The Little World

And a fair wicket.

This Tupolev Tu-2 WWII bomber eventually got a NATO designation: ” Bat “. It seems to have been exported all over the place after it was second-line for the VVS.

The Communist Chinese got some and there are preserved copies in their air museum – presumably Hobby Boss were able to do accurate measurements for the kit. The choice to make it as a simplified but precise kit was very well made. Even a kid, or an old kid could build this one to a high standard.

The guns on it are perhaps the only let-down – they are so simplified as to be just sketches of the actual weapons. I imagine there are after-market chaps who have produced resin or white-metal replacements. Also probably weighted tyres and a slimmer pitot mast.

That mast is the one startling feature that puzzled me. I can see the need to get a sensor tube out of ground or prop turbulence, but this is so high as to be unique. At least it means you can handle the wings with less fear.

Note – Hobby Boss decals release and bed down very well.