The Little World

And how better to start than with a Sukhoi? In this case an Su-2.

It was on the shelf in the shop for months before I suddenly realised that I needed it. For library display, I hasten to add. The modeller’s mind had filed the information about it being there and all that was needed was an occasion to call it forth.

I was fortunate that no-one else had the same thought, and I could go back to the shop and buy it. The price was not exorbitant and the maker, ICM, is a reliable Ukrainian short-run firm. I’ve made ICM kits before to advantage.

The ICM products are getting better. I believe they were ropey a few years ago but they’ve obviously learned in the meantime and this kit is all I could ask for in a specialised subject. If you are prepared to remove parts form sprue trees with care and clean them up properly, everything will go together fine.

The plane is a light bomber – ” light ” without being ” dive ” and the two small bombs in the bay attest to this. No trapeze or cradle – you just let them go in level flight and hope for the best. I am not sure if the pilots were even provided with a bombsight.

The gunners had a good .30 cal machine gun in a surprisingly sophisticated ball turret. but were given very poor seats to sit on for the flight. The pilot had a further 4 machine guns in the wings to use on ground targets.

They were underpowered, and slow, and underarmed. After being shot down by the Luftwaffe early on, they were relegated to training and reconnaissance duties. Perfect for my library diorama.