Tupolev SB-2M-100A by Jiri Kure (ICM 1/72)

ICM's 1/72 scale
Tupolev SB 2M-100A

by Jiri Kure

Tupolev SB 2M-100A

ICM's 1/72 scale SB-2M is available online from Squadron

Description

This is my 1/72 scale ICM Tupolev SB 2M-100A in markings of 49th SBAP (fast bomber regiment in Mongolia 1940, pilot Tokmachev (included in the box; other sources however identify this aircraft as belonging to 38th SBAP during the Chalkin Ghol/Nomonham incident).

This kit indeed looks impressive in the box, featuring very fine surface detail, typical of recent ICM offerings, with engraved panel lines and rivets, a very good level of internal details, bomb bay and separate control surfaces. Comparison with photographs and available drawings suggest that it is more accurate than previous releases from MPM and Frog/Novo, i.e.. capturing correctly the fuselage's cross-section and wing's slightly concave trailing edge.

The breakdown of main parts indicates that other versions of this bomber might be issued in the future – the fuselage consist of 6 primary parts; fitting them together required some filling and sanding resulting in the loss of the lovely surface detail. Achieving correct alignment and fit of the wing assembly was another challenge. The kit's transparencies are a bit on the thick side to be shown in open position, I ended up building new ones from heated acetate foil using original parts as moulds.

I also added some detail to already well furnished interior areas, framing to wheel wells, bomb bay and bombs themselves.The guns were enhanced by PE crosshairs, I used Extratech seat belts and PVA glue for new position lights.

The kit's painting instructions give a choice of light grey or silver as a base color for this machine; precious few photos from the Nomonham conflict seem to show a metallic finish of some sort; I went along with assumption that the machines were typical Russian pre-war alluminium paint finish (perhaps later oxidizing to grey?) with field applied green mottle.

This was my first project using Alclad II aluminium over Alclad's own gloss black base, after application of decals the surface was sealed with Polly Scale satin varnish. Light weathering has been done using diluted oil paints and Mig pigments.

This kit won "Model of the Year 2008" award at my local model club, APMA Sydney, NSW.

Thumbnail panels:

Back to HyperScale Main Page