Sukhoi Su-34 Platypus
This is Italeri's 1/72 scale rendition of arguably the deadliest of the Sukhoi design bureau's fabulous Flankers. The side-by-side seating Su-27 variants are radical developments of the original Flanker interceptor. The Su-27 IB, Su-32 FN and Su-34 are dedicated tactical strike aircraft. The Su-32 FN is a dedicated maritime strike aircraft for the Russian Navy whilst the Su-27 IB and Su-34 will fulfil the strike role for the Russian Air Force.
My model depicts an Su-34, Blue 43, that was rolled out from Sukhoi's Novossibirsk plant in 1993, making its maiden flight on 18 December. The Su-34 is cleared to carry virtually the full range of Russian air-to-surface munitions. The aircraft has 12 hardpoints and can carry up to 8000 kg of weapons. My Su-34 is armed with two IR-guided AA-11 Archer air-to-air missiles, two longer-range radar-guided AA-12 Adder AAM's, three KAB series laser-guided bombs, two Kh-29L/AS-14 Kedge missiles as well as two AS-14 Krypton air-to-surface missiles. The Su-34's targeting and guidance radar is situated in the large tail 'sting'.
The model was completed OOB. Eduard has released an etched set for this model that would add more 'life' to it. The model was sprayed with Modelmaster enamels. Weathering was kept to a minimum as Blue 43 was the first pre-production Su-34. The kit is basic but the detail is acceptable for the scale of the model. The decals adhered well to Modelmaster decal setting solution.
The biggest challenge on this build was simulating the heat affected engine nacelles and burner cans, that is a hallmark of the Flankers. To achieve the desired look I used Modelmaster Metalizer paint.
Always wanted to build one of these, but never did. Yours turned out beautifully. Nice job and nice pics. well done.
Thanks Craig for the positive comment!
By the way, that looks like it's pretty good size...just how long IS it in 72nd scale?
Length is about 30cm.
Awesome looking, Morne, especially those exhaust nozzles, Wow !
Thanks for the thumbs up on my build.
Outstanding model of one ugly jet Morne. I sure wouldn't want a real one mad at me though.
Thanks Rick! She sure is ugly but menacing and deadly.
I love this plane ! nice colors!
good job man !
Congratulations
Thanks! Of all the Soviet fighters of the Cold War the Su-27 Flanker series is by far the best to have emerged from the former USSR.
Nice work Morne ,I notice the crew access ladder underneith ,does the canopy not open in the conventional manner ?
N.
Thanks Neil. I don't know. I can't recall ever seeing them open on photos on the web. I only ever saw the ladder deployed whilst on the ground.
This is stunning! I love these aircraft, they look strikingly different the other SU's. It is certainly packing a big armament there! You have done an amazing job on this. The exhaust nozzles are very impressive, especially considering the scale!
Thanks Richard. I can't believe nobody has released the Su-34 in 1/48. The burner cans and engine nacelles were the biggest painting challenge on this build. Thanks again for the positive comments.
It's probably big enough anyway! I've got the trumpeter 1:32 SU-27 on my list of things to do before I die, but I need more practice with large scale planes first!
That is going to be a massive model once completed! Lack of display area has hampered my efforts to complete any of my 32nd scale stash.
Bis an die Zähne bewaffnet !
Hi Morne a well done beast, looks great, the camo is sprayed freehand ? Come out very nice as well the burned NMF parts.
The 1/72 scale is a perfect match for this bigger sized jets and there are some very nice kits out, Trumpy, for example about to do the "Flanker family" with all the export versions and two seaters.
Got a Hasegawa/RoG Flanker in my stash, which will see my shelf sometimes.
Vielen Dank Bernd. She is armed to the teeth indeed. Camo was done freehand. I built her more than a decade ago! Can't wait for the Trumpy releases. In 1/48 they should be very impressive. I have the old Academy Flankers in my stash. Maybe I should give them some attention.
Trumpy released the Flankers in 1/72 with various sub versions and in 1/32 the Su-27 Flanker A, sooner or later 1/48 versions will done by their Hobbyboss label.
With some TLC, or a good "filled" purse, you can do an incredible Academy Flanker. After figuring out, what my Aca. MiG-29 will need for a proper kit, i sold it...
Guten Morgen. The Academy Flankers are good. Only complaint is the wrong nose profile and cockpit that needs a resin replacement. Eduard brass is also needed. Importing all of that from Hannants will cost a lot taking into consideration the current £ / ZAR exchange rate. Our hobby has become rediculously expensive!
Are there any good hobby shops in your area ? Hannants is very expensive, as well as the hobby, some kits need a lot of stuff, to be look well, we have here in Germany a term, that is called "Groschengrab" a grave for the buck, that not only fits my car
Impressive beast to say the least. Well presented on your part Morne.
Thanks Al. A combination of a beauty and a beast. 🙂
You've captured that deadly and evil look perfectly, Morne, and your work on the engine nacelles and burner cans really brings it to life, great job!
Thanks George for the nice comment on my build!
Sure looks big Morne,and nice too.
Great work on the burner cans and camo.
Well done Morne.
Thanks Simon. A big bird in real life. Not small at all in 1/72 nd. scale. Won't mind building a quarter scale version of the Su-34.
Morne,
I wish I could add more adjectives to praise this model but I can't. I will just say that I have yet to see a model that you have done that I don't like. I'm going to have to settle by saying this is another outstanding model you have done.
Thank you Frank for your kind assessment of my modeling skills. It is much appreciated!
nice one! i especially like the exhaust section and the heated metal treatment!
Thanks Ramon. It's those burner cans that makes the kit stand out as well as that platypus look.
never saw one before love it gotta check so I can order one
Thanks Douglas! She is easy to assemble. She can be turned into a show stopper if you get the Eduard aftermarket brass set and resin goodies for her.
Very nice Morne. I'm not up on modern jets, my knowledge ends with the Foxbat (Mig 25?). This model reminds me a bit of the F-14 Tomcat. Well done.
Thanks Gregor. The Fulcrum and Flanker has similar intakes to the F-14 and F-15. Cold War industrial espionage is undoubtedly to blame for that. The Russian Flanker and Fulcrum came as a shock to the West since performance were on par if not better than most Western aircraft.
Great Sukhoi, Morne! That is a fine looking airplane.
Thanks John. I like the Flanker family too. Hope the Su-34 will surface in quarter scale soon!