1:32 AIM-9D "Sidewinder" missile (4 pcs)

The real subject

The Sidewinder is an American air-to-air guided missile with infrared guidance, that is, one that finds its target by the heat it radiates. The AIM-9D version was among the armament of American airplanes in the 1960s. The missile is slim, and on a model it consists above all of a smooth body, forward control surfaces and rear stabilizing surfaces.

What the set contains

The set brings four pieces of the missile in 1:32 scale, as the name states. Additional missiles suit places where a kit offers only a simplified shape, or where you want to put together a different arrangement of stores under the wings from the one the manufacturer had in mind. Whether pylons and launch rails are included as well is stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

How to work with the parts

The parts are not polystyrene, so they are bonded with cyanoacrylate glue. Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder down, so that the body of the missile stays smooth and straight. Wash and degrease the parts before painting, otherwise the paint will not hold on the surface. The thin surfaces at the ends of the body are fragile, so hold them while sanding and do not work against them. Compare the placing of the missiles under the wings with photographs of the real subject, as the arrangement of stores differs from machine to machine and from period to period.

• 1:32 scale, four pieces in the package
• the AIM-9D guided missile of the Sidewinder family
• the parts are not polystyrene; they are bonded with cyanoacrylate glue
• the parts have to be washed and degreased before painting
• the extent of the set is given in the manufacturer's instructions

Who it is for

The set is for modelers who put their stores together to suit a particular subject and are not content with what is in the box. The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.