Ukraine Tribute Build - 1/72 Modelsvit Antonov An-225 Mriya

[Kiwikitbasher]

I ordered my An-225 from Modelimex in the Czech Republic on February 25th as I wanted to do a Ukrainian tribute build, and the Mriya seemed the best subject I could think of in the "One True Scale". It arrived a month later at my home in Auckland NZ. I estimate that I have put in about 280 hours of work over 40 days straight. To be honest I'm glad to have it finished as it's been a painful build for me, literally, as I'll explain further down.

 

 

 

 

I have made some mistakes, including getting the layout of the striping a little off, and I decided to leave out some of the 650, yes that's not a typo, 650 parts that make up the undercarriage when I realised they would not really be visible. I found the fibreglass components to be easier to work with than might be assumed, but obviously a lot harder than styrene when it came to sanding seams. Some parts fitted well and others not so. For example, 14 of each engine's 16 parts need much filing and grinding to fit. The instructions were not the easiest to follow in respect of the undercarriage which accounts for 66% of the parts. The 32 wheels were the least impressive parts, there being four to a wheel and not fitting well. I didn't fancy cleaning up 128 parts so I used resin replacements by Reskit. I did make a cradle to sit between the rows of main wheels from clear plastic as I did not trust the plastic undercarriage to take the model's weight. I have also now fitted the pitots that I overlooked when taking the photos.

 

 

I'd rate the decals as some of the best I've used. For those interested, I bought a litre tin of high opacity white car lacquer for NZ$53 sprayed with an el-cheapo car touch-up spray gun (just a big airbrush), compared to 40 or so modelling paint bottles costing $240 I would otherwise have needed. Having built one I could do a much better job on a second one, although in my case I'll apply my knowledge to its little brother I also have to build, Modelsvit's An-124.

 

 

 

 

I underestimated how much I would have to work around the model rather than be seated at my modelling bench. Four spinal surgeries have left me unable to stand for more than a few minutes before pain forces me to sit for a minute to relieve the muscle spasms. So I worked in bursts of 2-4 minutes, maximum, standing bent over a model. The other problem I had with this build is that for most modelling I can brace my arms against my bench to help control my Parkinson's hand tremors and spasmodic jerks I experience, but this build had me standing over the model and working with my arms unbraced. Consequently, there are errors due to uncontrolled movements, plus lots of flaws I have chosen to ignore rather than work standing to fix them. I mention these things because they have led me to accept lower standards than usual. I think to do justice to this kit would need close to 1,000 hours of work and an able-bodied modeller. This is far more time than I can justify for one project as I try to build as many of my kits whilst I still can. As such this is a genuine "3-footer" - that is it's not to be viewed closer than 36 inches (or a little more at one metre), which as it happens, is about the distance needed to take it all in.

 

 

 

The model's length is 1,167mm (46") and its span is 1,228mm (48"), which is far too large for any of my existing display cabinets, the largest of which can take a 1/72 scale B-36. So for now I have embedded wire loops in the leading edges of the wings and tail-plane to attach nylon fishing line and suspend it from the ceiling of my modeller's lounge (a room off my office with just display cabinets and chairs), but first I must locate a couple of firm suspension points in the ceiling. That's the plan for now, but yet to be tested.

 

 

Here it is with some well-known Boeings and a T-72 to the same scale...

 

 

Well that's Build #12 for the year completed, everything else I have in mys stash, even my unbuilt An-124, seems small!

 

Slava Ukraini!

[Alpha Delta 210]

What a tribute! We are our own worst enemy - I think that is a stunning model and one which you should be very proud of. It will look very imposing hanging from the ceiling of your modeller's lounge.

[ForestFan]

Wow! Absolutely superb. Congrats on a fine build and tribute

[NMLeonov]

That is a fantastic display of modeling skill. I'd never be brave enough to even think about hanging that behemoth from my ceiling! 😅

[busnproplinerfan]

I was wondering how this kit looks, all things considered she looks great. The support underneath is a great idea. I figured these would be metal landing gear.

[roginoz]

What a magnificent example of the late Mryia, Mark @Kiwikitbasher and the photos belie the problems you may have had with it.

 

As a fellow spinal sufferer, also four sessions under the knife, I share and sympathise with the ongoing discomfort of needing to stand for a modelling session such as this  would have entailed.

 

Any problems are not reflected in the model !

Rog

[tomthounaojam]

Just WOW!!! that is an awesome collections, I did like to have a one in my collections too, but don't have the budget now, maybe someday in the future and will surely come back here for inspiration. Cheers mate

[Val_Ukraine]

No words! Great (I mean GREAT!) job on the GREAT aircraft! My congratulations. And thank you sir for the tribute! 

[Clashcityrocker]

Keep doing what you're doing. That is an awesome build.

 

Nigel

[Ryan Hothersall]

Very nice build. 
 

Brings back memories of its visit to Perth in 2016. 

 

[Latinbear]

What an extraordinary piece of work and well done you for persevering! I didn't know there was a kit of this aircraft available. 

[billn53]

Just one word says it all:

I M P R E S S I V E  ! ! !

[Moskiman]

Such a beast! Great build 👏

[Longbow]

A very fitting tribute !! Well Done, and Slava Ukraini !!

[Kiwikitbasher]

Thank you all above for your feedback, you're very generous with your comments.

Edited May 4, 2022 by Kiwikitbasher

[Kiwikitbasher]

1 hour ago, Latinbear said:

What an extraordinary piece of work and well done you for persevering! I didn't know there was a kit of this aircraft available. 

 

Thanks, there is also a 1/144 scale kit by Revell. Here is my mate Dimitri's one sat next to my unfinished model last Thursday, April 28 during a group build session in his garage.

 

[Vesa Jussila]

Really impressive build and tribute. Looks really good.

[tomprobert]

What an incredible model! My dad has this kit in his stash and seeing it in its 'raw state' makes what you've achieved here even more worthy of praise. One to be very proud of.

 

Tom

[jackroadkill]

Wow, that's seriously impressive - excellent work there, sir.  Slava Ukraini!

[Mike]

There was something very stunning about the Mrija, and you've captured it brilliantly.  It makes a great tribute to the aircraft, and you'd never know you'd struggled with it.  Slava Ukraini indeed.

[Moggy]

Brilliant modelling of a difficult subject! ...and under very trying circumstances too

 

If there was a Victoria Cross for modelling you would get one for this job.

 

Cheers, Moggy (full of admiration for your skills and determination)

 

 

 

 

[SAT69]

Despite the many difficulties, the resulting model is truly beautiful. I can't see one thing wrong with it.

[Vultures1]

Wow! That's a superb build of an incredible aircraft, and a great tribute too. Well done

[Tbolt]

Very impressive work, nice one 👏

[exdraken]

Fantastic tribute!

🇺🇦 all the way!

 

Impressive modelling, to say the least!!