Hi Gang,
This is my last acquisition from GPM Poland. This is my go-to site at the moment for printed kits because of their large range and excellent service.
I don't know the history or provenance of this kit, whether it is new or a reprint, perhaps someone here can enlighten me. But, it is part of the new Flymodel blue series. I ordered this because I have been after a Karas kit for a few years now. So, I was most surprised when it arrived in the post! more of this later.
The kit arrived in a large, sturdy, cardboard box, covered in plastic to keep out the elements. I took receipt of it four days after ordering. GPM up to their excellent service again.
The kit was 72PLN and took the trouble to order the vac-form canopy as well for 15 PLN. This worked out at £17, with £10 for postage and packing.
So what do you get? Instruction and history come if a variety of languages including English. Two artworks of a Pzl 11 are included. These are very worthy of framing, a lovely bonus.
The instructions are very comprehensive with a combination of written and exploded/isometric/3 view drawings. The printing of the kit is very crisp on sturdy card of 0.2mm thickness (160 gsm) in A3 format.
So, my surprise? You get two full kits in Polish and Hungarian markings along with two set of laser-cut frames. That's one for each kit! £27 for two highly detailed, large-scale models. I almost feel sorry for the plastic community.
The only disappointment I had was with the vac-form canopy. You get the pilot and observer stations, but not the ventral tub or prominent landing light covers. The add-on does come with a sheet of clear film and as the ventral glazing is in flat sections this should do the job nicely. However, the landing light covers will have to be crash-formed. I suppose I could cope with that.
My stash is growing at an alarming rate! I have managed to come up with a build plan for this year which is three medium builds and the Karas is number two at the moment.
So, what are you waiting for, go and buy one! Can't wait to get started.
All the best and happy modelling.
Bernie