Minibase Su-33 Red 80 in Flight (WIP)
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The 3D printed pilot is orange with mats. The mats help when you locate the figure accurately on the seat. Even if you install all rudder pedal and their links inside the cockpit, they fit just fine. All you need is patience! All part will fall into place accurately.
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This is the greatest detail you can achieve with injected parts if you want to build a K36 ejection seat nowadays
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Mr. AN Ran is the supervisor of the Minibase Su-33 project. I feel so honored that he sent me a copy from Shijiazhuang, and this is his signature. We refer to him as '汤毛'(tang mao) in Chinese🙂
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Very interesting cartoon showing the assembly of a Minibase Su-33 aircraft model. Illustrated by Mr. DU Renjie who lives and works in Tianjin
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This 3D printed pilot was intended for the Minibase 8002 Su-27K kit, but Tang Mao (汤毛) managed to get one for me. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude toward him and Mr. XUE Jialiang (the boss of Minibase model store) for the delicate kit. I airbrushed the mat and ejection seat black, and then hand brushed the pilot figure with Tamiya Acrylics and Mr. Color solvent based paint.
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Mr. Color remained as my major paint brand so I loaded my magazines with some new munitions:-p
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Decals applied. Seat. There are just a lot of stencils on the K-36D ejection seat, bringing up detail levels up. I am sure this would be one of the most challenging build in my modeling career, but all the efforts worth it.
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back view of painted and decaled seat
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I used the smallest flat brush to paint the figure. The procedure starts with the orange flight suit, followed by painting the seat belts and locks. The head was painted in the last step. I started with the face of the pilot, and then the helmet
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Minibase has printed decals for all control panels. Here comes the decals on the side panels. I placed the decals flat over the panel, since the size fits only if I let the decal float over all push buttons. Mr. Mark Setter and Mark Softer are used to enhance the adhesive and solute the decals. Once the decals are partially melt, I used a small modeling knife to slice the decal apart and press each part to make them fit the recess and engraved details. A thin layer of flat coat was applied in the last step.
Some of you may notice that there are mechanical links in the front of the cockpit, yes they are the rudder/brake padel linkage. Although they will not be seen once the cockpit is closed, they represent the top level of details that 48th scale modern aircraft models can achieve nowadays.
Some of you may notice that there are mechanical links in the front of the cockpit, yes they are the rudder/brake padel linkage. Although they will not be seen once the cockpit is closed, they represent the top level of details that 48th scale modern aircraft models can achieve nowadays.
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The details of main control panels are also brought out with kit decals. Mr. Mark Setter and Mark Softer are extensively used on the panel. You may need a knife to force the decals into the engraved parts to make them fit perfectly
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Main components put together
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The details are far better than that of any G.W. H. Flanker kit
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This picture depicts the mock up of nose landing gear bay. Hydraulic lines and valves are depicted with multiple small parts
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Side walls of nose landing gear bay painted
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Side wall of nose gear bay and pressure refueling port
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nose gear bay assembled
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there are just plenty of valves and pipelines on the side walls of nose gear bay
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Minibase Su-33 featured unprecidented detail as it provided air data probes in the air intakes and at the entry of AL-31F3 low pressure stages. Some of the probes were made of PE and I failed to glue them in place. I cut and glued some plastic cards to replace them
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This is how I attach the pressure probes to the entry stage of engine. I drilled a hole at the beginning and then glued the probe to the hole.
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Time to move the the intake trunks
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Removing excessive plastic with Wave Carving Knife.
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I used WAVE Carving Knife to remove the poles
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Intake trunks: before and after
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Intake trunks: before and after
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Air pressure probes inside of each intake trunk. I had to install them before closing the trunk halves, so I had to leave the assembly seams un-attended
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The make up of air intake trunks were complicated. One had better mark them before assembly
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Most of the subtle parts are on sprue J, K, L. One has to be very very careful when removing parts from the sprues. Finding missing parts on desk or floor is nearly impossible!
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Auxiliary air intake consists of a movable flap and metal filter mesh. The mesh is painted gun chrome and the flap is painted with Color A (the first mixture given in Minibase instruction)
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Starboard intake trunk is moulded in a whole piece, rather than two pieces per side when you build the Kinetic kits
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There are some small compartments you need to install before you move to further steps. The compartments are inside the main landing gear bays
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YOu have better remove this moulding lines before painting since they don't exist on real aircraft
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This fairing holds the side strut lock for main landing gears. The principles these side locks worked is similar to F-14 Tomcats' main gear side strut locks
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The painting work for main gear bays began with these parts, bright red.
