Amodel 1/72 Yakovlev Yak-55M Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2010 | Manufacturer | Amodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Yakovlev Yak-55M | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 72200 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Nicely detailed kit | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $11.50 |
First Look
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The Yakovlev Yak-55M is a competion-grade sport aerobatic aircraft which has won several world aerobatic championships since it was first produced in 1986. The Yak-55M is a clipped-wing version of the standard Yak-55 which allows for very impressive roll-rates to be achieved. The aircraft is powered by a 360 horsepower Vedeneyev M14P engine.
Aircraft that are flown against the Yak-55M in these aerobatics championships include the Sukhoi Su-26 and Su-31, as well as the Extra 300.
Amodel has produced another member of the Yakovlev family - the Yak-55M. The kit is molded in light gray styrene, and is presented on four parts trees, plus a clear canopy.
The kit is a simple build with some nice features including separately molded (huge) ailerons, rudder, and elevators. the kit also includes some additional parts not used in this build from the standard Yak-55 including a smaller rudder and two-bladed propeller.
A basic single-place cockpit is provided which is fine as the canopy is one-piece and not positionable.
Markings are provided for one example, but not what you might think. The decals look like a military trainer, but these markings are from a privately-owned Yak-55M in Italy bearing pseudo-Soviet markings for show.
This is a nice little kit that will build into a unique subject with a little patience and skill.
This kit is recommended for aerobatic competition modelers.
My sincere thanks to HobbyTerra for this review sample!