Killingholme Posted May 14, 2016 Share Posted May 14, 2016 Hi all, I have only 1 eligible kit, the Mistercraft SU-20R As you can see, this is the 'Last Flight' boxing which includes two 90's Polish recon machines. All the kit schemes are 90s, but after looking at references the aircraft in Polish service received the Soviet style tri-colour camo schemes 'in the USSR'. Whilst I haven't been able to find a dated photograph to confirm it, I am sure the aircraft looked basically the same in the late 80s. If someone proves me wrong, the kit includes enough generic Polish decals to finish the kit in the earlier silver scheme. I might just do this anyway as it looks cool... So on to the kit. This one is a pocket-money kit recently re-released by Mistercraft, who were formerly known as Mastercraft, and the kit has been going around the houses for years before even they got their hands on it. To commend it, the plastic seems smooth, no flash to speak of, and the details are quite finely recessed. On the negative side, the wheels are very crude (I think I might replace these), the canopy is very thick (sadly no vacform available) and the cockpit/ wheel well non-existent. Not enough to condemn such a cheap kit. Mistercraft have comitted their usual sin of emulating more expensive manufacturers by including things such as a box lid slogan of 'Super Decal Included'- an obvious rip off of Italeri style- when the simple rubbish decal sheet is nothing of the sort. Also, their instructions closely copy the current Modelsvit style- gratuitously implying superb moulded detail that simply isn't there! Very dishonest, and would easily fool a customer who didn't know better. Here's a good example: Instructions... and what the kit includes... I will build this as simply as possible, adding a bit of detail strictly from the spares box. Keep it Simple, Stupid... Will 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirageiv Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 Nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMP2 Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 Loving the honesty! Beat it into submission with the thrashing it deserves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killingholme Posted May 15, 2016 Author Share Posted May 15, 2016 Loving the honesty! Beat it into submission with the thrashing it deserves. Well, I like to get my excuses in early. To be honest most of tonight's session has been working out what parts are what- the callouts build up a K-36 seat, but the sprues have different parts! This is the [basic] office as supplied. H'mm think I need to break out the plastic card... Remember- no aftermarket allowed! Incidentally, the decals include a silver machine- number 7125, which after a bit of reading just so happens to be the ONLY Polish Su-20 airframe of the lot which was NOT wired up to carry the recon pod that is included in this 'R' boxing of the kit... Will 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMP2 Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 The seat looks fine to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHx Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 Those Mistercraft Fitters are great.... instructions showing different parts to what's provided, paint chart showing only 1 side of aircraft for some schemes, really good wing sweep mechanism that stops working as soon as you glue the hump on...... brings back memories alright ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killingholme Posted May 17, 2016 Author Share Posted May 17, 2016 Those Mistercraft Fitters are great.... really good wing sweep mechanism that stops working as soon as you glue the hump on...... brings back memories alright ! Thanks, that's worth watching out for as I was planning on using the working wing sweep to help me mask off the natural metal sweeping wing roots! Bit disappointing, as part of me was really looking forward to playing with the wing sweep when I did strafing runs of the wife sitting on the sofa... Oh well... Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_c67 Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Just working on one myself and found the canopy's way too big! No idea what to do about that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHx Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Thanks, that's worth watching out for as I was planning on using the working wing sweep to help me mask off the natural metal sweeping wing roots! Bit disappointing, as part of me was really looking forward to playing with the wing sweep when I did strafing runs of the wife sitting on the sofa... Oh well... Will don't worry, to be fair it was more down to me being over-enthusiastic with the glue than the sweep mechanism itself.... ​ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killingholme Posted May 19, 2016 Author Share Posted May 19, 2016 (edited) don't worry, to be fair it was more down to me being over-enthusiastic with the glue than the sweep mechanism itself.... ​ Good news- but I bet I'll end up doing the same! Just working on one myself and found the canopy's way too big! No idea what to do about that... The problems just keep coming don't they? I feel like I'm running a support group rather than a build thread.... Anyway, a wee bit of progress: decided the cockpit isn't worth working on- the cockpit opening is tiny, and the canopy not all that clear. So I painted up a pilot from the spares box and make up a couple of cushions for the old chap to sit on... This is the first model to which I've ever added a pilot, so I thought what the heck, why not save myself some time, and the build the whole thing wheels-up? Well, once again- fit issues- the kit doors just don't fit the openings at all. I think the SU-17 had multi-part doors, and the kit part represents everything in 'on ground' configuration. Maybe! It could just be that the kit parts don't fit... So I found my thickest plasticard (1.5mm), held it over the wheel bay, and sprayed some primer over the hole- giving me nice sharp templates to cut out. The excessive thickness allowed me to glue it all slightly proud so I can sand the doors perfectly flush with the wing skin. Getting there- and at least now I can throw out about half the remaining parts... Will Edited May 19, 2016 by Killingholme 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Wow. Nice choice of subject but what a kit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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