G stands for Kobuz
When IBG Models launched the PZL Karas kits line, in the first place it was, among others, a miniature of PZL 42 prototype. So no wonder that now, with 1:72 scale "elevens", in the first wave we received a set with Kobuz, i.e. P.11g. As numerously produced as the mentioned diver prototype.
72nd scale "G"
Until now, the only option to build a 1:72 scale Kobuz out of the box was the Yellow Box resin released in 2012. Quite controversial to say the least, and not due to its rather average quality. This was because the model was developed in cooperation with the Czech MPM, but without the knowledge of the latter. The kit master was apparently based on the parts from the previously released Czech P.11/P.24 sets, which was not very well received by the maker of those. In fact, MPM was so shocked by this unprecedented practice that announced the release of a limited edition P.11g model. Which, if we took this statement seriously, we would still be waiting for.
Therefore this IBG kit is a welcome filling of a basically empty niche, which was occupied by two inaccessible models (buying a Yellow Box wasn't easy even just after the release, let alone now).
Déjà vu
The set described below is partially based on the sprues known from the concurrently released P.11a kit, which I have already reviewed here on Modellair. Therefore, similarly to IBG, I decided to use fragments of that article (concerning common elements, e.g. PE fret) below. The feeling of déjà vu at certain moments is therefore completely justified.
Packaging
Kobuz (polish for Eurasian hobby) hides under catalogue number 72523 and was packed as IBG usually does. Too big, top-opening box with a red framing, characteristic for the aircraft models of this manufacturer.
The lid is once again occupied by an illustration by Marcin Górecki, which seems to be slightly nicer than the one from P.11a.
Content
In P.11a there was already a lot of frames, yet here is even more. So many of them, that a standard IBG box almost doesn't seem to be oversized (but only almost).
In addition to plastic, we also receive assembly manual- A4 format printed in colour on a thick paper.
And a bag with photoetched sheet, transparent film and decals.
Before we take a closer look at the individual elements of the set, let's try to organize this eldorado of plastic sprues.
Frames!
Twelve. That many injection moulded sprues contains parts of Kobuz. Eleven made of grey plastic and one transparent. So, in the alphabetical order- we have frame "A" containing, among others, a radiator.
"B", on which you can find the wheels.
"D" with engine cover.
"J" with a two-blade propeller and another cover.
"K" with plethora of transparencies.
"L" with fuselage halves and more.
"M" with a three-blade propeller and wheels in the fairings.
"N" with engine and ailerons.
"U" with wings in three parts.
"V" with some struts- both for wings and landing gear.
"Y" occupied mainly by cockpit elements.
And "Z", with the bombs.
A cunning modeller will immediately notice that there are more parts than needed, so something will remain after the construction. But what about the parts we're gonna use, any good? Let's have a look.
Close up
We’ll start with the fuselage, which is covered with a grid of quite thin and crisp recessed panel lines. In addition there are also other, both recessed and raised details, and the whole thing makes a quite positive first impression.
No riveting, only the access panels pins are marked. Strengthening strips which runs along the fuselage are depicted with regular panel lines.
Rear skid was cast together with the fuselage parts.
There is also a segment of the internal structure moulded in the cockpit area, which ejector pin marks tactfully avoid.
The bottom section of the fuselage with ejectable fuel tank was designed as a separate element, with slots for gluing in the landing gear struts. Obtaining the correct geometry of the latter is in the hands of the modeller.
The real challenge however, will be to remove the exhaust manifold from the inlets jungle.
Seriously, I sincerely wish you all good luck.
On the same sprue you can also find the engine cover, one of two. Here is the embossed one, with ugly seam all around as a bonus.
Another, smooth variant can be found on a completely different mini-frame and is the only element that you will possibly use from it.
Wings with fine grooved texture make a very positive impression. As in P.11a you can see that some segments, although they look the same with the naked eye, reflect light in a slightly different way. Interesting (in this case this effect can also be observed on the upper surface of the wings).
Lower surfaces look equally good, with delicate grooves and raised strips.
The shell ejector fairings were cast together with the wings, all identical (which is correct). However cavities imitating L-shaped holes could have sharper edges.
There are also trendy "pipe" chutes for mentioned ejectors provided.
Machine gun barrels were cast together with the upper half of the wing. I only wonder how many of them will last in their positions till the end of the build.
The rest of the guns, in the form of two fuselage-mounted Vickers, can be found on the smallest sprue of the set.
In the vicinity of the Venturi nozzles and the radiator, which although nice, slightly loses details in the middle.
The weaponry topic ends with bombs, four of them.
As it could be seen from several earlier pictures, wing control surfaces were prepared as separate elements. With fine grooving and thin trailing edges. These occupy one of the smaller frames.
