Amodel 1/72 Yak-18 w/Skis Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The Yak-18 was a tandem two-place trainer aircraft developed for military flight training duties at the end of World War 2. Powered by a 160 horsepower Shvetsov M-11 radial engine, the aircraft retractable landing gear and a 180+ mph top speed.

Over the years, this aircraft was enhanced with larger engines, simple armament payloads, and enhanced aerodynamics to provide a wider range of training capabilities out of this rugged aircraft.

In addition to the Soviet Air Force (and DOSAAF), the Yak-18 was exported to members of the Warsaw Pact, China, and numerous air forces around the world to serve as a trainer, light utility aircraft, or sometimes as a combat aircraft.

Amodel has produced another variant of the Yak-18 series. The kit is molded in light gray styrene, and is presented on three parts trees plus a single clear styrene canopy.

The kit features a simple interior that won't need much detailing given the one-piece canopy which is molded closed.

Overall construction is very simple which will make this kit a weekend project between assembly, painting and decals.

While the kit retains its normal landing gear, this release also provides skis to replicate a nice winter regional trainer.

Markings are provided for one example:

• Yak-18, Yellow 06, DOSAAF, Soviet Union, circa 1960

This is a nice little kit that will build into a unique subject with a little patience and skill.

This kit is recommended for experienced biplane modelers.

My sincere thanks to HobbyTerra for this review sample!