Atlas Cheetah D - SAAF

Nathan Dempsey
Decals arrived today so here's a shot of all the parts. I will be uploading more pics of the resin but looks like nothing will upload at the moment.

Slavo Hazucha
Great to have this unique piece in the Aggressor line-up!

Jos Jansen
Great Nathan...and a very good job that your project can proceed!

Nathan Dempsey
Just need the PJ Production external fuel tank that's on order and all of my parts will be in. I'm also still trying to get info from Draken about the paint scheme they are planning to use on this bird. The resin conversion parts are going to be a challenge. Although the fit is great my example was full of many holes and gaps. I think by October I'll have all those holes plugged and ready to build.

Daniel
this is going to be really interesting&challenging I think, and very entertaining to watch 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
I've always wanted to build this aircraft and I'm happy the aggressors group build came along to give me a reason to start the project.

Sergej I
🙂 In!

Maciej Bellos
Nice!

Michael Phillips
Following! Cool subject, for sure!

Carsten Gurk
Interesting subject. Draken has Cheetahs?! Or ist this a fictional project?

Nathan Dempsey
Yes, the Cheetah is their latest acquisition. If you scroll through the pictures on their site, you'll see the D model that I'm building. Super happy I'll get to see these flying around right down the road from my house! 🙂
drakenintl.com/catal..pped-supersonic-jets

Carsten Gurk
Cool, I did not know that. It is the ScaleWorx conversion, I assume? How's the quality? I have an eye on their Pantera conversion.

Nathan Dempsey
Yes I'm using the Scaleworx conversion. The fit on the conversion is excellent however my example was full of millions of pinholes as well as some larger holes (see pics). The exhaust from Scaleworx was unusable and I had to order one from Wolfpack.

Carsten Gurk
Sounds good. For the Pantera I would not need a nozzle anyway. Now I just need to decide wether to go for the two seat DCM or wait till they have their single seat CN ready 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
I love the colors on the Pantera and want to build one at some point.

Carsten Gurk
Decals for my Pantera are ordered already. I'd love to get my hands on the Antarki conversion kit, but no matter which channel I try, they don't answer. Neither via email, nor their FB page, nor via eBay 🙁

Nathan Dempsey
Hmm. I know they went to the IPMS Nationals here in the US. Perhaps they are on extended vacation.

Paul Juliano
Oh, I'm pulling up a seat for this one.

Stephan Ryll
Very nice choice Nathan 👍

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks mates. I hope you enjoy the show 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
I'm not going to lie, I may have started on this last night😉 Mainly I just cleaned up the resin parts and did some test fitting. I did drill out the resin nose in preparation for any needed nose weight.

Stephan Ryll
Nice add ones Nathan for your build 👍 I will start this evening but still waiting for some parts to come 🤔

Maciej Bellos
There we go!

Nathan Dempsey
Added a pic of the real Cheetah showing the "step" in the nose section similar to Hans' Kfir.

Daniel
it seems even more pronounced on this long nose version

Nathan Dempsey
When test fitting the resin part I was really worried until I found this pic.

Slavo Hazucha
I would only start to worry if I'd ask Hans and he would not immediately shoot out a response backed by pics & some deeper know how...😉

Clifford Keesler
Cool.

Nathan Dempsey
Slavo: Yes I'd really worry if Hans didn't at least have some tidbit to help out.

Getting all of the intake and exhaust parts painted & ready for installation. Added a pic of the exhausts I have. The blue one is the Scaleworx replacement, but was unusable due to a large hole created by a bubble during casting that destroyed some really nice detail. The smaller grey one is the kit part & the longer one is a Wolfpack. I am using the Wolfpack one and this was the reason for drilling out the nose for weight since this adds a bunch to the rear.

Nathan Dempsey
Exhaust painted on this one as well.

Nathan Dempsey
Fuselage together and that BIG nose has been attached.

Bryn Crandell
Watching!

Stephan Ryll
Looking good Nathan 👍

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Stephan! Working on painting the ejection seats (for this and my Mirage F.1 build). Hope to add some pics later this evening.

Clifford Keesler
Looking good Nathan.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Clifford 🙂

Seats are painted and ready to install.

Nathan Dempsey
Stayed up late last night to cut the wings to accept the Scaleworx conversion parts. I'm currently installing them between paint colors on the Mirage build.

Nathan Dempsey
Added the Scaleworx massive chaff/flare dispenser. Also did more test fitting of the wings to the fuselage. Much care is needed at this point. Getting very close to attaching these main parts to each other.

