1/72 | Su-57 | WIP
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/8/4/6/845846-18642-43-720.jpg)
Materials to be used in this project.
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/8/4/5/845845-18642-89-720.jpg)
The primed Temp Models seat. It is very well sculpted and detailed. In this scale the seat is very prominent so some extra detail here is welcome.
![Album image #3 Album image #3](/albums/img/8/4/4/845844-18642-27-720.jpg)
The finished seat. Paints are a variety of Vallejo Model Color acrylics.
![Album image #4 Album image #4](/albums/img/8/4/7/845847-18642-48-720.jpg)
The cockpit primed and base-coated with MRP Neutral Grey 43 ready for the 3D decals.
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/8/4/8/845848-18642-91-720.jpg)
The 3D decals applied easily with warm water. Once set I brushed some diluted Ammo Ultra Glue over the top to ensure they do not fall off. The detail is incredible and I look forward to using more in my future projects.
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/8/4/9/845849-18642-68-720.jpg)
Completed cockpit installed in the fuselage.
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/8/5/0/845850-18642-52-720.jpg)
Completed cockpit installed in the fuselage.
![Album image #8 Album image #8](/albums/img/8/5/1/845851-18642-13-720.jpg)
The two fuselage halves are quite large but rather easy to join together. Best approach is to take your time and work from front-to-back.
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/8/5/2/845852-18642-18-720.jpg)
The intakes were a tricky fit and needed filling and sanding to ensure a smooth fit.
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/8/5/3/845853-18642-26-720.jpg)
The main airframe completed ready for priming and painting.
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/8/5/4/845854-18642-70-720.jpg)
Masks on and ready for painting.
![Album image #12 Album image #12](/albums/img/8/5/5/845855-18642-89-720.jpg)
I sprayed on Mr Surfacer 1500 black for the primer/base-coat. She looks ultra sleek in the black.
![Album image #13 Album image #13](/albums/img/8/5/6/845856-18642-90-720.jpg)
I forgot to paint the wheelbays before I primed in black so I did those now with MRP FS36495 Light Grey. It was tricky to spray the main wheel bays as they're so deep so I'd recommend to do that before you install them into the fuselage.
![Album image #14 Album image #14](/albums/img/8/5/7/845857-18642-69-720.jpg)
The underside marble coat is on with MRP Su-35 Light Blue.
![Album image #15 Album image #15](/albums/img/8/5/8/845858-18642-72-720.jpg)
And the blend coat is done. In the picture it looks a lot more "patchy" than it does in person.
![Album image #16 Album image #16](/albums/img/8/5/9/845859-18642-20-720.jpg)
Topside marble coat on with MRP Su-35 Light Blue again. I focused on the edges as the darker blue will go in the middle.
![Album image #17 Album image #17](/albums/img/8/6/1/845861-18642-85-720.jpg)
Topside blend coat is finished.
![Album image #18 Album image #18](/albums/img/8/6/0/845860-18642-15-720.jpg)
The camo masks are on. I'm glad I do not have to do this all myself. Saves a lot of hassle in the long run.
![Album image #19 Album image #19](/albums/img/8/6/2/845862-18642-69-720.jpg)
I sprayed MRP Sea Blue as the topside camo.
![Album image #20 Album image #20](/albums/img/8/6/4/845864-18642-29-720.jpg)
And the big reveal! I'm pretty happy with the way the masks performed with only a little bit of cleanup needed (though that was mostly my fault).
![Album image #21 Album image #21](/albums/img/8/6/3/845863-18642-28-720.jpg)
The masking tape ball of doom.
![Album image #22 Album image #22](/albums/img/8/6/5/845865-18642-44-720.jpg)
I masked the antenna covers and radome and sprayed them MRP FS35622 Light Blue. At this point she's ready for the decals.
![Album image #23 Album image #23](/albums/img/1/7/4/849174-18642-12-720.jpg)
Had a mammoth decalling session to get all the stencils and insignia on the top finished. Not helped by Zvezda's mistakes in the stencil numbering so pay close attention. The decals are nice and thin and responded well to Microset/Microsol. It's definitely not perfect but I think it looks the part. I'll let these dry overnight and then I'll spray a top coat to seal them in.
