New from Plus Model's "Aero Line" comes a neat resin standing figure of a MiG-15 pilot in 1:48.

The figure is beautifully cast in pale grey resin and arrives in a clear blister pack, with foam padding for protection. There are just two parts - the figure itself, and a separate seat-type parachute pack to attach to the back of its legs.

The sample came via Jim Starkweather and, unbeknown to me, Jim had already done some preliminary preparation prior to taking his own photos. The figure arrives cast with substantial "pillars" either side and a thin wafer of resin between the legs to ensure adequate flow. Jim assures me that clean-up was pretty quick and easy. That done, the figure remains attached with thin pour stubs to its casting plinth that will serve as a useful mount while painting.

The sculpting is excellent, with really crisp detail in the flight suit and equipment. The face is very well modelled, right down to a trim little moustache. The clothing compares well with photos that I've found online of early '50s era Soviet-block pilots, combining a relatively modern flight suit and a more "vintage" looking leather helmet and goggles. The figure's overall proportions look very good, although the feet look a tad small to me (but then I've got clumping great size 11s!).

There are no "instructions" as such, but with only two parts, they would be superfluous. A full colour illustration is included as a painting guide. It only shows the figure from the front, although that's not likely to be a problem on a simple outfit like this.

Conclusion

While nominally a "MiG-15 pilot", as far as I can tell, Aero Line's figure could equally well give a sense of scale and bring to life any 1:48 kit of the early Cold-War Soviet fighters. Recommended.

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