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Yakovlev Yak-9DD ICM
Reviewed by Brett Green
The Yakovlev Yak-9DD was the ultra-long range variant of this successful fighter marque. With additional internal fuel capacity and lighter weapons, the Yak-9DD offered a range of over 2,000 kilometres.
ICM's latest addition to the 1/48 scale Yak family comprises 55 parts in dark green plastic, 2 parts in clear plastic and a decal sheet with three marking options. ICM's green plastic is good quality and smooth in texture. Parts detachment and cleanup will be straightforward due to the narrow sprue connection points. There is almost no flash present on my sample. Many of the parts wear a greasy coat of mould release agent. Thorough washing in warm soapy water should remedy this. Each fuselage half suffers from a couple of obvious sink marks around the cockpit opening and the wing root. A couple of ejector pin stubs on the inner gear doors should also be dealt with, but will be largely hidden by the gear legs and wheels. Panel lines, rivets and fastener detail is engraved. While not as fine as a Hasegawa kit, the detail is very consistent. Ribbed detail on the rear fuselage and flying surfaces looks convincing, while the wooden wings are appropriately featureless. Trailing edges of the wings will be a little thick. These will benefit from some thinning Unfortunately, the clear parts are not of the same quality. The bubble canopy is supplied in one part, and the plastic is quite thick with a noticeable texture. I would recommend a vacform replacement.
The kit scales out very close to the dimensions quoted in the instructions, although Mike Good has pointed to problems with the accuracy of the fuselage cross-section and wing profile. ICM's Yak-9DD bristles with features. Despite the small number of parts, the model includes an engine, co-axial cannon, optional-position engine covers, separate ailerons and positionable rudder. The tubular cockpit framing is represented by raised detail on the fuselage interior. The determined modeller will want to replace this with stock plastic or brass rod. The seat is quite nice, but the instrument panel is supplied as a decal - not totally really satisfactory in this large scale. The wheel wells are boxed in on the lower wing. I liked the attention to detail suggested by the tiny "gear down" indicators on the upper wing. Instructions take the form of an 8 page stapled booklet, with exploded view diagrams over nine steps. Colour callouts are made during each stage and all notes are supplied in Russian and English. The three decal options offer a variety of colour schemes and units:
This kit will suit a range of modellers. Its small number of parts and simple construction will appeal to less experienced modellers. It will be a nice looking model straight from the box. The determined detailer will want to add detail to the cockpit, replace the canopy and perhaps superdetail the engine. Either way, ICM's Yak09DD is an appealing subject that represents good value for money. Recommended. Thanks to ICM USA for the review sample Review and Images Copyright © 2000 by Brett
Green
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