ICM U-2/Po-2VS with Soviet Pilots and GP (48254) - 1:48 ICM

[Julien]

 U-2/Po-2VS with Soviet Pilots and GP (48254)

1:48 ICM

 

 

The Polikarpov Po-2 or U-2 in the training role, was a standard training bi-plane developed to replace the U-1 which was a copy of the Avro 504. The prototype first flew in 1928. The aircraft would also later find roles in crop dusting, light attack, reconnaissance, liaison and even psychological warfare, The Russian forces used the aircraft very successfully in the night bomber role where the Germans nicknamed it the Sewing Machine due to the note from its engine. The aircraft would also go on to fire some of the first shots in the Korean War. American forces would nickname the aircraft "Bedcheck Charlie" due to its nocturnal raids. Due to its low radar signature the aircraft was very hard to detect by allied forces in Korea. In what was fast becoming the Jet age the Po-2 was credited with a kill on an F-94 when it stalled trying to shoot down the Po-2, and a USMC would score the Skyraiders only Air-2-Air victory against a Po-2.  It is estimated that upto 30,000 aircraft were built and it was in production longer than any other soviet era aircraft. The Albanian Air Force only retired the type in 1985!

 

 

The Kit

This is now the forth boxing since 2014 from ICM of the Po-2VS/U-2. This issue features the same plastic but with the addition of a sprue containing pilot figures and ground personnel. The kit arrives on three main sprues, two smaller sprues of armaments, and a small clear sprue. Construction starts in the fairly basic cockpits. Instrument panels are built up and installed into the fuselage as well a some flight controls. The fuselage is then closed up and the front added on to mount the engine. Once this is finished work can start on the wings.  For the lower wing holes are opened up then the seats and their frames can be installed in the centre section which also forms the cockpit floor. one on this can then be added to the main fuselage. Next up the engine is made up and installed on the front of the fuselage. The tail planes and the rudder are then added.  Underneath the main wing now the undercarriage is built up and added as are the bomb racks and bombs if using them.  The struts are then added and the upper wing can be added.  The observers rear mounted machine gun can then be made up and fitted.  A basic rigging diagram is provided to rig the bi-plane. 

 

 

 

 

 

Markings

There are three decal options included in the box.  From the box you can build one of the following:

 

• U-2VS from 213rd Night Bomber Air Division, Soviet Air Force Summer 1943.
• Po-2CV from 46th Tamansky GvNBAP, Spring 1945.
• Po-2VS from 2nd Polish NBAP, Lubin Area, Summer 1944.

 

 

Decals are printed by ICM, with good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas.

 

Figures

The kit comes with a set of 7 figures which are all well moulded. There are two what look like pilots, a senior office figure, 3 ground crew, and female figure. 

 

 

Conclusion

It is good to see an important historical aircraft like this kitted, and its good to see the ICM kit on release again. The inclusion of a figure set makes for a ready made airfield diorama. 

 

Very highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

[Eivind Lunde]

A nice kit, but the rear seat is for the civilian version and needs to be replaced/scratch built since it is facing forward and would make it impossible to operate the rear gun.