EMB 121 Xingu II – Duarte Models 1/72 scale

July 12, 2020 · in Aviation · · 15 · 2.8K

The Embraer EMB 121 Xingu is a twin-turboprop built by the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer. The design is based on the EMB 110 Bandeirante, using its wing and engines design with an all-new fuselage, first flown in 1976. A modified version, the EMB 121A1 Xingu II, was introduced in 1981 with a more powerful engine (PT6A-135), increased seating and a larger fuel capacity. The FAB - Força Aérea Brasileira operated 7 units designated VU-9, incorporated on the 6º Esquadrão de Transporte Aéreo (6º ETA) located in Brasília - DF, in VIP (government authorities) transportation activities, from 1978 to 2010.

This is a resin model kit made in Brazil by Duarte Models. As the most resin kits it is not for beginners due to the necessary experience in this kind or "challenge". The kit is complete with a lot of interesting details, including vacuum-forming clear parts, metal landing gear struts, and decals.

Summary:
Main parts glued with epoxy glue.
Some joints reinforced with metal pins.
Squadron Green Putty and Tamiya White Putty used.
Primer, main painting and clear coat used polyester inks from Drycolor brand.
After finishing I had to reduce the length of the main landing gear struts, in order to lower the rear fuselage, otherwise the passengers couldn't get the first step of the stair. (LOL)

It was not an easy job, but was totally worthy due the beauty of the finished model. Finally one model more in my Força Aérea Brasileira collection.

Research source and credits:

Aeronaves Militares Brasileiras; Flores, Jackson Jr. - Action Editora.

History of the Brazilian Air Force - Rudnei Dias da Cunha
(http://www.rudnei.cunha.nom.br/FAB/en/index.html).

And such an important help from my friends, Fábio Duarte and José Augusto, with amazing walkaround pictures.

Reader reactions:
14  Awesome

8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


15 responses

  1. Very nice build Roberto.
    Great detailing for such a small plane.

  2. Uau! está fantástico, parabéns Roberto

  3. That definitely looks like a whole big bunch of "some modeling skill required" to pull this off as you have done so well. "Rugged" is the word that comes to mind about the basic kit. And "great" for the resulting model. Well done!

  4. Fantastic build, Roberto!
    A ton of quality work.
    The result is splendid, and very rarely seen.

  5. Lovely detail work Roberto

    The design looks like it is missing part of the fuselage to me, I suppose the extended fuselage version became the Brasilia.

  6. Looks good Roberto, well done !

  7. Great build of a sleek aircraft! Well done.

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