Don Schmenk 1/144 Yak-9P/U
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Introduction
When it comes to 1/144 scale, there has been an explosion of available
subjects in recent years. While mainstream companies like Revell,
Dragon, and Trumpeter have released popular subjects, smaller resin manufacturers
have tackled the more unusual types. Don Schmenk is one of those
manufacturers helping to fill the holes left by the bigger manufacturers.
He does the resin casting while others provide the masters. For example,
this Yak-9P/U was mastered by Terry Patrick from the UK, and Don casts
other models that have been mastered by other people.
The Kit
 There
are only five parts to this model. The entire airframe, cast as a single,
solid resin piece; the prop/spinner combination; two main landing gear;
and the tail wheel. That's it! Since the canopy is a piece of opaque resin
cast with the rest of the airframe there are no cockpit pieces and no
canopy to worry about. The resin is decent enough, but you will want to
sand the main airframe as the resin isn't smooth and there could be some
very small pinholes to fill (but not too many - I think I counted two
or three on my example). In addition, prior to painting you'll want to
spray a primer coat, if nothing else to have the paint a good surface
to stick to.
There are no decals but the photocopied (to 1/144th) plans that accompany
the kit has some tonal drawings that show some schemes. You'll just have
to track down and/or make your own decals for this model.
The other item of interest is the lack of wheel wells. Again, since
this is a solid piece of resin for the entire airframe it isn't suprising.
In addition, you'll need to add your own panel lines, if something like
that interests you. Once you're done sanding the resin you'll eliminate
practically all panel lines, including the aileron joints. Personally
the panel lines and the wheel wells are the only things I plan on adding
to this model as I plan to make a small vignette with it with the canopy
covered in a tarp.
 Conclusion
Don't let the fact these are mainly one-piece resins scare you off.
Don has an excellent list of aircraft you won't find elsewhere in 1/144th
and these are superb ways of starting. There have been some people that
have taken a Don Schmenk kit and produced some quite stunning models from
them. All it takes is time, patience and modeling skill.
Don has quite an extensive list available. Visit his
website, click on his email address and send him a request to see
the list. There are some models that come with ALPS-generate decals while
others have can be used with commercially available decals. His list explains
it all. |
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