1:48 JAS-39 Gripen

The real subject

The JAS-39 Gripen is a Swedish multi-role combat aircraft with a canard layout, that is with a small horizontal surface ahead of the main delta wing. The abbreviation in its designation refers to the three roles it was designed for: fighter, attack and reconnaissance. The aircraft was created with an emphasis on operation from short and improvised strips and on rapid turnaround between flights, so it has fairly compact dimensions and a clean shape with no needless protrusions.

What the set contains

This is a set of photo-etched metal parts for a model in 1:48 scale. Etched sheet is markedly thinner than plastic, so it suits items that in reality are a few millimeters thick and in plastic inevitably come out disproportionately heavy. Which parts of the model the set covers and which kit it is tied to are given in the instructions enclosed by the maker.

Building and painting tips

Hold the fret on a hard surface and separate the parts with a sharp blade; sand the remains of the tab with a fine file so that the part sits flush. Make the bends over the edge of a steel ruler in one stroke, because repeated bending fatigues the metal and the part snaps. Before painting, wash and degrease the metal and give it a primer made for metal. It is bonded with super glue, and on larger parts with two-part epoxy, which gives more time for alignment.

• 1:48 scale, photo-etched metal parts for the JAS-39 Gripen
• thin sheet where a plastic part comes out too thick
• the parts are separated with a sharp blade, not with pliers
• bends over the edge of a ruler or in a bender
• metal needs degreasing and a primer made for metal

Who it is for

Working with photo-etched parts assumes tweezers, a sharp blade and a calm hand; this is not a first model. For a modeler who has already worked with metal parts, though, the set offers detail that cannot be achieved in plastic.

Terms of supply

The model of the aircraft, paints, glue and tools are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.