With impeccable timing, I just managed to finish my AM 1/48 Sturmovik in time for the new Tamiya to arrive...
I wanted to do this one in a diorama setting, to convey the, erm, "agrarian" look of this aircraft. The czechs apparently used to nickname their Shturmoviks "Kombajn", or "Combine Harvester"...
The depicted airdraft never existed in this form, as the "Mstitel"/"Avenger" inscription, together with the white trim on prop and nacelles were apparently added b y an idle photo censor. After reading about this, I tend to view many on the pariotic slogans shown in soviet photos with distrust - I wonder how many of these were simply painted on either just before the propaganda photo-op or even after, in the dark room? However, this one was just too cool not to do anyway.
This model has been a struggle lasting for more years than I care to admit - let's just say that I am blessed with two kids, two cars and one house more than I had when I started it...
it is the Accurate Miniatures kit with the kitchen sink thrown in: kitbashed motor from the wonderful ICM Mig3, exhausts and spinner/prop from Quickboost, bomb bay and flaps as well as parts of the interior and exterior is Eduard PE. Scratchbuilt the VYa-23 and ShVAK cannon/MG, used minimeca tubing for barrels. Decals are Aeromaster, Paints a mix of Tamiya, Gunze and AKAN.
Diorama accessories are from two different ICM Soviet ground crew and pilot kits, one ICM RAF ground crew and pilots kit (The later ICM 1/48 figures are the best I've ever seen), a heavily modified Tamiya GAZ driver for rear gunner. FAB-100s come from a CMK Shturmovik armament set, and were probably the most difficult part of the build - hence the tarp... I scratchbuilt the tool box and ammo box after period photos. Monkay wrench and onther tools were sourced from the Eduard US navy ground crew, which I bought for about 20 bucks just for those. I figure the cost per gram for that monkey wrench on the table is well above that for crack cocaine.
Some sources say that the reflector sight was only used in the early models. Obviously, this sight was retrofitted onto the plane by the crafty rear gunner Igor, who is now busy trying to chat up the lovely Serzhant Irina...
