Turkish repeat
IBG Models takes its time releasing miniatures of PZL aircrafts with “Pulawski wing”. The theme is far from completed, and we already got a rather dubious novelty- PZL P.24g in 1:72 scale, again. This time in a Turkish make-up. Let’s take a closer look.
“New”
A rather unenthusiastic introduction was written for a quite simple reason- this is exactly the same model as the “PZL P.24 in Greek service” released a year earlier (reviewed here also). In terms of moulded parts that is, because the decals are quite different, appropriate to the title of course.
Following in the manufacturer's footsteps, I also decided to use the previously prepared materials- hence the parts of this article may look suspiciously familiar.
The box
Packaging is standard for this manufacturer- top-opening, red bordered box (catalogue number 72525) with a nice illustration by Marcin Górecki.
Inside you will find a variety of frames, known also from P.11 kits. Total of eight grey plastic ones plus a transparent piece.
Beside that- decals, small PE fret with foil (universal for P.11 and P.24 models) and instruction manual.
Frames
Quick inspection of the moulded parts allows us to find the “Q” labelled sprue, which contains the fuselage halves and a few other elements characteristic for the “G” variant of P.24.
A strong feeling of déjà vu is evoked by sprues known from P.11 kits. Namely “B”, on which you can find the wheels.
“K” with plethora of transparencies.
“M” with a three-blade propeller and wheels in the fairings (not used this time).
“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 still a mystery to me (just like in the “Greek” edition).
Why? Because I really don’t know which part of it should be used in the build. According to the 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.
Even better than the Greek predecessor- this time I didn't find an unwanted tail gap. Looks like the naughty ejector pin has been taken care of.
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.
However there are still some slight irregularities in the horizontal bits.
As well as rather strange lack of design consistency in terms of radiators- separate parts in P.11’s, here integrated into the fuselage part.
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. This time we don't have to trim it.
On the same sprue we will also find elements for the cockpit interior. 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 element from the same sprue is the vertical stabilizer with a delicate grooving and riveting.
Rest of the elements we’ve already seen not only in “Greek” P.24 but also in P.11 kits. 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.
Fortunately we are not going to use them building the Turkish P.24g.
“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 cockpit cover for the miniature discussed here. 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.
IBG persistently omits instrument panels in PE sheets, providing only a flat plastic element and a decal, which in my opinion is just disappointing.
Decals
The markings sheet was printed by Polish Techmod and is the sole truly new part of this kit.
Here we can find the aforementioned instrument panel and propeller blades tips.
Note the two versions of the KTF logo- red and black. According to the model manufacturer's findings it was red, but if someone disagrees- the option is here.
The amount of side numbers indicates that we can choose from more than the two paint options presented on the box. But we will return to that later.
Red stripes for the boxart version are also on the sheet.
And last but not least- two versions of rudder markings, including one for those who prefer to paint the red background. Very nice touch.
Overall impression is really good. There are no colour shifts or other printing errors to be found.
Assembly manual
Brochure was prepared on the standard quality level for this manufacturer. Thick paper, colour, clear drawings.
Main wheels installation step was updated (compared to the Greek edition) and no longer mentions the option of using wheels in fairings. Those however still appear in the following drawings (trimmed air intake is there too). Slightly amusing oversight.
Painting instructions
In line with the set's title, there are only Turkish machines available, 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.
2x24?
At first glance the kit allows us to build P.24g in one of two painting variants. We have a distinctive, red striped machine with the side number 2136, shown on the boxart. According to the manual this is a P.24c, used as a prototype for P.24g production.
Kit painting option (IBG Models)The second option is a plane with more standard Turkish coating, side number 2140.
Kit painting option (IBG Models)But that is not all. Additional numbers from the decal sheet allow us to make also machines 2138, 2139 and 2141. So the choice is quite wide, although not in terms of colours. But this comes with the kit theme.
Summary
Well, this set is mostly a reheated dish, but with the new dressing it still looks quite tasty. Especially considering that this time you don't have to use those horrible wheels in fairings. However it would be nice to see other versions of P.24 eventually as well.
MMXX