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There is a single air data probe inside the left air intake trunk, near the entry. The part number is J65. I will talk about how to install it on the following pages
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There are two J65 parts, but only one is needed. It should be installed inside port air intake
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I drilled a hole from outside. Yet the instruction did not provide concrete position where I should install it. Watch next page...
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Yes, the air data probe should be on the other side of drilled panel. You have to drill from outside since there is no work space from inside.
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Upper part of main landing gear bay should be painted bright red. I used Mr. Color C3 red
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This is not a thirt party landing gear! It is 3d-printed and developed in co-operation with Minibase. Also labelled as Minibase product.
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There two types of 3d-printed detail upgrade sets ( both are labelled as Minibase 2001). Normally the upgrade set are released with on-the-ground landing gear legs (compressed shock absorber struts), but my set was customized made with unloaded struts
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when installing 3D printed main gear struts, attach the hinge points first, then attach the side lock point.
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The nose gear is also a 3D printed version. It consists of the shock strut, drag strut and mud guard
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Mock up with 3D printed gear legs. Once I have made sure that the legs could be easily installed and removed, I will move to the main gear bays. The bays must be finished before closing fuselage halves.
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The tube perpendicular to shock strut on the nose gear is the nose gear steering actuator case. There are two hydraulic lines connecting each end of the case. One for pressurized oil, the other for oil that should return to hydraulic reservoir. The sprues between the lines and steering tube are supporting sprues, don't forget to remove them before painting!
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Hydraulic lines on the main wheel bay walls. Painted by hand
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US Navy counterpart: F/A-18F SD223 from VX-23 Salty Dogs. This is my first try with in-flight pose with landing gear down and locked, I started that project 5 years ago and the build lasted 5 months approximately
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So I started painting main wheel bays as I airbrushed the walls with gloss red (Mr. Color C3)
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Electric wire bundles. Painted by hand with Mr. Color paint.
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The fitting was quite good for a new Chinese manufacturer, yet not so good as classical Janpanese manufacturers such as Tamiya. I decided to press parts in position and then went with thinned glue such as Mr. Hobby MR. Cement S.
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The ceilings of main gear compartment were given gloss red finish
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Center-line hardpoints were installed in early stage of this build
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This protruding part (just aft of main gear bay and outboard of nacelles) are attached and glued with Mr. Cement S
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Now the lower half is almost ready for joining the upper half
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Electric wire bundles and hydraulic components on the walls of main wheel bays
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Electric wire clusters
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The wheel bay were painted red and the bays which hold main landing gear legs were painted light gray. (referred as Color D in the instruction book). I drew some arrows with pencil to indicate the inside of the main gear compartment
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Hydraulic lines painted chrome silver. The inside of main gear compartment (indicated with arrows drawn with pencils) were airbrushed with Color D prior to hand painting procedures.
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I dont think the yellow lines are of hydraulic system, what do they belong to? Fuel systems? Pneumatic Systems? Really not easy to install
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This one is the most difficult to instal. I glued side 1 from inside, and then adjusted it quickly to make side 2 to the correct position
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Port main gear bay: pneumatic lines, refueling panels and electrical wire bundles
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The inside of main gear bays are ready
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Uplocks for main gear bay doors?
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Uplocks for main gear bay doors?
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The green lines seems to be pneumatic lines which holds high temperature compressed air from the engines.
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For the fear of masking comprehensive shapes, the skins in vicinity of main gear bay are given fuselage underside colors: Color A
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The skins in vincinity of main gear bay are given fuselage underside colors: Color A
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Color separation: inside of the main gear bay is painted with Color D, while the outside is painted Color A
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Refueling panel painted. Black panel, refuel selector switch, high level indication light and defueling valve indicator light (orange) painted
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Assembly of Su-33 port inboard trailing edge flaps. The Su-33 is a carrier borne air superiority fighter that features enhanced high lift devices. The #minibase kit provided abundant details and options to depict the slotted flap systems of the aircraft.
As for modeling. One have to check out the instructions that we do not follow a A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L procedure. In fact step A, D, G and J depicts the construction of flap retracted option, while step B, E, H and K shows how to build a half flap configuration. Step C, F, I and L leads us the way when we build full flap position.