Right next door we can find a mock-up of the engine, this time pretending to be Mercury VIII. Designed as one element, on a quite decent level. Perhaps not stunning details-wise, but considering how much of it will be exposed in a finished miniature- I think that's sufficient.
The above is complemented by a crankcase cover prepared as a stand-alone element as well.
Not only the ailerons, but all of the control surfaces were designed as a separate parts. Horizontal stabiliser with elevator...
...or rudder separated from...
...the vertical stabilizer are covered, like the wings, with a delicate grooving.
On the sprue with aforementioned rudder there are also elements for the interior, such as the floor...
...delicate segments of the cockpit truss...
...or the instrument panel (slightly flat, dials are not marked in any way).
Cockpit is complemented by the pilot's seat (rather "meh"), close to which is the control stick...
...and the main landing gear struts.
Wing supports were in turn scattered between two frames.
One of the options offered by the IBG set is the propeller. We can use one with two or three blades. Both cases were cast together with the spinner, which results in the excess plastic at the base of the blades.
The second choice is the main wheels. We have the usual ones, as in P.11a.
And a real oddity. Wheels cast as one element with the fairings. Oh no.
So on the one hand we have separate control surfaces or engine without the crankcase cover, and on the other we have something like this. Feels just as wrong as combining propeller with a spinner, which IBG insists on (PZL P.23 kits, for example, has the same issue). In the case of wheels, thanks to the thickness of the element, we additionally get sinkholes- which puts the presence of surrounding details into question.
What is worse, I am afraid that this sprue is intended for the P.24 kit family, which is inevitably on the way. The terrible-looking P.24 from Mistercraft, which can now be bought in stores, has fairings as they should be- separate. And the origins of those mouldings date back to the 1980s...
"Glass"
Included transparent sprue looks like a regular component of upcoming P.11 sets from IBG. For a simple reason- it’s universal, contains elements for a bunch of different versions. Like the windscreen in several variants or the sliding cover for P.11g. This will probably please modellers who like to be left with some "bonus" after construction.
Less enjoyable however, is the fact that the glass is still a weak point of IBG aircraft kits. In my opinion is just far too thick.
The set also contains photo-etched elements and film, which allow you to build more appealing cockpit glazing, but I bet not everyone will be willing to take this route. And while we're at the metal sheet...
PE details
Medium sized photo-etched sheet is also an universal element, hence the multitude of crosshairs or windscreen frames. High quality piece, definitely a nice addition.
The fret is accompanied by a transparent film, also universal, containing only elements to make a thinner cockpit glazing.
Yeah, that's right. Pity that IBG persistently omits instrument panels in those PE sheets. Especially when the plastic equivalent is just poor. I don't know how to explain this aversion, sympathy for Yahu Models?
Decals
The aforementioned instrument panel can be found on a decal sheet printed by the well known Polish Techmod. And, of course, rest of the markings for machines suggested by the manufacturer is also there.
Print quality looks pretty impeccable. Let's take a closer look.
Pretty good, but why are the stars showing through the scythes’ blades?
Assembly manual
Brochure was prepared on the quality level usual for this manufacturer. Thick paper, colour, clear drawings.
I already mentioned this while discussing the P.11a model, but it would be nice if the frame listing marked somehow the redundant elements that will not be used during construction. Just to help navigate in this abundance of parts.
Painting instructions
Considering the topic, IBG didn't have much room to show off here, hence a bit of fantasy in the suggested camouflages. All of the proposed machines were presented with colourful side views, which also illustrate arrangement of the decals.
Just like in the P.11a, the list of suggested paints contains references to five popular modelling pallets (Vallejo, Hataka, Life Color, Mr. Hobby, AK Interactive), which in the era of manufacturers strongly promoting one, more or less related brand, deserves to be praised.
3xG
With the provided decals one can make the only prototype of P.11g, in the presumed livery carried during the September '39 fights. This is the only option somewhat based in reality.
Presumed look of the only prototype (IBG Models)
The other two are pure fantasy, for those who prefer a slightly looser approach to the subject.
Pure fantasy (IBG Models)
I wouldn’t mind if IBG went all-in and provide for example some machines seized by the enemy, just for the variety sake. But I'm not complaining.
Summary
Several years ago nobody expected an injection moulded kit of any P.11, let alone a one-off Kobuz. It's good to see that times are changing, and we get high quality models like that. Because despite a few drawbacks- smaller, bigger and rather peculiar, it seems to be a miniature worth recommending. Although not really for beginners.
That being said, I only ask for a decent wheel fairings in P.24 kits, IBG
MMXIX