Yak "one-b"

As promised, Arma Hobby releases new aircraft kits which can be made with red-white chequerboards, big or small. The British Hurricane was followed by a design born under the red star. Of course I’m talking about 1:72 Yak-1b, which just hit the stores.

Disclaimer

The review sample was kindly provided by the manufacturer. Thanks, Arma Hobby.

1:72 Yaks

Announcement of the new Yakovlev from Arma was received quite warmly by the modellers both in Poland and abroad. But it's not that there are no 1:72 scale sets of this particular aircraft available. After all there is the famous (in Poland) ZTS Plastyk kit, which every polish modeller (I should probably add "elderly") built! The same sprues in different boxes have been with us for ages (since the seventies if you're really curious). And surprise, surprise- don't really offers the quality level of modern injection moulded kits.

A-model from Ukraine tackle the same topic a bit in 2001, with two Yak-1 sets. However only the high-back versions were released and are rather hard to get nowadays. Nothing to regret- if you ever had to deal with plastic sprues from this manufacturer, especially the older ones, you know why.

In 2016 Brengun from the Czech Republic also explored the subject of Yak-1. Since then, it has been systematically releasing new versions of the model- with a hump, without a hump, with skis, without skis... Although the quality level is of course far above the two mentioned earlier, those are still shortruns, with some of their peculiarities and shortcomings. Moreover, even the version without the hump is not exactly the same as Arma Hobby announced.

The selection of Yak for the new model was therefore quite spot-on. Although I would be slightly more content with the humpbacked one, I was looking forward to the upcoming release.

Expert

Arma’s habit of releasing kits in two product lines is at this point well known. Basic edition ("Model Kit"), once called "Junior Set", is simply a standard set of plastic sprues with decals. It is not, however, the subject of this article, as it will be avaible later.

First one to hit the market was "Expert Set" (catalogue number 70027)- the same sprues sprinkled with extras in the form of a photo-etched sheet and a masking film. This edition also includes a wider selection of markings, allowing you to choose from as many as six paint options (standard set will include only three). This is what will be discussed below.

All right, to make a complete picture, I'll mention the third variant- plastic sprues solo, which could be ordered from the manufacturer's online shop. However it was (as in the case of Hurricane) only a pre-release option, now unavailable.

Box

Packaging of Arma Hobby plastic models keep a consistent graphic layout from the beginning. That is true also in the case of the new Yak's box, which can be opened from the side.

On top- a very nice painting depicting Polish machines from 1PLM (Fighter Aviation Regiment). By Marcin Górecki, who in a short time basically dominated the boxes of Polish kits.

Art

A rather vague description of the packaging is usually enough, but this time I would like to focus a bit on the kit artwork. For two reasons.

First of all- painting by Mr. Górecki directly refers to the antique boxes in which you could buy Yak-1 kits from polish ZTS Plastyk company. Amusing wink to older modellers.

Secondly - Arma included markings for both planes visible at the boxart. Which I interpret as quite funny, but probably unintentional allusion to IBG Models, which sometimes does not provide decals for the machines presented on the boxart at all (it seems that the first RWD-8 paved the way for this strange practice).

Inside

Within the box, in line with the manufacturer’s established policy, we find one grey plastic sprue containing all the basic elements of the aircraft. All right, there is also a second one - transparent, with glazing. But a tiny one, so it doesn't count. There are also decals, assembly and painting manual, photoetched metal sheet and self-adhesive masks. The last two elements exclusive for the "Expert" edition.

All in all quite nice packet that should allow you to build a decent miniature without resorting to aftermarkets. As long as you are satisfied with the airframe configuration proposed by the manufacturer. But let's not get ahead of the facts, just move on to a closer inspection of the kit elements.

Dive into the plastic

Let's start quite predictable- with the fuselage, which has been marked here and there with delicate recessed panel lines. Only a few of them, as the Yak construction doesn't allow a lot.

To avoid boredom model designer took the trouble to reproduce the riveting (first time for this manufacturer). In my opinion it turned out very well and many older companies could be embarrassed. Apart from subtle lines of rivets, there were also marked fastenings of the removable panels. If you don't have enough- check out the upper edge of the riveted plate visible on the picture below.

Good first impression is complemented by quite subtly reproduced canvas covering of the rear part. This however was already present in the previous Arma's kit (Hawker Hurricane Mk.I).

The inside of the fuselage is not boring either. Cockpit truss segments and a few details of the equipment were cast directly on the parts in question.

On both sides of course.

Looking at the fuselage, however, does not cover the subject of riveting in this model- it’s worth to check out the lower surface of the wings, where raised rivets can also be spotted.

Radiator (with no surface detail at all) moulded together with the lower part of the wing will be covered with a nice fairing.

The upper surface of the wings is much more boring, although the fuel gauges reproduced by recessed lines may surprise you rather positively. The wing trailing edges are on the other hand just as expected- thin, which we have already seen in Arma's kits.

On the inner side main landing gear bay details were reproduced.

The connector holding the upper surfaces together forms the base for the cockpit (tank visible in centre has to be tilted and glued- quite an original solution), to which you mount the floor.

Which in turn can be garnish with control stick and pedals- elements often rather crude in 1:72 models. Not in this case, these are far from it.

Controls are complemented by switch and lever panels mounted on the fuselage sides- quite nice as injection-moulded parts goes.

Plastic instrument panel with raised dials can be completed with decals or photo-etched parts. The latter, however, will be discussed later.

Thankfully there is also a seat, so the pilot doesn't have to stand for the whole flight. With a little thick base...

...and back with a pretty distinct texture. The visible recess represent the opening through which the belts passed, so if anyone wants to- drill on.

