1:48 B13L 122 mm rocket launcher

The B-13L rocket pod of 122 mm caliber in 1:48 scale (Advanced Modeling)

An accessory set of armament, not an aircraft model. It contains a resin rendering of the underwing B-13L rocket pod in 1:48 scale. The casting replaces the often simplified parts from the box and makes it possible to build an aircraft in a particular combat configuration with heavy unguided rocket armament. Assembly is undemanding; the weight of the work lies in cleaning the parts, in seating them precisely on the rack and in painting.

The real subject

The S-13 is an unguided aircraft rocket of 122 mm caliber developed for the Soviet Air Force; it remained in service after 1991 as well. The rockets are carried in the five-tube B-13L pod, which is hung on an underwing rack. Most Soviet and Russian attack and fighter aircraft could carry this armament, for example types of the Su-17, Su-20 and Su-22 families, and also the Su-24, the Su-25, the Su-27 or the MiG-23BN, the MiG-27 and the MiG-29. Against rockets of smaller caliber the S-13 is intended for tougher targets, including hardened works.

Building and painting tips

Wash the castings in lukewarm soapy water, so that no mold release residue stays on the surface, cut the casting blocks off with a saw and glue with cyanoacrylate. Spray the pod separately and fit it onto the model only once it is finished; you will save yourself masking. Deepen the mouths of the tubes with a dark wash, so that they do not look flat. Suggest traces of service sparingly — stores tended to be well maintained and overdone weathering looks unconvincing.

Who the set is for

• Modelers of Soviet and Russian combat aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Builders who want more faithful underwing armament than the box offers
• Anyone interested in particular combat configurations of machines
• More experienced modelers used to resin accessories

This is an accessory set, not an aircraft model. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.