1/48 Academy Su-27 Flanker

by Alan Gross

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General

In building the Minicraft Flanker, I used several after market products and three separate decal sheets in addition to the decal sheet provided with the kit. I also used Model Master Flanker Colors (Flanker Pale Blue [2130]; Flanker Medium Blue [2131]; Flanker Blue Grey [2132]). The aircraft represents a Soviet Guards Flanker (Red 01), which intercepted an RC-135/RIVET JOINT mission flown by one of my friends several years ago (and I was fortunate enough to acquire a copy of the pictures he took during the mission). The finished model is displayed in a plexi-glass case with mirrors, and an authentic Soviet Guards Emblem and Red Star. 

Cockpit

The cockpit was heavily modified by using a Verlinden K-36 resin ejection seat and Eduard photo-etch details, to include the instrument panel, angle of attack indicators, etc. 

The canopy was also modified to be shown in the open position as this option is not available with the kit. I scratch-built the opening mechanism, the ribbing under the canopy, the locking hooks on the canopy rails, and locking rings (essentially small "O-rings") on the canopy bottom. 

Flanker Nose & Gun

I used stainless steel tubing to better replicate Flanker 30mm gun and SNJ Aluminum paint for the blast area. I also cut-out and replaced most of the vents with various photo-etch grills I had in stock . Additionally, I replaced the kit pitot tube with various telescoping sizes of stainless steel tubing, which was sanded down to a point. 

Landing Gear

I used the kit landing gear, but I replaced all three wheels with Cutting Edge Flanker Wheels. I also modified the landing gear and wheel wells by adding various sizes and colors of Detail Master car modelling ignition wire to better replicate associated wiring. I also scratch-built locking mechanisms for each gear door and replaced the nose-gear door oxygen bottle. Finally, I used Eduard photo-etch parts for the blow-in doors under each intake.

Tail & Exhaust

I again used Eduard photo-etch parts for all antennas on the tail. This picture also shows the various decals used. I used Cutting Edge decals for the Soviet Stars, bort numbers, and Soviet Guards emblems, while I used the Propagteam Flanker sheet (No. 48105) for the Sukhoi Archer emblem and intake warning stripe. The Propagteam decal sheet was the only one at the building of this model that had intake warning stripes and the proper Sukhoi Archer emblem (the true Flanker archer emblem has black wings vice blue as displayed in other decal sheets). Additionally, I used the KP 1/48 SU-22 decal sheet for "Y" markings throughout the aircraft. I replaced the kit exhausts with two resin exhausts from Cutting Edge. Finally, I also used a wash on the aircraft panel lines and exhausts and used pastels to replicate oil streaks over the wings.

Missiles

I used all the kit missiles on every station that the Flanker can carry a missile .

I didn’t modify the AA-10/Alamos as they were pretty accurate, but I did replace the front fins on the AA-11/Apexes. I also used various decals to better replicate the respective missile markings.

Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed building the Minicraft Flanker and while there are inaccuracies with the kit and numerous areas that need to be corrected and detailed, it is still the only 1/48 Flanker available—to Soviet aircraft enthusiasts this makes the kit a true gem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alan

Photos and text © by Alan Gross