Greek 24
IBG Models didn’t make us wait too long for the next model of the gull-wing plane. After two "elevens", this time we’ve got construction from the P.24 family, more specifically the “g” (like Greece) version. Let’s check it out.
Bit of history
P.24 seems to be a slightly more popular topic among scale model manufacturers than the P.11. So far we’ve seen a number of sets taking up this topic, many providing the Hellenic version. Most of them are kits made with vacu-forming technology (Airmodel, WK Models, Modelland/S-Model), which nowadays nobody will even look at, but there was also an long-run injection moulded set. In fact, the parts originating from the 1980s are still in production, nowadays branded by Mistercraft. Those are as noteworthy as the aforementioned vacs, by the way.
Fortunately, this is not the end of the story. A few years ago there was a short-run kit released by Azur, which despite its flaws, was a much better option than the ones mentioned above. Enough to even see a few miniatures made with the "Czech option".
Nevertheless, a decent plastic model of "twenty-four" was still a dream of many modellers, so recent IBG's announcement was received quite enthusiastically. At least here in Poland.
The box
Standard top-opening box (catalogue number 72524) with a red border bears a nice illustration from Marcin Górecki.
Inside you will find a variety of frames, most of them known from earlier models- eight from grey plastic plus one transparent.
In addition- decals, small PE fret (universal for P.11 and P.24) and manual.
Frames
Although this is the first version of P.24 released by IBG, we have already seen most of the frames. The single new one- "Q", contains the fuselage halves and a few other elements characteristic for the Greek version.
Déjà vu feeling starts with frame „B”, on which you can find the wheels.
"K" with plethora of transparencies.
"M" with a three-blade propeller and wheels in the fairings.
"N" with engine (not used for P.24g) and ailerons.
"U" with wings in three parts.
"V" with some struts- both for wings and landing gear.
"Z" with the bombs.
And “Y” which is a mystery to me.
Why? Because I really don’t know which part of it should be used in the build. According to assembly manual- none.
Closer
Let’s 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.
With the exception of that gap in the tail (under the horizontal stabilizer slot) which really should not be there.
No riveting, only the access panels pins are marked. Strengthening strips which runs along the airplane body are depicted with regular panel lines and the rear skid was cast together with the fuselage halves.
There is also a segment of the internal structure moulded in the cockpit area, which ejector pin marks tactfully avoid.
A glimpse inside the hull explains the origin of the aforementioned gap. It’s this pesky overzealous ejector pin!
This time the radiator (or rather radiators) was cast together with the fuselage halves. It almost worked- the ribs do not disappear, but one of the rods connecting them is slightly deformed in my kit.
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.
Engine cover, thanks to sliding moulds usage, was cast as one piece.
Its content, in the form of twin-row Gnome-Rhone motor consists of two components...
...supplemented by a cover with teardrop shaped holes pointed in the opposite direction than in the original...
...and the exhaust manifold which, unlike the one from P.11g Kobuz kit, isn’t nightmare inducing.
The under-engine carburettor air intake should be mentioned here too. It's nice that the mouth edges are thinned, although for this version it doesn't make any difference- the element needs to be cut as shown in the manual.
On the new frame we will also find elements for the cockpit interior. New floor.
Headrest and flat instrument panels without any dials.
And the reinforcement on which the panel is rested. Which should be in my opinion thinned down a bit and stripped off the two "bulges", which seem to be a representation of the flight test equipment from the Bulgarian P.24b.
The last “fresh” element is the vertical stabilizer with a delicate grooving and riveting (which is peculiarly more distinct on one side).
Rest of the elements we’ve already seen in Kobuz kit, so I'm going to repeat myself here a little bit (this applies to both the text and the photos). Wings with fine grooved texture make a very positive impression.
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.
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.
Topic of armament ends with bombs, four of them.
Al control surfaces were prepared as separate elements. Ailerons with fine grooving and thin trailing edges.
Horizontal stabiliser with elevator.
Rudder complementary to earlier shown vertical stabilizer.
Essential addendum to the cockpit- rather “meh” pilot’s seat, close to which on the sprue is the control stick…
...and the main landing gear struts.
Wing supports were in turn scattered between two frames.
Three bladed propeller was moulded together with the spinner, which results in the excess plastic at the base of the blades.
The kit contains two versions of the main wheels. Standard, uncovered ones.
And the ones with fairings, made as one element.
Well, that’s what I was afraid of. Pity.
“Glass”
Included transparent sprue is a regular component of P.11/P.24 sets from IBG. It’s universal, contains elements for a bunch of different versions. Like the windscreen in several variants or the sliding cover for the discussed miniature. 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. Of course rest of the markings for machines suggested by the manufacturer is also there.
It’s worth mentioning that the white PZL logo is not used in any of the provided colour options. However with a bit of persistence the machine with “129” side number, which carried that emblem, can be done.
Two versions of the emblem for “102” machine are provided. The choice of colour is yours.
Print quality looks pretty impeccable, although the instrument panel is as usual- rather poorly drawn.
Assembly manual
Brochure was prepared on the standard quality level for this manufacturer. Thick paper, colour, clear drawings.
I point out this again however- it would be nice if the frame listing marked somehow the redundant elements that will not be used during construction.
Painting instructions
As the kit title declared- all options available are with Greek markings, presented with colourful side views, which also illustrate arrangement of the decals.
Just like in the P.11 kits, 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.
3x24
Straight from the kit we can make a miniature of an all-silver machine with side number 116. I’m aware of a photograph which shows this plane without armament, so if someone breaks all the barrels during the build...
Kit painting option (IBG Models)
The second option is a "102" with two-colour camouflage on the top surfaces and a blue underside. This aircraft is often depicted with a small white 13 on a vertical stabilizer (just look at this kit boxart), but I don’t know any photo on which this marking would be visible. Anyway, the uncertain number is not on the decal sheet.
Kit painting option (IBG Models)
The last variant is the "109" machine, which differs from the previous one by one additional colour of the camouflage.
Kit painting option (IBG Models)
Quite diverse selection, bearing in mind the topic. Nothing to complain about.
Summary
Well, there’s not much more to say here. If you seen any of the earlier "elevens" from IBG, you know what to expect. Quite nice model with a delicate grooved texture where it should be. On the other hand disappointingly thick transparencies and poor faired wheels. Plus a few others shortcomings, some of which are rather surprising for a company with such experience (ejector pin coming through the part?). Still- the best 1:72 P.24g available.
MMXIX