1:48 AIRFIELD TOWBAR SU-34

Airfield tow bar for the Su-34 1:48 from Temp Models

The set contains a 3D printed resin model of the tow bar with which the Su-34 tactical bomber 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 scale thickness.

The real subject

The Su-34 is a two-seat tactical bomber of the Su-27 family with an armored cockpit and a high take-off weight. On the ground it is moved by a tug coupled through a tow bar, because taxiing with a full load is uneconomical. The bar clamps onto the nose leg, which on this machine is sturdy and carries a pair of wheels. In a diorama it gives the scene a story and explains the preparation for a combat sortie.

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-34 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.