1/48 Scratchbuilt Yak-38M Forger 

by Manfred 'Fredy' Tukot from Kosice, Slovakia

--------------------

 

This is my first scratchbuilt model I've ever finished, but now I'm starting to think that it will not be the last. There are immense gaps in the 1/48th scale modelling community and it is kind of weird that many aircraft that hardly ever took to the air are being produced in various scales but, OTOH, many series-built machines are simply lacking. Just like this ugly Russian Harrier - the carrierborne VTOL-capable Yak-38M Forger, having been produced in cca. 110 units in total.

Click on images below to see larger images

This slender bird has been in my homemade 'production' for almost three years (next to many other activities).  So much to my lazyness..  The whole thing, including the landing gear has been made from nothing, but bits and pieces of plastic. The only aftermarket stuff you can find mounted here is the early version of Zvezda K-36 ejector (a spare part from Flex's Sukhoi Su-24M Fencer-D by Collect-Aire).

The hardest thing was to find enough materials regarding the overall shape, details and colors. The publications about this type are a rare appearance and seldom devoted to one particular machine. Thanks to Flex for many pics from his vast collection that helped me through.

Click on images below to see larger images

At the present moment I am looking forward to a new scratch - the 'banana' Yak-38U twin-stick naval trainer. Any inputs like details or blueprints are gladly welcome. Thanks in advance and thumbs up! See you on ARC!

'Fredy'

Click on images below to see larger images

Photos and text © by Manfred 'Fredy' Tukot