SPA Modeler

I can see the pics from post images.

I had to look the type up. I guess that this is the Chinese made version of the IL-28 Beagle

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Wed Oct 01, 2025 10:55 pm I had to look the type up. I guess that this is the Chinese made version of the IL-28 Beagle

Yes, H-5 was an unlicensed Chinese copy of the Ilyushin IL-28 Beagle. The most significant difference from the Beagle is the tail turret, which was copied from the Tu-16. Trumpeter also makes a Beagle but you have to cut the tail to change the turret for that version.

I have been test fitting the fuselage. Overal the fit of this kit is mediocre, you need to test and adjust before committing to glue parts. And although the pilot now fits in his seat his head is almost fully in the fuselage. I doubt that this was the case in the real aircraft.

Nice to see some progress Borg!

What glue did you use to stick those weights in with?

I use PVA glue, it doesn’t attack the plastic or the lead.

Gel CA glue works great also. Or thin CA with Accelerator.

After gluing the fuselage halves together, the pilot actually ended up sitting very deep inside. His head and seat should really be sticking out more, but oh well, I'll have to live with it.
Masking the windows was quite a chore. There are already 19 panes just on the nose. Also, the cockpit canopy sits loose on the fuselage. There's absolutely no guide for placement, so aligning those three pieces straight was difficult.
In any case, careful building is essential with this kit. That's how I was able to avoid using a lot of putty.
Everything has now been sanded and puttied. I like to use Infini sanding sponges up to 2500 grit. They are a really great product.

You are doing amazing work with this. I cannot imagine masking this, freehand I assume. Wow!

Nice work! That's a lot of masking.

Almost ready for painting. What sort of scheme do you have planned for this?