When building a flap down position, do check the instructions carefully to cut and attach right parts. Do align the hinges on flaps and link mechanisms to make a correct assembly
As for modeling. One have to check out the instructions that we do not follow a A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L procedure. In fact step A, D, G and J depicts the construction of flap retracted option, while step B, E, H and K shows how to build a half flap configuration. Step C, F, I and L leads us the way when we build full flap position.
When building a flap down position, do check the instructions carefully to cut and attach right parts. Do align the hinges on flaps and link mechanisms to make a correct assembly
![Album image #104 Album image #104](/albums/img/7/8/8/1296788-67957-40-720.jpg)
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Assembly of Su-33 port inboard trailing edge flaps. The Su-33 is a carrier borne air superiority fighter that features enhanced high lift devices. The #minibase kit provided abundant details and options to depict the slotted flap systems of the aircraft.
As for modeling. One have to check out the instructions that we do not follow a A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L procedure. In fact step A, D, G and J depicts the construction of flap retracted option, while step B, E, H and K shows how to build a half flap configuration. Step C, F, I and L leads us the way when we build full flap position.
When building a flap down position, do check the instructions carefully to cut and attach right parts. Do align the hinges on flaps and link mechanisms to make a correct assembly
As for modeling. One have to check out the instructions that we do not follow a A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L procedure. In fact step A, D, G and J depicts the construction of flap retracted option, while step B, E, H and K shows how to build a half flap configuration. Step C, F, I and L leads us the way when we build full flap position.
When building a flap down position, do check the instructions carefully to cut and attach right parts. Do align the hinges on flaps and link mechanisms to make a correct assembly
![Album image #106 Album image #106](/albums/img/7/9/0/1296790-67957-76-720.jpg)
Port inner trailing edge flap, fully extended.
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Port inner trailing edge flap, fully extended. Note the photo etched parts which depicts the covers on light weight holes at the tip
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I used this super glue to secure the photo etched parts
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Procedure C: Port inner trailing edge flaps (fully extended position)
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Now the starboard piece comes. Inboard trailing edge flap of Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D air superiority fighter.
I glued the Photo-Etched parts with #altecosuperglue Alteco Superglue. There is a mistake in the #minibase #su33 instructions (step F of trailing edge high lift devices), which I have shown in this photo. The model is quite complicated so the correct number of parts would be very important for a decent build. Wrong numbers may lead to mid-alignment and asymmetrical flaps🙁
Happy modeling!
I glued the Photo-Etched parts with #altecosuperglue Alteco Superglue. There is a mistake in the #minibase #su33 instructions (step F of trailing edge high lift devices), which I have shown in this photo. The model is quite complicated so the correct number of parts would be very important for a decent build. Wrong numbers may lead to mid-alignment and asymmetrical flaps🙁
Happy modeling!
![Album image #111 Album image #111](/albums/img/7/9/5/1296795-67957-83-720.jpg)
Now the starboard piece comes. Inboard trailing edge flap of Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D air superiority fighter.
![Album image #112 Album image #112](/albums/img/7/9/6/1296796-67957-79-720.jpg)
Now the starboard piece comes. Inboard trailing edge flap of Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D air superiority fighter.
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Inner trailing edge flaps
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Starboard inner trailing edge flap (fully extended). You can see a slot in the middle of its chord, which induces airflow from beneath to above. The slot delays airflow separation when angle of attack is high, increasing lifting efficiency when airplane is taking off or landing
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Starboard inner trailing edge flap (fully extended). You can see a slot in the middle of its chord, which induces airflow from beneath to above. The slot delays airflow separation when angle of attack is high, increasing lifting efficiency when airplane is taking off or landing
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Outboard trailing edge flaps assembled. There are some mistakes in the #minibase instructions. As I have pointed out in this and next photo, one should be careful cutting and attaching those tiny parts.
Now assembly work of the slotted flaps are complete. Amazing details.
My friends told me that the mistakes are removed in instruction sheets for Minibase 8002 Su-27K kit. So the corrections are just for Minibase 8001 Su-33 kits.
#minibase #su33 #seaflanker #miniature #flightcontrol #trailingedgeflaps #slottedflap #aviation #scalemodel #scale148 #outboardflaps
Now assembly work of the slotted flaps are complete. Amazing details.
