Model Builder International Pilot Issue Model Builder International Pilot Issue | Page 12

Fabulous
Flanker

Carl Fisher

This fabulous Flanker was started years ago but,
like many models inevitably do, it ended up on the
shelf of shame. This kit was 90 % complete when
I put it on the shelf, not to touch it again until 2010.
On the HLI website, a forum member started the
“Lazy Arse Group Build”. The theme of this group
build was to get those old, half-finished kits off of
the shelves and complete them once and for all. I
decided it was time to complete the Flanker.
The kit is the 1/48th scale Academy offering of
the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker B. The kit is large and
time consuming to build. Overall, the parts’ fit was
good, but in some locations, like the intakes, the fit
was a bit more difficult. So I pulled the kit from the
shelf and with a renewed sense of vigor, pressed
on to finish the build. The kit is straight out-of-thebox. I didn’t feel aftermarket parts were necessary.
It had been awhile since I started this project and
the goal was to get it done.
The model was painted using Model Master
enamels . The top of the aircraft was painted in
Flanker Pale Blue, Flanker Medium Blue and,
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Flanker Blue-gray. The underside of the aircraft was
painted in pale blue. I was pleased with the results
of the build and the finished product. Sometimes,
we just need that little push to finish something
we started and gave up on.