New Korean War markings have been added to KP’s original tooling of the Po-2 biplane, re-released in fresh packaging by SMĚR, as CHRIS CLIFFORD reveals.
While ICM’s 2020 new tooling of the Polikarpov Po-2 may arguably be the gold standard for those modelling in 1/72, it has not stopped SMĚR from reissuing KP’s kit from 1975… albeit with new decals (item 0897). Sure, it’s obviously a product of its time but it’s still a perfectly viable option for modellers who enjoy working on vintage kits – adding their own flourishes of detail and extra refinement.
The KP Po-2 comes on three styrene runners, moulded in white here, with the detail (in some ways) actually being better than you’d expect for the mid-1970s. The model’s shape looks reasonably good, although as expected all panel line detail (apart from aileron/elevator demarcations) are via raised lines. There are so few on the fuselage, though, that sanding and re-scribing would be relatively simple if desired. Meanwhile, there are also raised lines on the upper and lower surfaces of both wings. Arguably, it may be best to simply sand these away completely and then use a half-round file to replicate the effect of stretched linen over internal framework – imparting a gentle chord…
