Great box art - note the damaged port fin tip.
The main difference from earlier Trumpeter Flankers is the old-style tail boom (left)
You also get a set of early-style fins with the anti-flutter weights - as well as a set of 'standard' fins
.
The decal sheets provides two marking choices - including Lt Tsymbal's Flanker that collided with the P-3C Orion - Bort Red 36.
Early Flankers had a different nosewheel FOD guard - so it needs to be modified - using a wheel from the Airfix kit......
... a fairly easy change.
The instrument decals.
Front panel decal.
The kit seat and cockpit are quite adequate in this scale.....
I added a firing handle using fuse wire.
Auxiliary blow-in doors amended.
Two small exhauts from white plastic.
Engine nacelles painted.
Repacement Airfix/Heller hub at right.
I eventually modified the Trumpeter wheels.
Modified nosewheel door.
Trumpeter missed off the parabrake door hinges.
Damaged port fin tip.
The cockpit is quite good for a 1/72 scale kit - especially if the canopy is closed.
Tailplane actuator covers.
Ready for a coat of primer..
Painted and decalled.....
Ready for some slight weathering and a satin topcoat.
Underside view.
Top shot.
Corrected nosewheel.
Corrected mainwheel.
Damaged fin.
Lt Tsymbal's Su-27 after the incident with the P-3 Orion.
J-11B & Su-27 - showing the too-long noseleg on the Su-27.....
.... which is now corrected by shortening the leg.
Ken Duffey
March 2013