The Little World

Is Hero of Great Patriotic Aviation!

Not loved by its pilots, not safe to fly at altitude, not effective as a gun platform….but that didn’t stop PRAVDA from advertising it as the greatest thing since sliced borscht.

The model is pleasing, nonetheless – even the slightly odd-looking canopy. Considering that it was an experiment that veered off course, I am pleased it turned out as well as it did.

It is not a good way to make a clear part, however, if one needs it to be convincingly clear. The technique of copying a master model or an existing part is fine – no problems there. The two-part resin is also good if you get the proportions exactly right. And you can stir the mixture carefully enough not to incorporate air bubbles. And at least the clarity would let you see them if they existed and tease them out with a needle.

But light reflecting in a solid clear canopy is entirely different to the same in a hollow shell. At best it is a burlesque of he real thing.

Still, all things considered, this will join the VVS shelf in the collection…but sort of down the back…