This is now finished...................
I enjoyed the Zvezda MSTA-S. The parts were crisply moulded, no flash, and the fit was very good. The instructions could be a little clearer in places, but dry fitting, and a little thought, will solve any problems. The most problematical area is the shell hoist on the back of the turret, I think Zvezda tried to replicate the mechanism too well! It's too fragile, and I had to replace a few bits by metal rod, to give it strength. I made it folded, but if you made it extended, and in use, I think that would make it worse!
The AK Real Colors, which I had not used before worked nicely, once I had worked out the thinning ratio, about 4-5:1, higher than other acrylics. I did a camo version, from pictures on the 'net. Zvezda only show all green versions.
I got the Zvezda MSTA-S for £22.95 a few months ago - a very good discount. I haven't seen the Trumpeter 2S19 in the flesh ( same thing, different designation! ), but the price is MUCH, MUCH higher. No doubt it is much more sophisticated, but I think the Zvezda offering is very good!, and looks the part! If any modeller is considering this, I would recommend it highly.
Thanks for dropping by - my construction of the 1/48 Mig-25 Foxbat B will start shortly.
Dave
I enjoyed the Zvezda MSTA-S. The parts were crisply moulded, no flash, and the fit was very good. The instructions could be a little clearer in places, but dry fitting, and a little thought, will solve any problems. The most problematical area is the shell hoist on the back of the turret, I think Zvezda tried to replicate the mechanism too well! It's too fragile, and I had to replace a few bits by metal rod, to give it strength. I made it folded, but if you made it extended, and in use, I think that would make it worse!
The AK Real Colors, which I had not used before worked nicely, once I had worked out the thinning ratio, about 4-5:1, higher than other acrylics. I did a camo version, from pictures on the 'net. Zvezda only show all green versions.
I got the Zvezda MSTA-S for £22.95 a few months ago - a very good discount. I haven't seen the Trumpeter 2S19 in the flesh ( same thing, different designation! ), but the price is MUCH, MUCH higher. No doubt it is much more sophisticated, but I think the Zvezda offering is very good!, and looks the part! If any modeller is considering this, I would recommend it highly.
Thanks for dropping by - my construction of the 1/48 Mig-25 Foxbat B will start shortly.
Dave
