1/48 Accurate Miniatures IL-2 Stormovik

by Rafi Ben-Shahar

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The IL-2 Stormovik represents much of the Russian spirit characterized by ruggedness and durability. And temporary winter camouflage adorns this aircraft with the atmosphere that prevailed in the Eastern Front.

Accurate Miniature's Stormovik is a nice representation of this historically important aircraft. However, no matter how well the model is finished, it retains its clumsy appearance. The nicely engraved panel lines and detailed cockpit are dwarfed in relation to the large flying surfaces and emphasize the over all crud appeal of the aircraft. 

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I converted AM's skis version to a normal undercarriage form. The emphasis in this model was on the erosion of the temporary white paint coat. After the completion of the typical camouflage using enamel paints, I applied an oil based white paint using airbrush and a brush. The turpentine based paint can be whipped or diluted without disrupting the base camouflage layer. The preference of oil paints is based on the ease of application and the attainment of wash effects without much difficulty that also resembles the real effects of paint erosion.

Rafi

Photos and text © by Rafi Ben-Shahar