The Yer-2 began life as an airliner but was converted to a strategic bomber for the Soviet Air Force.

Despite its potential, Russian focus on tactical aircraft during World War II meant this strategic bomber never showed its worth.

The prototype Yer-2 first flew in 1937 and the first bomber version flew in June 1940.

After 128 had been manufactured the German invasion disrupted production.

A few were used in bombing raids on Berlin but most were lost in the early months of fighting.

A diesel engined version was produced in 1944 and, by 1946, 391 had been produced, but they made little contribution to the Russian war effort.

This model represents a Yermolayev Yer-2 of the 329th Aviation Regiment, Soviet Air Force, in the summer of 1945.

AModel 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in December 2006.