The subject of the cockpit interior is finished with the front wall (bit of shame that there is no canon reloading mechanism on the sprue), back shelf with a place for a radio equipment (to which we mount the armoured screen)...

...and a crosshair mounted in the specific for Yaks way.

The top of the engine cover was designed as a separate element, with nice riveting, metal panels fasteners and a machine gun barrel, which will require a little more attention. To drill the hole of course. Gentle sanding of the panel back edge, with a clear bump, won't hurt either.

Three-bladed propeller was designed as one element, so the headache associated with the proper positioning of the individual blades was eliminated. Some sanding is however recommended.

Those interested in promoting kinetic realism in scale modelling will probably be glad that their concerns are not strange to the kit designer. I mean- "spinning propeller" present.

Moveable or not- it’s probably worth to take the time to drill the opening for the canon in the spinner.

Exhaust could use the same treatment.

Some time ago, Arma Hobby abandoned the production of resin details. Now we know why- who needs resin, when plastic looks like this.

Seriously, those are some darn good looking wheels.

The tailwheel assembly also looks not bad at all. Just next to it on the frame you can find the main landing gear struts.

Those should be supplemented with delicate supports. Increased caution during assembly and also when cutting out of the injection sprue recommended.

The subject of the chassis is ended by covers, which are also marked by both raised...

...as well as recessed rivets.

Finally, let's have a look at the horizontal stabilisers, cast together with the control surfaces. A small step backwards compared to Hurricane.

Overall the whole sprue looks very nice. Intense search reveals a few casting faults here and there, but of a rather small calibre. For example- a thin plastic overflow in the wing-fuselage joint area is completely meaningless and a small collapse of the plastic on the fuselage underside (just behind the wing) should not cause big problems when filled.

Transparencies

All transparencies of the model are handled by one small sprue with only two elements. The first one is the cockpit glazing in a closed configuration.

The second one is an armoured panel mounted behind the pilot's head.

As you can see, both parts looks quite good in terms of transparency, especially in relation to their thickness.

However it's not all fine and dandy. Closer examination reveals some internal unevenness of the material, distorting the view. Nothing awful, but it could be better.

Fans of more windy cockpits will have to work on their own this time. The manufacturer did not provide optional components for the open cabin. Though then there'd probably be more complains about part thickness...

Masks

A small sheet of familiar-looking yellow self-adhesive paper contains templates helpful both in painting the wheels and the cockpit glazing.

Cool, although in the case of Yak-1 masking the cabin is far from challenging.

Photo-etched parts

Attached PE sheet, modest in size, contains only couple of the most necessary details- like seatbelts. There is even metal instrument panel, not to point out at certain company with a three-letter abbreviation in the name. Other than that some small interior details and radiator mesh. Nice, although in my copy there were some etching problems visible, like unfinished holes in belts (easy to fix). It also seems that the screens responsible for etching the opposite sides of the plate were slightly misaligned- hence the belt buckles are shifted.

Arma Hobby has already abandon the tradition of adding a transparent film with dials. To create a PE instrument panel we need to use provided decal (and a plastic element with sanded off details- a flat alternative is nowhere to be found). Lazier modellers will probably welcome pre-painted, ready-to-use panels already announced by Yahu Models.

Decals

Decent sized markings sheet was printed just like in other Arma's kits- by Techmod. Apparently with some new process involved, developed jointly by the two mentioned companies.

What this novelty is about, I don't know. But I can tell what I see- very good, quality print with nothing to criticize. Saturated colours with no shifts and precision of details make a very good impression.

Even the stencils (two sets included) are very clear. Can be easily read- of course if you are familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet and have a good eyesight.

Swastikas for the Yak seized by Germans were divided into two parts to fool the censors, but at least are present.

Of course at this point I am not able to tell how well these markings behave “in-action”. I just hope that at least half as good as they look.

Manual

Modellers will be guided through the construction process by aesthetic and, most importantly, clear assembly drawings presented in the A5 format brochure. Those are no longer as densely packed as it was in the previous sets, so I have nothing to complain about.

Although the limitation of suggested paints to the palette of one manufacturer (Hataka) is still rather “meh” in my opinion. There are original colour names and FS numbers referenced so it's not a big deal, but it seems to me that beginners (or those loosely familiar with VVS) would appreciate the suggestions from other pallets as well.

Continuing the subject of painting- each of the planes proposed by the manufacturer was presented on colour views, which also explains the main markings locations.

The arrangement of stencils is shown on separate drawings, which is beneficial for the clarity of information.

At the end Arma Hobby invites us to company website, where one can find a more extensive stories of the proposed machines, as well as correction of two completely trivial errors from the manual.

Painting options

One of five machines can be made from the "Expert" boxing. I emphasize- machines, because we have six painting options overall. So one can choose a gray-gray machine from Polish 1PLM (Fighter Aviation Regiment).

Second gray Yak from the same unit, with notable inscription (machines from the boxart completed).

Russian aircraft from 148IAP, in an earlier black/green type camouflage.

The same machine in German hands, thus with changed markings (but interestingly- with the intact inscription).

Russian Yak in a winter outfit.

And a toothed machine from the "Normandie-Niémen" French regiment.

In Hurricane review I complained about the uninspiring, boring painting options. Here I cant say nothing like that. Not only we've got very diverse camouflages, but also quite an international assortment of pilots. Very nice.

Summary

I suppose everything is rather clear after reading the above. Once again Arma Hobby released a kit better than the previous one- Hawker Hurricane, which alone was far from bad. New Yakovlev with nicely made riveting looks even more attractive on the sprues.

Sure, here and there you can find a few excuses for criticism- transparencies for example lag behind the rest of the elements in terms of quality. However, this does not change the fact that we've got a really solid base for building the Yak-1b in my favourite scale.

MMXIX