1/72 scale with the same very high standards that Jordan Miniatures kits have (used to have, now out of production). It seems incredible that a kit from the 70s is much better regarding precision and fit than one made just now, almost 50 years later! The Jordan kits had more detail on the engine, for example. Yes, I know we have now "short run" technology, which supposedly allows for more variety and low cost (i.e. prices)...but so were Jordan Highway Miniature kits, varied and very affordable -and much better than many products now, and in a smaller scale (1/87)! (the prices now that the production stopped due to the owner's passing are of course escalating due to speculation). Mysteries of the kit industry. But I am happy because I have now my Aeroflot bus to pose with golden age Russian passenger planes, which is appreciated ,even if I had to commission decals for it.