HIGHLY DETAILED EXHAUST NOZZLES SET AL-31F ON SU-27 1/48

AL-31F exhaust nozzles for the Su-27, 1:48 (Temp Models)

A resin set of exhaust nozzles for the AL-31F engines of a Su-27 model in 1:48 scale from the Russian brand Temp Models. On a model the nozzle is one of the places where plastic loses out most: it is made up of dozens of thin petals and the inside is visible right through. Printing in resin manages this structure in one piece. The set is cut for kits of the Su-27 and its versions from the makers Hobby Boss and Kitty Hawk.

The real subject

The AL-31F is a turbofan engine with an afterburner that powers the whole family of heavy Su-27 fighters. The exhaust nozzle has a variable cross-section: an assembly of moving petals is worked by external rods and changes with the operating mode. On a parked aircraft the nozzles are often in the open position and the metal surfaces are discolored by heat into blue-violet and brown shades, which is a rewarding detail on a model.

Building and painting tips

Release the nozzles from the supports with a scalpel and level the mating edge on abrasive paper on glass. Wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water before painting. Spray the inside before you fit the nozzle to the fuselage. For the heat discoloration, metallic shades completed with transparent toning passes applied very thinly work well. They are glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue).

Who the set is for

• Builders of the Su-27 model and its versions in 1:48 scale
• Owners of Hobby Boss and Kitty Hawk kits
• Modelers who are bothered by a simplified plastic nozzle
• More experienced modelers used to resin

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