The Little World

This model of the Tupolev TU-2 light bomber by Hobby Boss Has been seen on Perth shelves for a long time.

Whether it was ignored because it was seen as too simple – a snap-kit – or too obscure remains to be seen. It is actually a technological gem

The kit design breaks the fuselage at a horizontal mid-line and moulds it to wings and horizontal stabilizers with preset dihedrals. As both wing and stabilizer have definite angles, this eliminates the errors that always seem to creep in when setting up the basic structures.

The moulding is superb – though the guns depicted are somewhat simplistic. As they will be protruding from extremely clear canopies and housings there will need to be some careful painting to give life to the interior.

The nacelles and their gear covers are moulded in one piece – a tech breakthrough.

Instructions are good, colour call out adequate – and paints are specified for 5 maker’s ranges. If you cannot get it right, it is not the fault of Hobby Boss.

Decals are well-printed and presumably accurate.

The one piece of humour is the printed notes on the side of the box that point out the designer – Tupolev – was considered an ” Enemy Of The People “. Bit hilarious, considering the Chinese are moulding the kit. Wonder if Zvezda or Eastern Express would have had the nerve to print that on their boxes?