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Spiros Pendedekas
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Trumpeter 1/32 Sukhoi Su-27B

April 26, 2022 · in Aviation · · 38 · 1.5K

Hi everyone!


This is my Trumpeter 1/32 Sukhoi Su-27B, finished as “Blue 24”, Poland, 1992.
The Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker' is a Soviet-origin twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft, intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth-generation fighters such as the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle, with 1,910 nm range, heavy aircraft ordnance and sophisticated avionics. It was designed for air superiority missions, with its late variants able to perform almost all aerial warfare operations.

Entering service in 1985, its primary role was long range air defense against B-1B and B-52G/H bombers, protecting the Soviet coast from aircraft carriers and flying long range fighter escort for Soviet heavy bombers such as the Tu-95 ‘Bear', Tu-22M ‘Backfire' and Tu-160 ‘Blackjack'.

Developments of the Su-27 design included the Su-30 two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions and the Su-33 ‘Flanker-D' naval fleet defense interceptor for use on aircraft carriers.

Further versions included the side-by-side two-seat Su-34 ‘Fullback' strike/fighter-bomber variant and the Su-35 'Flanker-E' improved air superiority and multi-role fighter, with the Shenyang J-11 being a Chinese license-built version of the Su-27.

Apart from Russia, 15 other countries operate the Su-27 and, before the war in Ukraine, only the Ethiopian ones had fired shots in anger, downing at least two Eritrean Mig-29s.

In total, 680 Su-27 of all variants have been built.
The Trumpeter kit is a nice representation of the Flanker in 1/32. It was built as a participant to @tcinla 's "Build or Bin" GB. Some decals silvered badly, the ones least wanting to. Though I tried various techniques, including the most effective one by slicing the decals and flood it with decal softener, it was the decal film that became opaque. Though I claim full responsibility, decals age (almost 20 years old) might have contributed to the above dismay.
Should you wish to read the full build review, you might do so by visiting my beloved site Modelingmadness:
https://modelingmadness.com/review/mod/russia/fighter/pensu27.htm

Happy modeling!

Reader reactions:
7  Awesome

38 responses

  1. That’s a ‘big un, Spiros! Well done.

  2. Great Build! I'm not fan of red star, but model looks fantastic!

  3. Well done, love the paintwork, Spiros! I had one of these in 1/48 once, and it was quite large. This thing must be huge 🙂

  4. Spiros,congratulations!I once had this problem,simply cut the 'silvered' areas with a sharp blade,no damage to the underlying painting...however once done this brute,it is just a tip for the next ones if you find useful.All the best.

  5. Great work done on this huge build, Spiros @fiveten
    Dealing with such a large model makes it even more difficult to get this excellent camo scheme nicely done.

  6. The Sprios factory assembly line strikes again! Looks great - I really like the scheme and paint work on this one. Well done!

  7. Nice work, Spiros. Love your varieties in scale and subjects.

  8. Great looking Flanker, Spiros and a great review write up for the MM Website.
    That Su is so big it’ll need its own hanger!

  9. Superb model Spiros !

  10. VERY nice, my friend! Always good to see your fine work on display here!

  11. Awesome build. The Flanker is one beautiful plane. I don't know where you parked this one.

    In 1/48 it is huge let alone 1/32 (have a Su-33D somewhere in the stash).

  12. Fantastic work as ever, Spiros. Loving the 'used' look. And the fact that it is a monster!

  13. Spiros, beautiful work, looks amazing! I love the overall finish...you must have a big hangar.

  14. Been waiting to see this one here at the headlines Spiros 😉
    It’s a beast size model, with a fabulous camo paint work. Thumbs up @fiveten

  15. Spiros, @fiveten
    Like Pedro mentioned, I too have been waiting to see this one in the headlines section. It looks incredible, and it has to take up some serious display room. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article, but the pictures were the best. Thanks for sharing this beauty with us, I definitely pressed the "like" button. please commend QC1 and QC2 for me. They are keeping you right on track. Take care my friend. 🙂

  16. Wow Spiros @fiveten - Incredible work, absolutely beautiful paintwork and I love your preshading and weathering.

    Well done man - great great job.
    PS - how many litres of paint did you use on that giant?

  17. Nice work Spiros! Thanks for the background info. Sorry to hear about the decals. That's always my dread when I pull an old kit from the stash.

  18. 1/32! wow... that bird have to be massive... I like the "panel job"...

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