PO-2 in 20mm

[Mr. Peabody]

So this 1/72 scale kit from ICM has been taunting me from my shelf for a long time.

I've wanted to build it, but knew it would stretch my 'wargamer' kit building skills to the limit.


I finally peeled off the shrink-wrap when the force-list for our big game this year included this infamous biplane.
This is a useful unit when playing Battlegroup Kursk so I'm glad to finally have it ready for the table.


The plan was to include a brace of quality pilot figures, but the minis just didn't arrive in time for the build.
This pair come from an Airfix IL-2. Not great, but beggars can't be choosers.


The build went relatively well... I only had to tear the upper wing off once before I got it settled more or less right.


Still, swearing was definitely required. I'm now certain that I'm not aircraft modelling material.


Finished with Tamiya acrylics and Gamblin oils. Decals from the kit.


Flight stand built up with a 70mm hex base from Warbases, fender washers, brass-tube and acrylic rod.


Thanks for dropping by.  

[Harry Faversham]

Looks well does that.

[Phil Robinson]

That is a great finish you have achieved there.

[Denouement]

That's impressive. 

Stuart.

[Michi]

I´d say t is even beyond wargamer modeling standard - more in the region of modeler wargaming display!

[Gunner Dunbar]

Outstanding job, really nice model, well done.

[Keith]

That's really excellent. The finish on the camouflage is spot-on.

[von Lucky]

Very, very nice. I can smell/hear the thing in the air.

[carlos marighela]

Lovely work, it really looks the biz.

[dice shaker]

Realy nice, a real beaty. Thank you for showing her.

 Sebastian

[cuprum]

Good job!

The inscription on airplane: "We will avenge for fighting girlfriend - Tanya Makarova and Vera Belik." So there you have on the airplane female crew.

[Mr. Peabody]

Gents, sincere thanks for your encouragement!

I really had to rush this kit, maybe it was for the best. 

Cuprum, very much appreciate the translation of the markings. I was wondering what the heck they were about. I'm in your debt for the interpretation. One question, if I may? What does 'Mcmum' mean?

I will say that the decals in this kit were some of the most fragile and uncooperative I have ever encountered. That 'Mcmum' in particular came apart into multiple small fragments when I applied it. Much swearing was required to herd each piece into place.

The result was I couldn't follow the suggested placement for the markings, but ended up with a colourful look for both sides of the aircraft. A bonus from my wargamer's perspective.

[Golgotha]

Fantastic apparently the Germans nicknamed these female pilots night witches due to their raids at night which apparently also upset German sleep and morale.

[cuprum]

I am glad to be helpful.

The word "Мстим" means "vengeance".

When the old decal or she is of poor quality - she must cover matte varnish immediately prior to applying. Then it will not crumble.

[cuprum]

Fantastic apparently the Germans nicknamed these female pilots night witches due to their raids at night which apparently also upset German sleep and morale.

Right. This aircraft possessed a one quite good quality for night bomber - at considerable distance from the target pilot turned off the engine and glided noiseless at low altitude. Gliding speed - about one hundred kilometers per hour. Accuracy of bombing from an experienced pilot simply The remarkable. So that this "rus-plywood" was causing a lot of anxiety German troops.
And he was madly is cheap...