Saab 39 Gripen
Italeri

The Gripen is a no nonsense, practical fighter aeroplane that happens to look stunning. Its air show performances are impressive, but it is the low maintenance and quick turnaround dispersed operation from highways that are really clever. The latest versions are designed to make the actual flying as easy as possible, allowing the pilot to concentrate on the mission goals. I lived in Sweden for a short time and got to both visit the Gripen production line and experience the rather surreal feeling you get when a deserted road you are driving on suddenly widens into a multi-lane highway for no readily apparent reason.
When I decided it was time to 'do' a Gripen the cheapest price I could find was for the starter kit, complete with paints. I liked this idea as it would have ensured the 'right' grey. When my order arrived, it was actually the standard kit, so I got the cheaper price but was on my own for the paint. I'll do the plane in flight, in standard Swedish livery, ignoring the Swedish Airforce anniversary scheme. I bought a couple of Gripen pilots, so one of them will be used. Overall it's a pretty straightforward kit with a simple scheme so I'm hoping for a quick build.