Flying Tank: 1/48th Accurate Miniatures IL-2m3 Stormovik

When Accurate Miniatures first released their Il-2m3 in 1997, it created quite the buzz in the model making community as it represented the first time a modern injection mold Stormovik was produced in a 1/48th scale kit. They went on to release a single seat version, as well as a single seat Il-2 on skis.

Notable Kit Features:

• Comprehensive, well planned instructions with paint references to 7-paint types

• Kit dimensions appear to be to scale

• Nicely detailed cockpit with raised details throughout (decals for seatbelts)

• Well designed clear instrument panel provides great look when finished (with decal provided which applies to the backside of the clear panel to show dials)

• Overall excellent parts fit (with minor exceptions)

• Fine panel lines with well detailed surface components

• Wing spar structure included in kit

• Nice gear detail with weighted or un-weighted main tires

• Clear and relatively thin glass canopy parts

• Well fitting canopy parts can be open or closed

• Bombs, rockets and optional gun-pods provided

  
  

Build Inspiration:

As this was the most highly produced aircraft of WWII I thought I needed at least one 1/48th Accurate Miniatures IL-2m3 Stormovik in my collection on that note alone. I was rather late to the party picking this one up, but then managed to acquire an Accurate Miniatures Il-2 single seater version as well. The markings contained in the box were of the 566 ShAP on the Leningrad front (Summer 1944) with the inscription "Mest za Khristenko (Avenge for Khristenko) in reference to Lt. R. Khristenko of the 999 Battle Group (KIA Spring 1944). The Lenigrad skyline is featured in the forward inscription "Za Leningrad".

Heads-Up Report:

This kit has few vices, providing for a relatively stress-free build

• Some injector pin marks in visible areas need to be removed (Intake)

• Cockpit assembly is a tight fit into fuselage

• Ensure nose section is properly aligned to avoid problem or gaps when adding wing

• You may want to go off-script in the fuselage to wing fit process. I believe I did the following order: Glue the upper wing parts to the fuselage halves. Let dry, then snap in the cockpit and add the lower center wing section. Attach the cowling onto the section of upper wing. Lastly, attach the lower outer wing sections.

• Control surfaces all molded in neutral

  
  

Kit Additions / Modifications:

No aftermarket used

Finishing:

Finding exact colour matches for VVS aircraft is quite the challenge (as it was for Japanese types and others) so I went with some recent best guesses. The paint scheme for this aircraft is a slightly more labour intensive 3-colour upper camouflage (I went with Dark Gray 36118 / Earth Brown 30118 Dark Green 34097) over Russian Underside Blue (35414) lower surfaces... So get ready to break out the masking tape... a few times. Weathering is in order for these heavily utilized "Tank-Buster" types. I used my standard variation of colour tone during the spray paint process, to fade the original colours somewhat. I later darkened some panel line and touch-up areas. (I was too easy on my weathering on this one, so it must be relatively new at the front.) Keep in mind on IL-2m3's the rear fuselage and tail surfaces were wood, as were the outer wings until mid 1944 (so no aluminum chipping marks on these areas).

The After-Build Report:

For a WWII model, beginners may find the 1/48th Accurate Miniatures IL-2m3 Stormovik parts count and precise assembly process a bit challenging (as well as the paint scheme). For intermediate or more patient builders, this kit shouldn't present a problem you can't maneuver around. Despite its age, I would still recommend this 1/48th Accurate Miniatures IL-2m3 Stormovik kit as a great way to get this type on your display shelf.

This dual seater has been reboxed by Eduard in 2006 (with the usual extra add-ins) as well as by Italeri in 2007, featuring several decal options. AM's single seater versions were also reboxed by Academy and Revell. If you can't find these varieties Tamiya and Zvezda also have fairly recent offerings of this type.

Completed build #209 - October 2017 using the 1/48th scale Accurate Miniatures #3407 kit.

Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers