1:48 R-33 air—to-air missile

R-33 air-to-air guided missile 1:48 (RESArm)

This set holds 3D-printed resin replicas of the R-33 guided missile in 1:48 scale. It is not an airplane kit but an aftermarket accessory for external stores, with which you replace the coarser plastic missiles from the box and markedly raise the fidelity of the model.

The real subject

The R-33 (NATO reporting name AA-9 Amos) is a Soviet, or rather Russian, long-range air-to-air guided missile, intended above all for the heavy MiG-31 interceptor. It serves to destroy air targets at long range and is carried by the fuselage of the aircraft in semi-recessed bays.

Use and building tips

• First wash the parts clean of uncured print resin residue and separate them carefully from the print supports.
• Glue with super glue (cyanoacrylate); ordinary cement for plastic does not hold on resin.
• Do the sanding and cleaning up with respiratory protection, ideally wet.
• Lay down a primer before painting; the metallic and white shades on the missiles come out well after fine emphasis of the panels.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building fighter aircraft in 1:48 scale who want realistic external stores.
• Collectors who appreciate the fineness of 3D printing over the plastic from the box.

The accessory is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package.