1:72 IL-2 'Gorbatij/Humpbag'

The real subject

The Il-2 was a Soviet ground-attack aircraft of the Second World War and is among the most numerously produced aircraft of all. Its main feature was an armored bathtub, which made up the forward part of the fuselage and protected the engine, the radiators and the pilot from fire from the ground. It was precisely the raised cover of the cockpit above this bathtub that gave the machine the nickname humpbacked, in Russian Gorbatyi, which the name of this item carries as well.

The model

A model of the aircraft in 1:72 scale. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted, so the result depends on how much work you put into the build. The 1:72 scale is the most widespread with aircraft, so the model does not take up much room and goes well alongside other machines of the same size in a display case.

Building and painting tips

Before gluing, check the parts dry, level the mating surfaces and sand surplus material left by production down with fine sanding paper. On a ground-attack machine the cockpit is visible through the canopy, so it pays to paint it before the fuselage is closed up. Wash and degrease the surface before painting and apply the paint in several thin coats, so that the fine surface relief is not flooded. Fill and sand the seams after gluing before you start painting, as later you will not get to them.

Who it is for

The model suits anyone interested in Second World War aviation and in Soviet equipment. The build calls for ordinary modeling tools and a little patience, but it is not work for the experienced only.

• a model of the Il-2 aircraft in 1:72 scale
• it is supplied unassembled and unpainted
• try the parts dry before gluing
• paint the cockpit before closing the fuselage up
• apply the paint in thin coats

Paints, glue and tools are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.