Sukhoi Su-30 MKK
This is Trumpeter’s 1/32 Flanker G.
Additional work included scratch-detailing in wheel wells and cockpit, and PE from the Eduard Big Ed set for the Sukhoi and North Star’s wheel chocks for modern Soviet aircraft.
I used Prime Miniatures’ mini hex nuts (various sizes) for additional undercarriage detailing.
Paints used were from Mr Hobby, Alclad II, and AK Enamel Washes and Metallics.
I’ve included a few WiP photos of some of the detailing, as it became somewhat inaccessible to view as the build progressed.
I’ve also added a final photo of the model in a cradle for storage/transport – just a box lid and a few pieces of styrofoam fixed in place at crucial points with mastic – not pretty, but it works!
30 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on July 8, 2016
Outstanding, Rob….a killer cockpit build….love the job on those cans, too.
Rob Pollock said on July 8, 2016
Cheers, Craig.
Terry Schuler said on July 8, 2016
Rob, another fine piece of workmanship. Really nice build.
Rob Pollock said on July 8, 2016
Thanks, Terry.
Jim Sullivan said on July 8, 2016
Nicely done Rob. Your attention to detail with the cockpit and landing gear is outstanding as is the total build. A fine model indeed and a job well done.
Rob Pollock said on July 8, 2016
Thanks for the comment, Jim. It’s the first time I’ve used the mini hex nuts and they really create a ‘value added’ aspect to the undercarriage.
By the way, the lead wire in various gauges for detailing the undercarriage I got from a fishing tackle retailer, which was dramatically cheaper than lead wire ‘for modelling’.
Jack Mugan said on July 8, 2016
Nice work as usual Rob.
Rob Pollock said on July 8, 2016
Thanks, Jack.
Simon Whitney said on July 8, 2016
Great build Rob, superb office and other details mate.
It is surprising where you can find detailing materials cheaper .
Rob Pollock said on July 8, 2016
Cheers, buddy.
Greg Kittinger said on July 8, 2016
Excellent! Love your metal work, and detailing. At 32 scale that has to be a big bird!
Rob Pollock said on July 8, 2016
Yes it’s huge, and at nearly 70 cm in length a difficult model to photograph.
Robert Royes said on July 8, 2016
Killer Flanker, love the ejection seats.
Rob Pollock said on July 9, 2016
Thanks, Robert.
Bryan W. Bernart said on July 8, 2016
Really splendid build, Rob. A labor of love.
Rob Pollock said on July 9, 2016
Cheers, Bryan.
Roberto Colaianni said on July 8, 2016
Great job, I like very much the detail on the landing gear.
Roberto
Rob Pollock said on July 9, 2016
Thanks, Roberto. The kit has both metal and plastic choices for the main gear. Naturally I chose the metal because of the model’s not inconsiderable weight. The nose wheel shaft’s ‘bow’ effect at the front has a metal pin inserted from below lengthwise to add strength.
Morne Meyer said on July 9, 2016
Absolutely amazing!!! This is a stunner Rob. Hope to see this in the Model of the month group!!!
Rob Pollock said on July 9, 2016
Thanks, Morne.
Robert Aspinall said on July 9, 2016
Great result Rob.
Rob Pollock said on July 9, 2016
Thank you, Robert.
Richard Mcstay said on July 10, 2016
Nice flanker mate, I’m running out of room to build something that big!
Nice detailing, especially on the landing gears and cockpit. Nice exhaust nozzles as well!
I’ve been using guitar strings for detailing! Much cheaper!
Rob Pollock said on July 10, 2016
Thanks, Richard. I’ve used the wound-type of guitar strings for areas along the cockpit floor at times, but there’s too much spring in them to use for undercarriage detailing generally, which areas I tend to reserve for lead wire or strip solder.
Richard Mcstay said on July 10, 2016
Yeah I suppose your right there, but they make great radio aerials! I’ve just tried to put nylon strings on one of my acoustics but it lacked any volume, so I’ve got those to play with as well.
What product did you buy exactly from the tackle shop?, I’ve never seen any lead wiring for sale before. I hear fly tying thread makes fantastic ship rigging mind!
Rob Pollock said on July 10, 2016
It was from EBay seller ‘axman2009’ under trout fishing lead line for tying flies .5 and .7 gauge for about three quid + a little p/p. He in fact sent some extra lengths. He’s in Northern Ireland.
I too have guitar string to hand for armour whip aerials – all useful items.
Nylon fly tying line is also good for ship rigging as you say. I have some that I used on USS Indianapolis the thickness of a human hair – difficult to deal with but effective.
George Williams said on July 10, 2016
These big Trumpeter kits are impressive enough, but you’ve really gone to town with this one, an incredible amount of work has been put into this, good job, Rob, thanks for sharing with us.
Rob Pollock said on July 11, 2016
Thanks for your comment, George. Much appreciated.