by: Peter Allen [ ]
UNICRAFT
Unicraft Model Company is basically a one-man-band operation in the Ukraine. Igor Shestakov, with valuable help from his wife Irina, do everything from research to master making and making the kits. He is a genuine enthusiast trying to make a living doing what he loves. Unicraft models are made to order direct from the manufacturer, and occasionally are available from Hannants in UK.
Unicraft specialises in experimental aircraft and has a good range of German, Japanese, British, Russian and American examples, plus a new range of UAV’s.
BACKGROUND
Heinkel took a leaf out of Blohm and Voss’ book when they designed the asymmetric He P1065, in answer to RLM requirements for a fast bomber in 1942/3. The layout had the main fuselage fronted by the BMW 803 engine to port and the crew cockpit nacelle to starboard.The engine was to power contra-rotating props and an off-centre, to starboard, tail fin to aid flight stability. However, when the production of the BMW engine was delayed the project was cancelled.  |  |
THE KIT
When you first look at the kit, the first impression is how rough it is, but don’t be hasty as the roughness is mainly superficial. Unicraft kits generally need a little more clean-up than say models from more main-stream resin manufacturers. The surfaces need a little smoothing but do have well defined panel lines and very subtle detailing.
As this a big heavy kit, the main undercarriage legs look flimsy and would need re-inforcing with brass tube/rod or would need scratch built alternatives. No instructions with this example but small colour profile, 1/72nd drawings are provided.
RESIN PARTS
34 parts. Usual market buff coloured resin throughout. Detail on bigger parts very good but all parts need some clean-up. Included in the total number of parts are a set of bucks to make spare glazing parts in the traditional “heat and pull down” method.
CLEAR PARTS
4 vacuform clear parts, and each piece has a buck provided to produce copies.
DECALS
Look ok, nice and thin and good register.
LIST OF PARTS NOT SUPPLIED
Mainly smaller items. Cockpit detail, seats and belts, instument panel, guns and cannon etc.
VALUE
Considering Unicraft Models are very limited edition, exclusive kits of unusual aircraft, made-to -order, they are very good value. They are up to 30% cheaper than other equivalent resin manufacturers’ offerings. which goes a long way in offsetting the extra cleaning-up necessary and finding various small extra parts to detail the cockpit for example.
They are, as it says on the box, for experienced modellers only.  | | |
CONCLUSIONS
A nice kit at a relatively good price that goes a long way in offsetting the extra cleaning-up necessary and finding various small extra parts to detail the cockpit.
More of a challenge than most kits of its type but not too difficult. Be warned, Unicrafts are addictive. On completing one, you’ll be yearning for another.
They are, as it says on the box, for experienced modellers only.
About Peter Allen (flitzer) Greetings to all.
My real name is Peter Allen and I have recently returned to UK from working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a creative director in an advertising agency.
My home town is Wigan in the north of England.
I’m married to Emily, a Polish lass who tolerates my modelling well.
I’ve wor... Copyright ©2021 text by Peter Allen [ ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.
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