1:48 Sukhoi Su-27UB

The real subject

The Su-27UB is the two-seat combat trainer version of the Su-27 heavy fighter. The seats are one behind the other, the rear one set higher for the instructor's view, and the machine therefore has a taller spine than the single-seat version. It kept the full armament and range, so it was not a mere trainer but a fully capable combat aircraft.

What photo-etched metal brings

Photo-etched parts are made by chemically etching an outline out of thin metal sheet. They therefore hold a thickness injection-molded plastic can never have, and they suit everywhere the subject is made of sheet: instrument panels, seat belts, grilles, covers and small grab handles. On a fighter in 1:48 scale the difference shows mainly in the cockpit and in the places a viewer looks at first. Which parts the set contains and where they belong is given in the supplied instructions.

How to work with photo-etched metal

• cut the part off with a sharp blade on a hard surface, do not break it out
• level what remains of the tab with a fine file
• make the bends over a straight edge or in a bender, so that they are sharp and straight
• glue with superglue in a tiny quantity, as cement for polystyrene will not join metal
• before painting, wash the metal, degrease it and lay down a primer for metal
• prepare the small parts over a tray, not over a carpet

Who it is for

For builders who want to take the cockpit and the surface of a model beyond the contents of the box and have the patience for work with tweezers. On a large two-seat machine the time spent comes back.

Terms of supply

A set of photo-etched parts is supplied. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.