Scale Plastic & Rail

1:48 R-27R/R1, AA-10 Alamo-A from Eduard

1:48 R-27R/R1, AA-10 Alamo-A
Eduard, BRASSIN Range
Catalogue # 648043
Available from Eduard for €11,25

The name AA-10 Alamo is the NATO codename for the Russian made R-27 series of medium range, air to air missiles, built by the Vympel company, based near Moscow. Typically used with MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft, the R-27 is manufactured with three different guidance systems. The R-27T is an infrared homing missile, while the R-27R has semi-active radar homing avionics. The third type is the R-27AE, with active homing radar systems. The R-27 Missile was introduced in 1983 and is also license built in the People's Republic of China. Through export, countries such as North Korea, India, Syria and Poland use them, to name but a few.

Eduard have had to package their resin R-27 missile set in their larger cardboard BRASSIN box due to the length of this missile, whereas previously the clear bubble-pack had been used. Within the box, FOUR packets of resin and ONE packet of photo etch parts are packed into zip-lock bags, safely nestled in between several pieces of protective foam.

A total of TWENTY-EIGHT pieces of dark grey resin make up the main R-27 missiles themselves, with a further FOUR pieces of 'Bonus' resin included so that the modeller may remove the cast warhead from each missile and replace it with a part which I'm unsure as to whether is a different warhead type, or perhaps a storage cover. No indication is given on the instructions to exactly the purpose of these parts, but minimal surgery will be required to fit them, and this is clearly indicated. These bonus parts are cast onto a communal block, with resin defenders on each side to protect the parts between them.

The missiles themselves are nicely cast, with minimal flash on some of the rear fins, and a small casting block at the base too, which are easily removed.

Four steering/guidance vanes are fitted per missile, and these are supplied, 4 to a casting block, with a spare casting block of these supplied, in case you lose any. Eduard have been very thoughtful in this respect with their recent BRASSIN missile sets. Again, casting is clean and parts are easily removed due to minimal connection to the communal casting block. Each casting block has resin defenders at each side, again, to protect the parts cast between them.

Two different types of pylon adapter rail are included with this release, with the option being clearly shown on the instructions. These are cast with one rail per casting block, and thin attachment parts to ensure easy removal. Detail on these parts is excellent and very crisp.

To further enhance the resin parts, a small photo etch fret is included, carrying a number of pre-painted parts, painted both front and rear. The coloured parts are mainly concerned with the 3 safety tags which are fitted to the adapter rail whilst the aircraft is grounded. A small number of data plates are also provided in pre-painted metal. The remainder of the photo etch parts include brackets for the adapter rails, and also a set of rectangular plates for each missile, which wrap around the font of the missile to the fore of the steering vanes.

Instructions are supplied on a single, small sheet, with clear line drawings, and the use of colour to denote both newly added parts and those that need to be removed for modification.  No colour guidance is given, however, and  you will need to check your references.

So what do we think?
I personally feel that these BRASSIN missile sets are beautifully made, and this is no exception. I also think they represent excellent value for money. My only criticism is the lack of colour notation, and the purpose of the bonus parts, but as I've said, with a little research you will no doubt fathom that, and indeed you may already have that knowledge.

Highly recommended.

Our sincere thanks to Eduard for the review sample used here. To purchase this directly, click THIS link.

James H