The predictions about the Smêr model of the Ilyushin Il -2 proved 100% accurate. The kit has fallen together perfectly and the landing gear variation has proved to be the star of the piece.
The gear is based upon the wheeled version, but you need to trim away some of the wheel hub support and drill out the ends of the landing gear legs to accept the ski attachments. You might not think it a viable proposition in 1/72 scale but it is actually easier and more accurate than it first looks.
There is a little extra detail in brass PE to complete it, but this could be done by stretched sprue in anyone else’s hands. It’s all cemented in place and clagged down with PVA.
The paintwork is right off the box art – a combination of summer green and a slightly worn winter pattern. The real novelty of it is the fact that the upper colours are sprayed on with Supercheap Auto premium lacquer thinner instead of the normal Mr. Color ones. It has flatted down the colour coats beautifully and not softened the styrene underneath. More tests will be forthcoming, but it looks to be a viable replacement for the more expensive thinners.
The plane will accompany the brighter wheeled version on one of my new diorama sets. I now need to modify a display cabinet to take them easily. IKEA are never exactly right, but a local DIY shop can supply timber and paint to correct the situation.
The Little World 
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