We think it is safe to say that the aircraft which epitomized the former Soviet bomber force was the Bear. A massive aircraft with four huge turboprop engines driving equally large contraprops, this was the plane that could always be found far from home, shadowing the US fleet. Fifty years after entering service, the Bear soldiers on as the world's first and only turboprop bomber.

A few years ago Trumpeter released a 1/72 Bear which was well received by many, but there were just as many who really liked the kit but had no idea where to put such a huge model after they finished it. Now Trumpeter has graced us with a more reasonably-sized version, and it is still big! Even in this scale, we're talking about a 14 inch (35 cm) wingspan and length. That is bigger than some 1/48 fighters! But not only is the size impressive, so is the detail. We are given a fully-detailed flight deck, intricate landing gear and all the bumps, bulges and antennae that make the Bear look so business-like. Markings are for one Russian aircraft and one Ukranian aircraft.