Minwing 1/144 Yakovlev Yak-38U Forger B
By Matt Bittner
Overview
The Yakovlev Yak-38U (NATO reporting name: Forger-B) is the two-seat conversion trainer variant of the Soviet Navy's first operational VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) strike fighter, the Yak-38 Forger. The Yak-38 had three engines, the main one providing horizontal thrust, and the two smaller ones used to provide the VTOL. There were only 38 Yak-38Us made and all flew with the USSR, providing training to pilots that flew the single-seat Yak-38.
The Kit
The Miniwing 1/144 Yak-38U consists of 18 pieces of black, 3D printed resin and one clear, 3D printed, closed canopy. Markings are for only one Yak-38U, "Yellow 20". Decals are nicely done but be aware on a single piece of decal film so each will need to be cut out separately. There are two options provided in the kit: the wing tips can be either "flat" or "folded"; and the vertical-thrust engine compartment can be displayed opened or closed.
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My plan of attack is to glue everything I can to the airframe first but keep the cockpit out. Then I'll prime everything at once, paint the cockpit, glue that inside the fuselage and after adding the one-piece canopy (and masking it) then start with the regular painting. Note that Miniwing doesn't provide masks with their 3D printed kits, but they do provide true-size templates on the instruction sheet. Cut out the larger section with the templates on it, apply that to tape, then cut each design from there. Now you have masks for the canopy.
After the main painting then gloss the model, add the decals and glue everything else into place. Follow that with a final overcoat of your choice.
Conclusion
I have one of Small Scale Shops single-seat Yak-38s and because of the material used by Shapeways at the time, is not the best printed model; in fact, it's near horrid. But the model's design is sound - even though I feel the landing gear is a bit "clunky" - so the design translates well into the current 3D printing technology. Another model that shouldn't take a long time to build. Know that you can buy this kit on the Miniwing E-Shop page.