My friends told me that the mistakes are removed in instruction sheets for Minibase 8002 Su-27K kit. So the corrections are just for Minibase 8001 Su-33 kits.
#minibase #su33 #seaflanker #miniature #flightcontrol #trailingedgeflaps #slottedflap #aviation #scalemodel #scale148 #outboardflaps
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Outboard trailing edge flap (starboard)
![Album image #123 Album image #123](/albums/img/8/0/7/1296807-67957-43-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (starboard)
![Album image #124 Album image #124](/albums/img/8/0/8/1296808-67957-39-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (starboard)
![Album image #125 Album image #125](/albums/img/8/0/9/1296809-67957-32-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (starboard)
![Album image #126 Album image #126](/albums/img/8/1/0/1296810-67957-45-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (port)
![Album image #127 Album image #127](/albums/img/8/1/1/1296811-67957-39-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (port)
![Album image #128 Album image #128](/albums/img/8/1/2/1296812-67957-62-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (port)
![Album image #129 Album image #129](/albums/img/8/1/3/1296813-67957-83-720.jpg)
Outboard trailing edge flap (port)
![Album image #130 Album image #130](/albums/img/3/0/2/1297302-67957-11-720.jpg)
Today I started test fitting of the #minibase Su-33 airframe with wings, ailerons and canards. Most of the parts fitted well with each other. One should notice the deflection angle of trailing edge flaps. The Su-33 flaps has their inboard and outboard edges canted outward. So don’t worry if you feel uncomfortable with the gap between the trailing edges and side of fuselage. I found photos of Su-33’s Chinese naval cousin the J-15 Flying Shark, as to make sure the flaps are mounted right.
When compared with the legendary Grumman F-14D Tomcat, the Su-33 is very large, very large. The decks of aircraft carriers are never large enough for these monsters , so is my cupboard?
When compared with the legendary Grumman F-14D Tomcat, the Su-33 is very large, very large. The decks of aircraft carriers are never large enough for these monsters , so is my cupboard?
![Album image #131 Album image #131](/albums/img/3/0/5/1297305-67957-80-720.jpg)
I found photos of Su-33’s Chinese naval cousin the J-15 Flying Shark, as to make sure the flaps are mounted right.
![Album image #132 Album image #132](/albums/img/3/0/6/1297306-67957-75-720.jpg)
![Album image #133 Album image #133](/albums/img/6/7/6/1305676-67957-20-720.jpg)
Trying out of a combination of arcylic rod and stainless steel tube, so as to 'eliminate' the supporting pole rather than using photoshop technique
![Album image #134 Album image #134](/albums/img/6/7/7/1305677-67957-35-720.jpg)
Trying out with F-14D, indoors
![Album image #135 Album image #135](/albums/img/6/8/0/1305680-67957-76-720.jpg)
Trying out with MiG-31BS, indoors
![Album image #136 Album image #136](/albums/img/6/8/1/1305681-67957-92-720.jpg)
Trying out with MiG-31BS, outdoors
![Album image #137 Album image #137](/albums/img/6/8/2/1305682-67957-66-720.jpg)
Adding support tube in the aft fuselage of the Minibase Su-33. This step is critical if one want to keep the plane on the pole for long time without breaking. It is important that the loads are transmitted to other load taking parts of the model airplane
![Album image #138 Album image #138](/albums/img/6/8/3/1305683-67957-96-720.jpg)
The cards and sprues will take the bending force inside the fuselage. The loads of supporting tube is distributed to main landing gear bay and columns of rear fuselage.
![Album image #139 Album image #139](/albums/img/6/8/4/1305684-67957-24-720.jpg)
Trying out on a steel pole, 3mm outer diameter. Taking a look whether the load is OK
![Album image #140 Album image #140](/albums/img/6/8/5/1305685-67957-35-720.jpg)
As you can see, the transparent pole stands next to the steel tube. This is the alternative support.
![Album image #141 Album image #141](/albums/img/6/8/6/1305686-67957-35-720.jpg)
The support tube goes into the fuselage with a little offset to the left. As to yield space to tunnel loaded R-27ER long range AAMs
![Album image #142 Album image #142](/albums/img/6/9/2/1305692-67957-46-720.jpg)
Test fitting with the transparent pole with a single 3D printed unloaded main landing gear strut.