Nathan Dempsey
Wings attached.

Nathan Dempsey
I had to sand the mating surfaces quite a bit. A bit odd for such a new kit... Oh well It wasnt a shock, I believe I had heard about it somewhere.

Stephan Ryll
Nice progress on that bird Nathan 👍

Daniel
very nice indeed, this will be an eye-catcher for sure

Bart Goesaert
Nice conversion. When seeing the resin color first thought about Olymp resin. Nice work so far.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Stephan, Daniel, and Bart. 🙂

I agree Bart it does indeed remind me of Olymp resin. The fit is excellent but my copy has millions of pinholes (and larger holes) to fill on every part. Very time consuming!

Clifford Keesler
Looking very nice Nathan.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Clifford!

Just adding another Scaleworx resin part to the tail. Had to do a little shimming here. This is the only conversion part so far that didnt fit perfectly.

Nathan Dempsey
Working on cleaning up the intakes today...

Stephan Ryll
Looks like some sanding and filling work to get that fixed 🤔

Nathan Dempsey
I fixed the stepped lip on the intake, but haven't had time for seams yet. Been a busy weekend!

Greg Baker
That's good work, Nathan. I hate fixing stuff like that, but you seem to have powered through it.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Greg! The Mirage was such a breeze and this one is slow going. Still a fun one though 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
Today I'm cutting down some of the bottom of the fuselage to install the PJ Production RP825 centerline fuel tank often seen on the Cheetah. The pylon has an integral part that will replace this area.

Clifford Keesler
Looking very nice Nathan.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Clifford 🙂 I added a pic of the pylon now attached.

Stephan Ryll
Comming along nicely Nathan 👍

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Hans & Stephan 🙂

Today I worked on attaching the ailerons and flaps and smoothing some minor seams. Just need to add some miscellaneous air intakes and the Cheetah will be ready for paint.

Bart Goesaert
nice progress...

Clifford Keesler
It is coming along nicely. That sure is a long nose.

Nathan Dempsey
I'm happy with the build so far. I'm going to put primer on it in the next day or two so we will see what needs more sanding LOL 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
The local Hobby Lobby FINALLY restocked Tamiya primer, so now this build can move along. I was very close to painting this without primer🙂

Clifford Keesler
Hobby Lobby is my only option for a brick and mortar hobby shop around me.

Nathan Dempsey
My choices are extremely limited unless I'm willing to drive for 2 hours in one direction. Luckily the shop that is two hours away will give me free shipping if I spend more than $25.

Nathan Dempsey
I've decided to put this on hold until I get some concrete info about the camo Draken is applying to this aircraft. I hate to miss out on some crazy digital scheme.

Nathan Dempsey
We will see. I noticed all the logos are smaller and lo-viz so I may have to get an OldModels 1:72 decal set to get the appropriate sizing.

Nathan Dempsey
Another update. I've been contacted by Draken's Cheetah Program Manager. I may get a tour. <insert little girl squeal here>

Clifford Keesler
Cool.

Maciej Bellos
Great!

Bart Goesaert
Enjoy, no pics for us I presume?

Nathan Dempsey
If I pass security I should be going next week. I'll definitely post pictures if I'm allowed to take them.

Nathan Dempsey
Well its official, I'll be visiting Draken on Wednesday 13 NOV. They've asked me to bring along my Mirage F.1 build too.

Maciej Bellos
Oooooh, that's fantastic, to bring your kit with you. Cool!

Jos Jansen
Great Nathan, a big honor!

Daniel
wow, thats super awesome😎 keep us updated!

Nathan Dempsey
Will do. Hopefully I'll be able to take photos.

Erik Leijdens
That is great news Nathan!! Please take a photo of your F.1 and one of theirs together 🙂. Have fun mate!!

Nathan Dempsey
Hans & Erik: Both great ideas!

Carsten Gurk
Wow that visit must be a cool thing 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
The visit to Draken was just awesome. As soon as I stepped in the hangar and smelled the jet fuel I was in heaven. Sorry to say that photography in the area was prohibited. I was shown all of the Mirage F1s, and L-159s and even a pair of T-28 Trojans. Preparations were also underway for a Mirage F1B flight. It looked beautiful in its refreshed blue coloration. I was also given some information about the Cheetah paint schemes but must keep them under wraps until the real aircraft is revealed to the public. This project will continue as a ghost build until that time.

