SAAB J 35 F Draken
The superb Hasegawa 1/48 scale rendition of the Swedish J 35 F Draken. My model depicts a Draken from the Swedish Flygvapen based at Angelholm. Photos on the web show the Angelholm Drakens to be badly weathered towards the end of their career. The kit is good OOB but I opted for the CMK resin upgrade set for the cockpit, wheel wells, afterburner can and flaps. I also scratchbuilt the ram turbine and added various hydraulic pipes and brake lines to the undercarriage.
15 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 23, 2014
Good work, Morne...don't see these built all that often (at least I don't). The curious thing about this(to me), is the fact that it's painted in a camo scheme and then painted with a giant white number on each wing, sorta defeating the purpose. I'm sure there's a plausible explanation behind it, though. Again, a nice job on the kit, sir.
Morne Meyer said on August 23, 2014
Hi Craig. Still the best looking fighter aircraft to come out of Europe during the Cold War. Unique camo indeed. Dark Sea Blue, Dark Green topside and Neutral Grey on the bottom with only the belly of the aircraft in natural metal. The white numerals were applied to aircraft taking part in mock air combat and low level exercises. Used Modelmaster enamels and Doc O Brien's weathering powders to simulate a well used Draken.
Josh Patterson said on August 26, 2014
No, not the best looking plane from Europe. The best looking plane built by anyone to date! (At least I think so! :-)) It manages to look retro and futuristic at the same time and the is no "good side" to look at because this jewel is stunning from any angle! (More so without the drop tanks.) It looks more like a flying sports car than a fighter jet! (And you did a wonderful job on it! Mine's waiting in the wings to be built.)
Morne Meyer said on August 27, 2014
Thanks Josh. I have to fully agree with you on that.
Simon Whitney said on August 23, 2014
As Craig above, a great build and finish.
I can remember Airfix doing this in 1/72 scale years ago and was amazed at the camo colours then.
Well done sir.
Morne Meyer said on August 23, 2014
Thanks Simon! Yes, I have fond memories of building the Airfix kit many years ago. In those days I took an afternoon to build it and marvelled at it for hours. The double delta is definitely unique and lend a purposeful look to the Draken.
Rick Wilkes said on August 23, 2014
Outstanding finish, on a classic beauty. Very well done.
Morne Meyer said on August 23, 2014
Thanks Rick. She really is a purposeful looking bird.
AL HOFFMAN said on August 23, 2014
Delta's definitely offer a different look. Yours is very well done Morne.
Morne Meyer said on August 23, 2014
Hi Al. As a child I had the pleasure to see a Mirage III from the South African Air Force doing a solo display and that started my love for delta aircraft. All delta aircraft are beauties. The B 58 and XB 70 surely the best of them all.
George Williams said on August 24, 2014
You've produced a gorgeous looking model, Morne. Your photographs show some very nice work, especially the extra detailing, and your finish is excellent. I think you sell yourself a little short in the write up, you've obviously put a lot of hard work into this!
Morne Meyer said on August 24, 2014
Morne Meyer said on August 24, 2014
Thanks George. Still new to the photography side of our hobby. She took about 7 months to complete. Lots of plasticard bits and pieces as well as copper wire completed the scratchbuilding part of the build. I nearly shelved her after that. Kinda lost interest in her for a while. Thankfully she is finally done.
John Healy said on August 24, 2014
Great Draken! One of my favorite jets.
Morne Meyer said on August 26, 2014
Thanks John. Just have to love that double delta look. The Draken looks more like a lifting body than a fighter.
Frank Cronin said on September 24, 2014
Morne,
Another one of your masterfully done models.
Morne Meyer said on September 25, 2014
Thanks Frank. I appreciate the positive comment on this model.