When Accurate Miniatures arrived on the modeling scene it immediately set a high-standard of model kits with detailed instructions including a paint reference chart and some research material. Not perfect, but noticeably impressive with a focus on follow the directions and you'll arrive spot on. The Yak-1b was released in 1998 with all sprues bagged separately; a false bottom which contained clear parts and decals, packed in an nice box complete with photos of the actual kit.
Notable Kit Features:
Detailed cockpit with framework, switches and dials
Beautifully clear multi-piece canopy which can be posed open or closed
Fine recessed panel lines, fasteners and rivet details
Styrene fuel filler caps on wings
Separate ailerons
Positionable radiator flap
Detailed landing gear
Separate wheel hubs & tires (great help at the painting stage)
Choice of weighted or unweighted main wheels
Underwing drop tanks
Detailed underwing rocket rails with rockets
Build Inspiration:
I had heard good things about the Accurate Miniatures kits however, by the time I got on-board the company was in some trouble and ultimately didn't survive. Luckily I have since been able to acquire a number of their kits and built this one in the markings of Sergei Lugansky, CO of the 152 Guards Fighter Regiment (37 kills). These Accurate Miniatures molds ended up with Eduard who released an upgraded version with their excellent etched parts in 2006 & 2015. Zvezda also released their version of this kit more recently in 2019.
Heads-Up Report:
Problem fitting oil cooler under the nose (maybe just me)
Under-wing intake required some work to fit (apparently this intake is inaccurate, being too small, round and flush, as well as missing the splitter plate. Eduard's version of this kit corrected this issue.)
Wing-tip lights are poor fit (which is why they aren't present... noticed during the photo shoot - I need to return to fix these.)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
A Beauty right out of the box :)
End Result:
The After-Build Report on this kit is that I would highly recommend it for an experienced modeler. The level of detail is great right out of the box (and the Eduard release with photo-etch should be brilliant, if you like that extra detail). The detailed step-by-step instructions provide good guidance as well as a clever read.
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 suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers