Sukhoi Su-6 AM-42

Valom

Reviewed by Brett Green

Valom's 1/72 scale Su-6 AM-42 is available online from Squadron.com

The Sukhoi Su-6 was the prototype design rival to the famous Il-2 Stormovic. The initial Su-6 was to be powered by the massive but trouble-plagued M-71 radial engine. In the event, the Il-2 entered production before the problems with its rival were ironed out.

The Soviet State Defence Committee were looking for a replacement for the highly successful Stormovic by 1943, and Sukhoi updated their original design with the installation of the AM-42 12 cylinder in-line engine. A newly designed wing and alternate armament were also fitted, but the Sukhoi once again lost the contract to Bureau Ilyushin.

Six Su-6s were thought to have been completed and flown.

As each year goes by, more Soviet subjects appear on the shelves of our model shops. Valom's debut offering, the Su-6 AM-42, adds to the Soviet aircraft enthusiast's range of available aircraft.

44 parts in grey styrene are attached to a single sprue. These parts fall into the category of "limited run" - there are no locating pins or tabs - but the overall quality of the plastic is good. The sprue attachment points are quite narrow too, minimising the risk of damaging the soft plastic parts during removal.

The detail on the parts is quite good, especially the single UBT 12.7mm rear mounted machine gun. Panel lines are engraved and a pretty good. They look marginally wide on the raw plastic but they will likely look better under a coat of paint. Fabric texture on the control surfaces is very well done.

Fine detail parts are supplied on a small photo-etched fret. These details include gunsight, harness, the strap for the hapless standing rear gunner, intake grill, bomb fins and sway braces plus undercarriage doors. This instrument panel is also supplied in half-relief with the instruments in clear acetate. Side consoles are photo-etched parts too.

The vacform canopy is clear and well moulded. A spare is provided in case of an errant scalpel. Markings are limited to six red stars.

The instructions start with a helpful history of the type in Czech, English and German. Construction is called out over six simple steps. Colour references are made to Humbrol, Agama, Revell and Model Master paints.

This is a nice looking package of an unusual subject. Being a limited run kit, extra time spent in preparation and test fitting should result in a good looking and well detailed model.

Recommended.