Dead White Matt

Sukhoi Su-6 AM-42 1:72 - Valom

Injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet ground-attack aircraft Sukhoi Su-6 AM-42 from Valom in 1:72 scale. It is a short-run kit intended rather for more experienced modelers; it typically comes with photo-etched and clear parts as well. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted, and the exact contents of the package follow the enclosed instructions.

The real subject

The Su-6 was a Soviet single-engine ground-attack aircraft developed during the Second World War as a possible replacement for the famous Ilyushin Il-2. It was powered by the powerful AM-42 engine and the machine was meant to offer better flight performance as well as armor protection. Only a handful of prototypes were completed, however, and the type never reached series production, which makes it an interesting rarity of aviation history.

Building and painting tips

With short-run kits, expect more demanding cleaning up of the parts, work on the sprue gates and continuous dry-fitting before gluing. Fit the photo-etched and clear parts with cyanoacrylate glue. Finish the cockpit before closing the fuselage; an airbrush suits the Soviet green-gray schemes, the panel lines can be picked out with a wash and the surface evened out with a matte clear coat.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Soviet aviation of the Second World War
• For anyone interested in prototypes and rarities of aviation history
• For more experienced modelers used to short-run kits
• For lovers of 1:72 scale

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.