Scale: 1/48
Manufacturer: ICM, P.O. Box B59, Kiev 252001, Ukraine. Available from Squadron Mail Order, 1115 Crowley Dr., Carrollton, TX 75011-5010, phone 972-242-8663.
Price: $12.98
Comments: Injection molded, 59 parts, decals.
One of the most widely produced aircraft of all time, the Soviet Yak-9 series received its baptism of fire during the Stalingrad siege. Cheap, rugged, and superbly maneuverable, it forged a place in history as a mainstay fighter through the "Great Patriotic War" - World War II. In continuous manufacture from 1942 to 1948, variants saw extensive postwar service with Soviet client states. Some even fought in Korea.
New Ukrainian manufacturer ICM's 1/48 scale version of this classic warplane offers parts for either the T, K, or DD models - all mid-life production examples externally distinguishable by hub-cannon lengths. Included are optional components for an exposed engine and hub-mounted cannon with separate cowling panels. Positionable aileron and rudder parts also are provided.
ICM's crisply molded olive-green parts feature recessed panel lines. The plastic reacts rapidly with Testor liquid cement, ensuring quick assembly. The clear parts are well molded, but benefit from a bath in Future acrylic floor polish.
Only a couple of parts identification errors mar otherwise excellent, eight-page instructions (in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and German). The beautifully printed thin decals have markings for 10 Yaks - including Soviet, Polish, and Yugoslav examples. Unfortunately, they fracture easily, are translucent, and like to fold over on themselves. Once on, however, they conform beautifully to surface detail. The carrier film covers the entire sheet, so you'll have to trim around each decal.
Assembly went well, but the small number of alignment pins may make it difficult for novices. A few sinkholes and scribing misalignments mar the otherwise crisp surface detail.
Some parts fit too tightly, others leave too much space between - the main culprit was wing-to-fuselage fit. ICM's cockpit components go together well, but the plastic is brittle and the control stick and rudder pedals fracture easily when cut from the sprue.
My ICM Yak-9 depicts an early production T version of the 3rd IAK (Fighter Aviation Corps) in weathered black, pale olive, and light blue. Polly Scale acrylics and Model Master II enamels were airbrushed for the paint job.
I enjoyed ICM's first 1/48 scale effort. Assembly consumed only 10 hours. I measured it to be a scale foot long in span, but otherwise it agrees with photos and dimensions in Squadron/Signal's Yak Fighters In Action.
David L. Veres