First
of all I have to say one thing: It was this website which brought my attention
about 3 years ago and it was the first kick off to return back to the world of
scale modeling. And together with other (mostly) Czech websites and discussion
forums I finally not only got back to the modeling, but I become many times more
active than ever before. All of these three years I am almost daily visiting
this site and today I finally decided to present my work here.
And
there can be hardly better way for my very first submission here than on
national day of my country with the kit representing the last addition to the
Czech Airforce (and actually with my first jet, first 1/48 kit as well first kit
with Czech national markings all after about 15 years I did something like this
last time).
The
subject represents JAS 39C Gripen, the fourth generation jet fighter developed
and produced by SAAB in Sweden. 20 pieces of the currently most advanced JAS 39C
version as well as 2 two-seaters JAS-39D were ordered in 2004 with delivering
starting from April 2005 sending obsolete MiG-21 aircraft to the avionic heaven.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The
kit is MPM "best choice" edition. It consists of the Italery kit, ton
of resin, some coloured photoetched parts, perfect decals for any of the Czech
Gripens and four pages colour walkaround.
I
was quite disappointed with plastic parts and also the fit of the resin was in
most cases far from being perfect. Plastic parts lacked any details and recessed
panel lines resembled those on kits 20 years old. I tried to correct this as
much as possible by sanding, filling and rescribing. I riveted the kit, added
some details especially on the wheel legs and into the avionics behind pilot
seat.
Well,
to build this it took me about four months of my life turning into the
big hassle during last couple of weeks and I am sure this is my last
Gripen for at least next 15 years. On other hand I am quite happy to
have this aircraft in my collection and as it is hardly possible to see
better kit of this subject in many following years, this is actually the
only way how to get it.
Jan
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