- Kit / Product: T-50 7275
- Scale: 1:72
Reviewed by Es George
Initial assessment:
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What we have here is a solid box, with nice art, proudly proclaiming that it’s the Russian Fifth Generation Fighter, and that it’s produced under the licence of Sukhoi Company. The parts are loosely packed though, but fortunately, the clear sprue and decals are packed separately.
You get 5 sprues in all, two of which contain the almost complete upper and lower fuselage sections, and there are 75 parts in total, including a stand.
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The shape looks right and as Zvezda are quick off the mark with a prototype, they can be excused, perhaps, not getting everything spot on. Interior detail is light and there are no weapons bays, nor any detail in the nose wheel bay. You do though get a full set of intakes, with compressor fan detail, and relatively deep exhausts.
Construction will be simplified by the one-piece fuselage/wing pieces, and I like the fact that the wing trailing edges are inset on the lower section, which will make fitting easier. However, care will be needed in joining the wing leading edges.
Panel lines are very light and could well disappear under a couple of coats of paint. The decals are provided for the instrument panels and side consoles, which though fine for the scale, will be very visible under the crystal clear canopy. The seat is a good representation of the K-36, and you get the option of leaving it bare for the supplied seated pilot figure, or using moulded straps, although these may be slightly over-scale. 
Some really finely cast pieces are included. These include parts for the cockpit and a very nice ladder to go with the alternative standing pilot figure. However, the nose probe lacks the various vanes.
Instructions are over 10 stages, plus painting, and are clear, with Russian and English text. Model Master references are used for painting. Only one scheme is offered, which is a splinter pattern (quite nice to be fair); there are photos of this on the box side. The decal sheet is small, and lacks stencil and walkway decals.
Overall, a simple kit and the first mainstream option of this very interesting fighter. Whilst sparse in detail in some areas, what is there is very well done and it should build up, quickly, into a nice model. The retail is around £16, which is certainly good compared to some Far East offerings of late, and it already appears to sell well, perhaps more for the subject than the kit itself, if that makes sense. I’m looking forward to seeing how it makes up, and would certainly recommend it.
Es G.