John R Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 (edited) Not the most interesting a/c, aesthetically or for aviation significance, but it fills a gap in my collection of early Russian jets. The kit represents the second prototype. First flown in January 1947 this was the first of a new generation with the engine amidships instead of the earlier ‘pod and boom’ layout. Unfortunately it was handicapped by being powered by the RD 10 engine, a derivative of the Jumo 004 and this, combined with other problems, made it unfit for service. Ironically the later Yak 23, which retained the ‘pod and boom’ layout, but which was powered by the Russian version of the Derwent, went into production. I got this one off ebay fairly cheaply to see what A+V kits were like . Not a particularly brilliant kit but it went together fairly easily except for the canopy which was somewhat misshapen and a devil to fit. The finish is Alclad Dark Aluminium over Alclad Black Base. The aerial is elastic thread from Aeroclub; the first time I have used this and am not 100% happy as I think that it looks more like a rope then a wire. One problem is 'where to put the noseweight?'. I packed some lead under the cockpit and behind the seat but it turned out to be not quite enough so I drilled through the tailcone so that I could drop some more lead in from the rear and filled the (sealed) cockpit with resin swarf! I managed to shift it by turning the airbrush up to maximum pressure and blasting air through the intake whilst giving the model a good shaking - a narrow escape Warning! I ordered a Yak 25 direct from A+V last year but it has yet to appear and I doubt if it ever will so I would advise against trying to get anything from the manufacturer. John Edited March 24, 2013 by John R 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parns Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 Caution noted, with thanks. One could argue that it has historic importance, being the first straight-through configuration jet fighter, but most of all, a nice build of a subject I didn't know was kitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John R Posted March 23, 2013 Author Share Posted March 23, 2013 Not the first, the Republic P84 and North American FJ-1 preceded it, but did you mean the first Russian? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbuna Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 That's a grand looking paint scheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinleeds Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 Very nice! Not too many Russians experimental and early jets here. Thank you John. Ivan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plasticbutcher Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Not familiar with this machine but I do like that build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now