Jos Jansen
👍

Bart Goesaert
Would have been surprised if it had been otherwise... Glad you had a great time, and enjoy the ghostbuild...

Slavo Hazucha
Cheers Nathan! Glad to keep watching wherever this journey will go😉

Clifford Keesler
You are one lucy guy. I am glad you enjoyed your visit.

Clifford Keesler
That should of been one lucky guy.

Nathan Dempsey
This poor build. Abandoned for so long….

Well, it's back on the bench and stripped of its initial Draken colors. I lost interest once Draken cancelled their orders for the real aircraft and changed to the F-16. I've decided this one would much rather be clothed in smooth greys of its home country anyway.

Clifford Keesler
Looking forward to the finished bird.

Dutch
Yes, Nathan, I too am looking forward to more progress on this one. NIce work thus far. K/r, Dutch

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Clifford and Dutch. I've now applied the FS36320 Dark Ghost Grey. This scheme is definitely not hiding any of my mistakes 😂. I have secured the canopy using white glue since I still haven't decided if I want it posed open or closed.

Clifford Keesler
Looking very nice sir.

Slavo Hazucha
You put a lot of effort into this one before, glad to see it return to the bench for a proper finish - looks rather dashing so far 👍🏻

I'd probably leave the canopy closed, I prefer to have those streamlined jet-lines preserved in my models, but that's just my taste 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
Thank you Clifford & Slavo 🙂 I've applied the next color - Polly Scale British Extra Dark Sea Grey!

I agree Slavo. Typically I leave them shut as well. I only have a few with the canopy open.

Clifford Keesler
The color scheme really sets it off. I am going to have to start building mine with the canopies closed, so I can hang them up. I am running out of shelf space.

Nathan Dempsey
I hear ya Clifford! I've got space for about 6 or 7 builds and then I'll need a new cabinet. I wasn't sure about this paint scheme but once I laid it down it grew on me. Looks like a warrior's spear.

Today I've got the gloss coat on, placed all the decals, and have begun panel line washes.

Clifford Keesler
Looking awesome, can't wait to see it finished.

Dutch
Nathan, I agree with Cliff. You are doing outstanding work and the results are wonderful. Keep a goin' please.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Clifford & Dutch!

Just finishing the paint and decals on the weapons. Should have completed pictures up tomorrow.

Clifford Keesler
Waiting. Lol.

Nathan Dempsey
Well the final pics are up. Pardon my extremely poor photography.

This one is now complete.

Dutch
Woohoo! Looks great.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Dutch!

My next project is already up and very nearly complete too. No I'm not that fast. However it has been sitting in the box nearly finished since the late 1990s.
P-40N "Rusty" | Album by Plastic Addict (1:48)

James C
Really nice work Nathan, especially all of the modifications 👍

Guy Rump
Nice job! 👍

Clifford Keesler
Awesome job Nathan.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks James, Guy, and Clifford!

Slavo Hazucha
Turned out really great! Possibly better than the intended Draken variety I think... And looking surprisingly 'present day' and 'dynamic' for a frame of its age - what colors & camo can do - you got a true beauty there 👍🏻

Daniel
Excellent result 👍
I am kind of glad Kinetic came out with their own cheetah in the meantime so I dont need to go through the same resin ordeals 😉 But this long-nosed mirage is definetely on my must have list.
Whats the bird-head-shaped metal thingy in Pic 30?

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Slavo & Daniel!

Slavo: Agreed! After all the indecision , I think I'm much happier with this scheme.

Daniel: True! Adding that stinky resin is always an ordeal. Also if anyone wants a regular kit of an exotic subject just convince me to buy a resin conversion. They are sure to make one after I go through all the hassle 😂. Oh and the tool is a Doyusha SGOT Parts Seperator. I find it extremely useful as a seam scraper though. My friend sent it to me in a care package from Japan.

Michael Kohl
Cool work Nathan. Good result.

Dutch
Nathan, are you going to display it at PAMSCON, so I can at least drool over it a little?

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Michael 🙂

Dutch: Yes sir, I'm bringing it for sure.

Clifford Keesler
Looks awesome Nathan, you did a great job.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Roland & Clifford 🙂

Thanks mates for all the likes on this build as well.

Mr James
Great paint and weathering again. Very nicely done

Arif Saeed
Great job Nathan 👏👏

Nathan Dempsey
Thank you very much Mr James & Arif!