![Album image #143 Album image #143](/albums/img/6/9/3/1305693-67957-93-720.jpg)
Test fitting with the transparent pole with a single 3D printed unloaded main landing gear strut. This pole is compatible with all my previous in flight projects except for the Hasegawa F/A-18F VX-23
![Album image #144 Album image #144](/albums/img/1/7/8/1320178-67957-80-720.jpg)
Moved to cockpit area. Put the glare shield and HUD on, dry fit
![Album image #145 Album image #145](/albums/img/1/7/9/1320179-67957-44-720.jpg)
Painting the edge of glasses with transparent green. Make them look like a glass panel
![Album image #146 Album image #146](/albums/img/1/8/0/1320180-67957-33-720.jpg)
Putting the glare shield on. Do adjust the shield carefully that it don't interfere installing wind shield in later procedures
![Album image #147 Album image #147](/albums/img/1/8/1/1320181-67957-91-720.jpg)
![Album image #148 Album image #148](/albums/img/1/8/2/1320182-67957-87-720.jpg)
Everything is onboard! Ready to close the fuselage halves!
![Album image #149 Album image #149](/albums/img/1/8/4/1320184-67957-67-720.jpg)
This beautifully painted Su-33 is not my model! It belongs to one of my friends. He made a dual build, yes two Minibase Su-33s simutaneously! I edited his photo and placed it along with my F-14D. wish it would be what my own version would look like!
![Album image #150 Album image #150](/albums/img/3/4/0/1324340-67957-63-720.jpg)
Finally I managed to close the fuselage halves without using masking tape. I dry fitted a lot and sanded the the areas where the base of cockpit contacts the top of nose gear bay. I used thinned glue to join the upper and lower part of fuselage. Press the parts with my finger, and then applied Mr. Cement S (a thinned modeling glue from Gunze)
![Album image #151 Album image #151](/albums/img/3/4/1/1324341-67957-44-720.jpg)
I decided to replace the axis of canards with 1mm diameter steel tube. With this modification, I can install the canards in the final phase. Putting too many parts together (as guided by the instruction book) would bring a lot of trouble when you fill and sand.
![Album image #152 Album image #152](/albums/img/3/4/2/1324342-67957-50-720.jpg)
The cabin section comes together nicely
![Album image #153 Album image #153](/albums/img/3/4/3/1324343-67957-51-720.jpg)
I had to install inboard flaps since their hinges are planted deep inside the wing. Sure this would bring some trouble when I clean up the aft fuselage and paint
![Album image #154 Album image #154](/albums/img/3/4/4/1324344-67957-40-720.jpg)
There is a larger misfit outboard of starboard nacelle, but I am sure this would not bring about too much trouble when I fill and sand it
![Album image #155 Album image #155](/albums/img/3/4/5/1324345-67957-15-720.jpg)
![Album image #156 Album image #156](/albums/img/3/5/1/1324351-67957-58-720.jpg)
As i am making a wing-spread configuration, I choose to follow the wing spread option in the instruction sheet. In this configuration you need only to fit a simplified version of wing hinge panel when you close the upper and lower wing halves
![Album image #157 Album image #157](/albums/img/3/5/2/1324352-67957-17-720.jpg)
![Album image #158 Album image #158](/albums/img/3/5/3/1324353-67957-33-720.jpg)
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![Album image #163 Album image #163](/albums/img/3/5/8/1324358-67957-99-720.jpg)
The cockpit section near complete. Note the small parts to the side of ejection seat which is painted gold. This is the last part I added to cockpit before I attach it to the upper fuselage half
![Album image #164 Album image #164](/albums/img/5/8/8/1324588-67957-13-720.jpg)
The fitting of nose cone is a major problem. If left untreated, a big step may appear at the top of nose. Sanding the top may bring quite a lot of pain. I choose to switch this problem to the side of nose. A short sprue may do the miracle, as stated in next photo. This makes sanding work less. I am going to re-scribe the panel lines while sanding.
![Album image #165 Album image #165](/albums/img/5/8/9/1324589-67957-92-720.jpg)
A little tip to address the fitting between radome and cockpit section. Use a small sprue as support inside the radome, as to make the cross section more oval, so you can get a better fit on top and bottom of this oval, while the fitting of left and right side are easier to deal with...
