A&A Model 1/48 Yak-11 Military Trainer Kit First Look
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | October 2018 | Manufacturer | A&A Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Yak-11 Military Trainer | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 4801 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Beautiful moldings, fine scribing | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (Euro) | 28.80€ (plus VAT) |
First Look
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Derived from Yakovlev's legendary line of single-seat WWII fighters, Yak-11s served as military trainers in postwar East Bloc and Third World air forces. Capable of carrying machine guns, light bombs, and rockets, Yak-11s saw combat during the Korean War's initial phases – and, in Egyptian hands, during Yemen's 1962-1967 civil war.
Bearing the NATO (ASCC) code name "Moose", thousands were built. And over a hundred still remain popular on international racing and warbird circuits.
A&A's beautifully molded, 1:48-scale kit sports 115 opaque plastic parts distributed among seven trees. A two-piece canopy on an eighth, transparent tree completes styrene components. And canopy masks, a photoetch fret, rubber main-gear tires, decals, and instructions conclude contents.
For a "limited-run" effort with minimal locating devices, quality is superb. And I could detect only occasional hints of microscopic flash.
Opaque parts sport delicate, uniformly recessed scribing in A&A's typical gray styrene. Fabric covered empennage and control surfaces feature gorgeous raised detail. And the crystal-clear canopy further features finely raised frames to aid masking.
A&A's astonishingly detailed interior of plastic and photoetch components won't disappoint, either. With extensive sidewall, instrument panel, joystick, seat, restraint, and floor detail, the cockpit alone builds into an impressive subassembly.
Nine parts comprise the wing and wheel wells. Nearly 20 more replicate Moose landing gear. And over 30 form the kit's terrific cowling, engine, and firewall detail.
A&A's easy-to-follow, five-page instructions include parts maps and a 28-phase assembly sequence. Three more pages illustrate painting details with Humbrol product matches. And precisely printed decals cover four schemes:
- USSR, "White 22", 1948
- Bulgaria, "White 55", Plovdiv Aviation Museum,
- DDR (East Germany), Zieldarstellungsstaffel 21, 1961
- Egypt (UAR), "590", 1964
A&A continues setting world standards for "limited edition" injection-molded aircraft models. And its Yak-11 stands a masterpiece of quality and completeness. Everything's there: just add adhesives – and time!
With thanks to ModelSvit Balkans Ltd. for this review sample!