AIRFIELD TOWBAR SU-27 1/48

Airfield tow bar for the Su-27 1:48 from Temp Models

The set contains a 3D printed resin model of the tow bar with which the Su-27 aircraft is moved around the airfield surface. It is not a model of an aircraft but a piece of ground equipment for a diorama. The print holds the thin structure of the drawbar, the wheels and the attachment head at a thickness that matches the scale.

The real subject

The heavy Su-27 fighter is not moved around the surface under its own power but coupled by a tow bar to an airfield tug. The bar clamps onto the nose landing gear leg and belongs to the standard equipment of every air base. For each type of aircraft a bar with a matching attachment end is used, so they are not interchangeable. In a diorama it gives the scene a story and explains why technicians are standing by the aircraft.

Building and painting tips

First wash the 3D printed parts in warm water with a little dish soap, so that they are rid of the residue of printing resin. Cut the supports off with a sharp blade or a fine saw as close to the part as possible and sand the marks down with your airways protected. Resin does not bond with cement for polystyrene, so use cyanoacrylate glue. Lay a thin coat of primer on before painting, otherwise the paint holds poorly on a smooth print. Equipment beside an aircraft comes out best with weathering: a dark wash into the gaps, dust with dry pigment and scuffed spots suggested with a metallic shade.

Who the set is for

• A model of an airfield tow bar for the Su-27 in 1:48 scale
• A resin 3D print with fine resolution
• An accessory for an airfield diorama, not a model of an aircraft
• It clamps onto the nose landing gear leg
• Calls for cyanoacrylate glue and a primer under the paint

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.