With pylons and stores fitted,
the small antennas and pitot were
glued onto the forward fuselage.
This was probably one of the few
times good reference photos were
needed during assembly, to confirm
their correct placement, as the
instructions were somewhat vague.
The last parts to be fitted were
the exhausts, which were treated
with ALC-112 Steel and ALC-111
Magnesium, before being tinted
with Alclad’s Hot Metal Colours,
namely, ALC-416 Sepia, -413 Blue
and -417 Violet, which produced a
worn, super-heated look. Though
mostly hidden on the finished
model, the afterburner flame rings
were superbly rendered parts,
which fitted positively.
Final verdict
Trumpeter appears to have
captured the Fullback’s complex
curves faithfully, and the detail
was excellent throughout; notably,
some of the smaller parts present
are omitted from larger scale
offerings, so the firm is to be
applauded for their inclusion in
1/72. The sheer number and variety
of weapons/stores were further
plus points, along with the detailed
undercarriage and cockpit with the
first-class decal sheets. Due to its
near-perfect fit, it shouldn’t present
any issues for all but the most
inexperienced modeller, and
is highly recommended
for Russian Air Force
aficionados. There have
been comments regarding
the model's nose shape, but
for those demanding complete
accuracy, it’s nothing that couldn’t
be resolved by a few minutes'
work with sanding sticks.
Once one MER and its associated bombs were completed, it was a
simple, yet repetitive task to make the second unit, as the latter were
fiddly to work on. Afterburner rings and jet pipe inner faces received Alclad metallic tones,
with both Steel and Magnesium shades being employed. Tints on the external ‘petals’ were added courtesy of Alclad’s Hot Metal
range, with blue, red and sepia hues airbrushed lightly onto each unit.After the decals and a sealing coat
of gloss clear had been applied,
weathering effects commenced
with a panel line wash.