Streem 1/72nd Su-24M By Matt Bittner

The Kit

The Streem Su-24M is one of the most complex kits I have ever seen - if not the most complex. The way the parts are broken up means there will be a lot of dry fit required. However, don't let that dissuade you from purchasing and building this kit. While it does consist of approximately 121 injected molded parts - with 7 clear plastic for the canopy section - those parts are very well cast and the detail is phenomenal. Rivets and panel lines are too scale and extremely well done. There are two specific schemes catered for on the decal sheet - unfortunately I don't know the squadrons - but there are extra numbers on the decal sheet so practically any machine from those squadrons can be built. Decals are very well done and in register.

The instructions have you assemble the cockpit first - the ejection seats themselves consist of five separate parts for each seat. Along with assembling the cockpit the nose gear and gear well is also built and both of those are glued into one forward nose section half. Streem doesn't indicate if any weight is needed for this to sit on its nose, but I would be surprised if it wouldn't be needed. The weight would be better installed into the forward nose prior to assembling the nose halves.

The next section of the instructions assembles the mid and rear fuselage. This too includes adding the landing gear prior to gluing the halves together. While it means painting will be difficult, I can't see how the gear would be added after the halves are assembled.

Now comes construction of the most complex part of an already complex model. This is the assembling of the wings and the wing movement mechanism. Not only does Streem allow for the wings to move, but it also provides parts to allow the ordnance racks to swivel when the wings move (keep in mind the Su-24 is a swing-wing design). This is so the racks are parallel with the fuselage as the wings are moved. You could just glue it all together and be done with it, but I think it would be a neat feature to actually have everything work.

Once all the parts for the swing mechanism are in place then everything needs to be installed into the middle fuselage section. This would be a good place to have three - instead of two - hands. Again, assuming you want the swing mechanism to work. Now that all of the center section is together it's time to bring the whole model together - front nose section mated with the middle and rear section. This includes assembling the clear pieces and again, the main section of the canopy is designed to move open and closed. It might again be easier just to glue it all together and be done with it.

The last part of construction is adding all the external bumps, racks and everything else. Some might be better left until after painting, though.

Conclusion

As I originally said, this is a complex model in terms of assembly. However, the level of detail is fantastic and must be seen. Also, it has been selling out quickly at the two "western" shops I know that carry it - Hannants and Linden Hill Imports. So, there is definitely a desire for this kit. I see on the Linden Hill Imports site that the NeOmega resin cockpit will fit this kit - in addition, there are Equipage wheels for the Su-24. You could make a very highly detailed model using these aftermarket pieces (although building it out of the box will result in an awesome model as well). The Streem Su-24M is definitely recommended.