Introduction

The following introduction is as provided by ICM:

The Tu-2T aircraft was a variant of the serial Tu-2 bomber, upgraded as a naval torpedo aircraft. This modification was developed and tested in the spring of 1945. It was equipped with special holders that allowed the use of two torpedoes type 45-36AN. Torpedoes could be used for naval purposes both in turn and simultaneously. During a two-torpedo volley, a special device monitored the time interval of their discharge (torpedoes were dropped with an interval of 0.25 seconds).

It was also possible to use the aircraft as a bomber. It was able to carry a bomb load weighing up to 3,000 kilograms. Alternatively, the Tu-2T could be used to set up landmines.

Review

This offering from ICM arrives in the standard flip top cardboard tray with an additional card lid with the artwork on it. The sprues for the model are in a re-sealable plastic bag with the clear sprue in an additional bag packed with the sprues. The parts count is not that high but what there is looks free of any model issues; some flow marks can be seen but do not look or feel to have affected the finish of the parts. Access to the parts is good but some of the gates are a little on the larger size.

The cabin is a little bare but has enough detail for a 1/72nd scale model. Three crew figures have been provided with the bomb aimer being a little lack lustre in detail. As is usual the seats lack harness detail which is a weakness ICM seams to do a lot in their releases. Two very long spares are inserted inside the fuselage and should support the wings very well I believe. The engines only provide the face behind the propeller which is fair enough in this scale.

The fuselage is made up of six main mouldings which indicate to me that further releases are planned. Some ultra fine panel detail is present must notably on the wings, but I cannot help feeling that this detail will be hidden by a layer of paint unless very thin. Flight control surfaces have been provided as separate parts with the exception of the horizontal tail surface. A hole location has to be marked and drilled with ICM having provided the drill size needed.

The wings and engine nacelles are assembled on the model meaning that any filler needed in the upper wing joint can be added from below to protect the surface detail. The undercarriage detail is fair for 1/72nd scale but could of course be dressed up by the modeller. The glazing is of a good standard as are the defensive machine guns. The torpedoes are very pleasing for the scale and are a good aspect of the model.

ICM has provided three finishing options for the model and I am sold on the first offering with a three colour upper camouflage pattern. The options are:

Tu-2T, 5th Mine Torpedo Aviation Regiment, Black Sea Fleet, Second half of the 1940’s

Tu-2T, 25th Mine Torpedo Aviation Regiment, Bulgarian Air Force

Tu-2T, Pacific Fleet, Second half of the 1940’s

Conclusion

This is an interesting release from ICM of an aircraft I know nothing of. I am a little disappointed it is in 1/72nd scale rather than 1/48th but that is a want rather than a complaint. If the fit is as good as indicated and you are a good modeller with the paint this could be finished as a very high quality model.