A feast of fine detail awaits anyone thinking of building ICM’s 1/72 U-2/Po-2 biplane.
For such a numerously built aircraft, the Soviet U-2/Po-2 is often overshadowed by more glamorous types. It certainly deserves attention, though, when the detail is as good as on this 1/72 kit by ICM. The U-2 (codenamed Mule by the West) first served as a trainer, but it soon found various other roles during Soviet Air Force employment in World War Two and beyond; it could double as a ground-attack machine, light transport and an ambulance. It was re-designated Po-2 in 1944, but early on received the nickname ‘Kukuruznik’ (maize, due to the type’s agricultural employment).
Above: Delicate detail enlivens the fuselage halves, which are also well appointed on
the inside.
Above: The square locating points on the lower wing centre are for the seat frames. Note the finely moulded walkway strips.
Ukraine’s ICM had already produced a 1/72 Po-2 in 2012-13, but this kit (72244) is an extension of the completely new tooling issued in 2020. ICM obviously thought it could do better with the past few years’ advances in design and moulding technology… and it has aced it!
This boxing offers two grey styrene runners and one in clear, and the detail is simply …