![Album image #24 Album image #24](/albums/img/1/7/5/849175-18642-60-720.jpg)
Top view of the stencils. I particularly like the small red/yellow Radiation warnings on the rear fuselage.
![Album image #25 Album image #25](/albums/img/8/8/1/849881-18642-47-720.jpg)
All the decals and stencils are now on. The blue inner stars were an absolute pain to work with but I think I got it in a place I'm happy with it. I'll seal the decals with a coat of MRP Semi-Gloss varnish and it's onto some weathering.
![Album image #26 Album image #26](/albums/img/1/9/5/850195-18642-61-720.jpg)
I wanted to keep weathering to a minimum as these aircraft aren't even in full operation yet. I applied an Ammo Panel Line Wash (Blue Dirt) to the light blue and streaked it back after about 25 minutes. This gave a nice general use effect. I tried adding a light wash to the dark blue on the top side but didn't like the effect and removed it.
![Album image #27 Album image #27](/albums/img/1/9/4/850194-18642-85-720.jpg)
And just like that she's finished! The nozzle fit was appalling. They simply would not fit on at all. At this point I wanted this build off my bench for other projects so I sanded them down best I could and glued them on with super glue. It isn't pretty but it doesn't bother me too much. Definitely something to look out for if you are planning to build this kit.
The undercarriage got a light grime wash and was then fitted to the airframe. Finally the canopy was unmasked and glued into the open position.
The undercarriage got a light grime wash and was then fitted to the airframe. Finally the canopy was unmasked and glued into the open position.
![Album image #28 Album image #28](/albums/img/1/9/3/850193-18642-32-720.jpg)
Even in 1/72 scale she barely fits in my cheapo eBay light box. I'll upload some better complete pictures later when I get a proper lightbox.
Overall I'd have to say this was an enjoyable project. The Zvezda kit is nice, if a little basic, and certainly had its problems (Nozzles, intakes, instruction errors). With the blue digital Camo it is a very striking addition to my display cabinet. Wasn't too bothered about 5th Gen stuff but my mind has already turned to doing a F-35 to match it.
Overall I'd have to say this was an enjoyable project. The Zvezda kit is nice, if a little basic, and certainly had its problems (Nozzles, intakes, instruction errors). With the blue digital Camo it is a very striking addition to my display cabinet. Wasn't too bothered about 5th Gen stuff but my mind has already turned to doing a F-35 to match it.
Commenti
27 24 August 2020, 13:12
![](/profiles/img/74389-420-s.jpg)
Taking a seat. Built the earlier T-50 prototype version, was certainly a nice kit overall - but yeah, engine intakes seem to be a general problem among Flankers..
But nice work so far! 👍
24 August 2020, 22:30
![](/profiles/img/18642-684-s.png)
Thanks guys, really enjoying this build. It's coming together quite quickly.
26 August 2020, 13:50
![](/profiles/img/18642-684-s.png)
Bad news fellas. The project is on hold until I can get some replacement decals. I tried to apply the large upper stencils with the stars and it accidentally ripped and folded in on itself. Fortunately Begemot sell a set but it'll take time to get here from Russia.
27 August 2020, 20:47
![](/profiles/img/48665-446-s.jpg)
Nicely done details (wherever the kit actually offers some😉 ) and a really great looking Minecraft camo 👍
24 September 2020, 06:15
![](/profiles/img/16958-734-s.jpg)
Great job, many congrats.
Only one clarification, the front landing gear mudguard, must be mounted behind the wheels.
In any case, it remains a beautiful model.
13 October 2022, 14:11
![](/profiles/img/18642-684-s.png)
@Felice De Leo
Thanks for letting me know. I actually plan to re-do this model with this scheme at some point so I will remember that for next time.
13 October 2022, 18:24
![](/profiles/img/16958-734-s.jpg)
Hi Yes Man, I will use your article as tutorial for my painting job!
Happy modelling!
14 October 2022, 10:09
Album info
Zvezda's Su-57 with a few bits of aftermarket (and masks because I'm lazy). I'm not too interested in the latest gen fighters but the Su-57 has always intrigued me with its smooth lines.