1:48 Sukhoi Su-30SM

What the set solves

Injection-molded plastic has its limits: a part that should be genuinely thin in scale cannot be reliably produced in a mold, so elements that ought to be paper-thin in scale are made thicker. Photo-etched metal sheet does not have this limitation. The set is worked out for a model of the Su-30SM in 1:48 scale and replaces the parts where the difference in thickness shows most.

The real subject

The Su-30SM is the two-seat multi-role form of the heavy twin-engine combat aircraft derived from the Su-27 family. It has its seats in tandem and carries additional horizontal surfaces ahead of the wing. It is a large machine, so even in 1:48 scale the model takes up a respectable amount of room and the individual details on it stay clearly legible. It is precisely on large modern aircraft that it pays to give attention to thin elements, because the eye finds them easily on a wide surface.

Working with photo-etch

The parts are held on the fret by thin tabs. Cut them through with a sharp blade resting on a hard surface, because twisting will ripple the part. Make the bends along the marked groove over a straight edge or in a bending tool. They are glued with cyanoacrylate glue applied in a tiny amount, because any surplus spreads and clouds the surroundings. Before painting, wash and degrease the metal and give it a primer for metal surfaces, otherwise the finish flakes off during handling. Small parts are easier to paint while still on the fret, where they cannot fly away and can be held by the edge. Have fine-tipped tweezers ready and work over a mat with a raised edge.

Terms of supply

The aircraft model, paints, glue and tools are not included, unless stated otherwise.