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In-Box Review
148
Su-2M-88B (Late) Conversion
Su-2M-88B (Late) Conversion
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

Notwithstanding it's slightly inaccurate cowling (see HERE for a review of Vector's excellent correction set), Zvezda's Sukhoi Su-2 is really a very nice kit. However, one moan you'll find voiced against it is that it depicts the early “square cowled” M-88-powered type, when the later M-88B machines sported some far more interesting camouflage and markings – and so would be more appealing to many modellers.

By all accounts Zvezda are not planning to release the later version (any time soon, at least), and the design of the kit certainly doesn't indicate that one is planned. Luckily, Sergey Kosachev has the answer and has produced a beautiful Vector resin conversion set to fill the gap.

VDS48-073 Su-2M-88B (Late) – Cowling, Spinner and Engine
Vector's set totally replaces the kit cowling and engine. The new one-piece cowling is essentially perfectly cast and captures the more rounded shape of the later style. Also included is the larger and more bulbous spinner, complete with a delicately reproduced starter claw clutch for a starter unit. As with the square-type correction set, the new cowling will also be much easier to install than the kit's original three-part affair.

The new M-88B engine is almost a kit in its own right, with 34 beautifully detailed parts. The crankcase features an integral cylindrical cover behind the spinner, and separate cylinders and individual mounts for each pushrod. The push rods themselves are be added from thin wire or styrene rod (not supplied), and if you also add an ignition harness and other wiring the completed engine should look amazing (remember, of course, the larger spinner and smaller cowl opening will hide a lot of extra detailing).

The set includes a small sheet of instructions which show the basic engine construction, along with some minor modifications needed for the kit. You'll need to open up air intakes in the wing-roots, and scribe a new access panel on the starboard fuselage side (along with filling the kit's original one of the port side). The instructions show the shape of this panel, but it would have been nice if they'd included a full-size template to save time measuring and scanning to make your own.

The conversion will present no difficulties for experienced modellers, but the complexity of the engine and the small amount of surgery required will offer newcomers an extra challenge – nothing too hard, and a good way to try your hand at using aftermarket resin conversions for the first time.

availability
Vector kits and detail sets are distributed by the following retailers:

Neomega
Ultracast
Spruebrothers
HobbyEasy

Conclusion
Vector's conversion set is beautifully produced – as usual, master-modeller Sergey Kosachev's work is second to none. The new front end will result in a very different looking Su-2 – indeed many people think the later style cowling and spinner look much nicer than the original design (and it's hard to disagree), but for me the deal sealer is simply the wealth of interesting new painting options this set opens up, making this conversion irresistible. Highly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Superb detailing and casting. A straightforward conversion.
Lows: It would be nice to have a full-size scribing template included (well, I had to think of something!).
Verdict: Vector's conversion is beautifully produced and should be well within the capabilities of average modellers with a little experience. It opens up a wealth of new camouflage and markings for Zvezda's fine Su-2 kit.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: VDS48-073
  PUBLISHED: Jan 22, 2014
  NATIONALITY: Russia
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 93.13%

Our Thanks to Vector!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. 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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