1:32 Modern NATO Fighter Pilot

The real subject

The gear of a fighter pilot today is a complex piece of equipment in itself. The helmet with a hinged visor holds the oxygen mask, a survival vest with a harness sits on the chest and the back, and on the legs and the belly is the anti-g suit, which inflates during maneuvers and holds the blood in the upper half of the body. Gloves and tall flying boots belong with it. The figure therefore looks bulkier and more angular than a person in civilian clothes, and on a model that shows at once.

What the figure brings to a model

In 1:32 scale an adult person corresponds to roughly 55 millimeters. Beside the machine the figure therefore shows at once how large the aircraft really is, and it does so better than any figure in centimeters. It suits a model on a stand, an open cockpit and a display-case scene with steps and equipment around the aircraft.

• A figure of a pilot of a present-day fighter aircraft of the NATO states
• 1:32 scale, an adult figure corresponds to roughly 55 mm
• A helmet with a visor, an oxygen mask, a vest with a harness and an anti-g suit
• Suitable for models of modern fighters in 1:32 scale

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder down, so that the sharp edges of the gear stay. Wash and degrease the figure before painting, choose the glue according to the material of the parts and check the particular procedure in the maker's instructions. Paint from the large areas to the small items: the flight suit first, then the vest, the harness and the hose, and the face and the visor of the helmet last. A gloss varnish on the visor beside a matte suit will do more for credibility than the most carefully chosen shade.

Who it is for

For builders of modern fighter aircraft and display-case scenes in 1:32 scale. The figure is supplied for painting; paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.