1:72 GUIDED MISSILE R-24R

R-24R guided missile in 1:72 from Temp Models

An add-on armament set in 1:72 scale from the Russian manufacturer Temp Models, printed from photopolymer. The contents are a Soviet medium-range air-to-air guided missile with a radar homing seeker. The set fills out the stores of a finished kit and does not make up an aircraft model itself.

The real subject

The R-24R is a Soviet medium-range air-to-air missile that came about as the improved successor to the older R-23 and became the main armament of the later versions of the MiG-23 fighter. The letter R marks the semi-active radar seeker, which guides on the reflection of the signal from the carrier's onboard radar. The pilot therefore has to keep illuminating the target until the hit, but in return the missile can make an attack even in reduced visibility.

Building and painting tips

The parts are printed from photopolymer, so thin print supports are left on them. Cut them away with a sharp scalpel or photo-etch nippers and sand the pad they leave with fine abrasive paper. They are glued with cyanoacrylate glue, that is with super glue, because polystyrene cement has no effect on this material. Lay down a filler primer before painting; it will at the same time reveal any remains of the supports. Sanding is best done wet and with respiratory protection.

Who the set is for

• modelers building late versions of the MiG-23 in 1:72
• builds with a set of armament correct for the period
• dioramas of an aircraft being prepared for a combat sortie
• collectors of aircraft weapons in a single scale

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.