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Project 628 Submarine Mikro Mir 1:350 In 1952-1953 design efforts began on Project 628, an updated Soviet XIV series (K-class) submarine configured to conduct experimental launches of the 10XN Volna (wave) subsonic cruise missile. This missile – developed by Chelomei's design bureau – was powered by twin ramjets; the missile was launched from a ramp with the aid of single booster rocket. Initially though the tests were conducted using Russian built versions of the German V-1 flying bomb in a similar way that the US Navy was also using this missile. Although Western intelligence reported launchers installed near Leningrad and Vladivostok for this missile, it did not enter ground or naval service. It was rejected for naval service because of guidance limitations, the high fuel consumption of available ramjets, and the ongoing development of supersonic missiles. Versions of the 10XN did enter service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1953. The Model Mikro-Mir seems to be cornering the market for weird and wonderful submarines, and they certainly don’t shy away from any submersible subject. This kit comes in the standard style cardboard box with a drawing of the sub overlaid onto photograph of the real thing firing a V1 off its ramp. Inside the kit is tightly packaged inside a poly bag complete with etch, decals and a simple instruction sheet. The grey styrene is quite soft, but the details are very finely done with no flash or other signs of imperfections. Construction is very simple and begins with the assembly of the conning tower and hanger. The two tower halves are glued together sandwiching the conning deck to which two periscopes have been attached. The hanger comprises of two halves and the main door, which gives the option of the modeller posing it open and detailing the interior. Two PE ladders are then glued to the tower. One on each side along with the PE window frames for the front of the tower. The two hull sections are joined together, followed by the separate main deck, and extreme aft section of decking. Each propeller shaft and rear dive plane are moulded as a single piece, to which a support strut and PE propeller are added before being glued to the hull, along with the forward dive planes and tower assembly. There is an addition deck section fitted to the rear of the hanger which provides the support for the aft end of the ramp. The three piece ramp is then assembled, this includes the elevation actuator. The ramp assembly is then glued into position. The tiny V1 flying bomb comes with in two parts witht eh ramjet separate, ones assembled it can be fitted to the ramp. The kit is then finished off with the addition of PE DF aerial and safety line supports before being attached to the supplied stand. Decals The small decal sheet provides markings for two submarines, K3 and K21 along with four bollard location markings, but there are no mention of any markings on the painting guide. Conclusion Well, this is certainly an unusual one to have in the collection and great to see MikroMir taking it on. With the colourful red and white squares on the V1 body to add a bit of colour to the standard grey and read of the hull it will stand out from the crowd. Review sample courtesy of

Look what the postman just delivered..... the latest 1/350 scale Mikro-Mir kit of the Soviet Project 628 Submarine. This was a design study to fit a Chelomei 10XN 'Volna' (Wave) missile to a wartime K-Class sub. The 10XN was a copy by Chelomei of the German V-1 pulse-jet missile - successfully air launched from a Pe-8. The later 14XN incorporated twin pulse jets. This is a clever use by MM of their existing K-Class kit ............. .... combined with a new sprue for the revised bridge, missile hangar and launch ramp plus a tiny 10XN/V-1 missile..... The kit retains the existing etched-brass fret and decal sheet - most of which is unused in this version.... The painting instructions are very clear - although painting that red-and-white checkerboard on the 20mm long missile might prove challenging!! Another one for the collection. Ken

The latest from Mikro-Mir's prolific output of 1/350 scale submarines - the Soviet Project 628 submarine. This was a post-war project designed to place a Chelomie 10XN 'Volna' (V1 copy) missile onto a wartime K-Class sub - similar to the US Navy 'Loon' on the USS Cusk.. Unlike the US Navy, the Soviet project never actually got built.... Unlike the fixed ramp on the USS Cusk, Project 628 was to feature a retractable girder ramp to launch the Volna missile... The Mikro-Mir V1 copy is tiny - but beautifully moulded.... Here's the USS Cusk for comparison..... Ken