Tamiya 60781 - 1:72 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik

Plastic model kit of the Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik ground-attack aircraft in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60781 depicts the IL-2 Shturmovik – the most important Soviet ground-attack aircraft of the Second World War. A defining feature of the machine was armour integrated into the airframe, protecting the cockpit, engine and fuel tanks, so that the aircraft survived hits that would have been fatal to others. The model represents the late, two-seat version with a rear gunner and outer wing sections swept back 15°.

The kit is from new Tamiya tooling. It offers a generous fit and allows various underwing loadouts. The decals finish the aircraft in one of three Soviet air force schemes.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Two-seat cockpit with rear gunner and detailed wheel wells
• Two types of 23 mm cannon fairings
• 100 and 250 kg bombs and three types of rails for RS-132 rockets
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (Soviet air force)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60781
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 162 mm, wingspan: 203 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a new Tamiya tooling it features good parts fit and approachable assembly. Before gluing, plan the underwing loadout (bombs or rockets). Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage.

IL-2s usually wore a dark green-and-black camouflage on top over a light blue underside, often with white winter markings or colourful propaganda slogans. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a matt or satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all three schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik:

The IL-2 was the most prolifically produced military aircraft in history – over 36,000 examples were built. Nicknamed the 'flying tank' by Soviet soldiers, it attacked armoured columns, artillery and troop concentrations from low level.

Production of the single-seat version began in 1941, but heavy losses prompted the development of a two-seat variant with a rear gunner defending the aircraft against attacks from behind. The later version, with outer wing sections swept back 15°, improved its flying qualities. Together with the T-34 tank, the IL-2 became a symbol of the Soviet war effort.

Original aircraft specifications (IL-2, two-seat version):

• Length: approx. 11.6 m
• Wingspan: approx. 14.6 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 6,360 kg
• Powerplant: Mikulin AM-38F inline engine (V12, liquid-cooled), approx. 1,720 hp
• Max speed: approx. 410 km/h
• Armament: two 23 mm cannon and wing machine guns, a flexible gunner's machine gun; bombs and RS-132 rockets
• Crew: 2 (pilot and gunner)
• Feature: armour integrated into the airframe

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.