![Album image #166 Album image #166](/albums/img/5/9/0/1324590-67957-17-720.jpg)
Right of the nose cone, fitting is better
![Album image #167 Album image #167](/albums/img/5/9/1/1324591-67957-10-720.jpg)
a small piece of thin plastic is added to the plug for port vertical stabilizer , as to make the fitting of vertical fins more precise
![Album image #168 Album image #168](/albums/img/5/9/2/1324592-67957-97-720.jpg)
looks like the seam is still too wide, I have to deal with it later on
![Album image #169 Album image #169](/albums/img/5/9/3/1324593-67957-52-720.jpg)
Overall view of assembled airframe. Looked not quite good but I had got to go on....
![Album image #170 Album image #170](/albums/img/5/9/4/1324594-67957-82-720.jpg)
![Album image #171 Album image #171](/albums/img/5/9/5/1324595-67957-87-720.jpg)
![Album image #172 Album image #172](/albums/img/5/9/6/1324596-67957-40-720.jpg)
Test fiting started as I wanted to make sure everything come together without major fitting issues
![Album image #173 Album image #173](/albums/img/0/7/5/1326075-67957-74-720.jpg)
![Album image #174 Album image #174](/albums/img/0/7/6/1326076-67957-92-720.jpg)
The axis of canard is replaced with 1mm diameter steel tube. The canards would be installed prior to assembly of fuselage halves according to the instruction book, which would be inconvenient in later steps
![Album image #175 Album image #175](/albums/img/0/7/7/1326077-67957-62-720.jpg)
![Album image #176 Album image #176](/albums/img/0/7/8/1326078-67957-97-720.jpg)
No interference between windshield and HUD frames, good
![Album image #177 Album image #177](/albums/img/0/7/9/1326079-67957-85-720.jpg)
![Album image #178 Album image #178](/albums/img/0/8/0/1326080-67957-47-720.jpg)
Note the dihedral angle of the canards
![Album image #179 Album image #179](/albums/img/0/8/1/1326081-67957-22-720.jpg)
![Album image #180 Album image #180](/albums/img/4/1/1/1327411-67957-73-720.jpg)
I glued the upper and lower halves of wings together, but with no glue on hinges of ailerons or trailing edge flaps. This make it easier to paint camouflage since the ailerons and flaps can still move
![Album image #181 Album image #181](/albums/img/4/1/2/1327412-67957-63-720.jpg)
Also added are the horizontal stabilizers. I modified their axes so I am able to install them at very final steps
![Album image #182 Album image #182](/albums/img/4/1/3/1327413-67957-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #183 Album image #183](/albums/img/4/1/4/1327414-67957-76-720.jpg)
![Album image #184 Album image #184](/albums/img/4/1/5/1327415-67957-91-720.jpg)
I used a carve knife to remove the steps on the axis . The steps were meant to restrict the lateral position of horizontal stabilizers, but one must install them before closing fuselage halves if the steps are not shaved.
![Album image #185 Album image #185](/albums/img/5/0/0/1328500-67957-74-720.jpg)
3D printed landing gears and plastic wheels added. This are the last pieces added during the mock up. You can determine if the pole and tubes work properly with CG of the completed model
![Album image #186 Album image #186](/albums/img/5/0/4/1328504-67957-76-720.jpg)
![Album image #187 Album image #187](/albums/img/5/0/6/1328506-67957-27-720.jpg)
![Album image #188 Album image #188](/albums/img/0/5/2/1329052-67957-63-720.jpg)
Started working with the 3D printed landing gears. This is the nose gear shock strut and drag strut. I cleaned up the support sprues. There is a steel rod in the package, but I did not notice it. Here I inserted a longer steel tube from my stash
![Album image #189 Album image #189](/albums/img/0/5/3/1329053-67957-87-720.jpg)
the drag strut can be connected to shock strut with copper wires, here I used a 0.5mm diameter piece
![Album image #190 Album image #190](/albums/img/0/5/4/1329054-67957-36-720.jpg)
Dry fitting with mud guard and twin nose wheels
![Album image #191 Album image #191](/albums/img/0/5/5/1329055-67957-31-720.jpg)
![Album image #192 Album image #192](/albums/img/0/5/6/1329056-67957-23-720.jpg)
![Album image #193 Album image #193](/albums/img/0/5/7/1329057-67957-12-720.jpg)
As for main gear struts, there are some differences with the wiring and hydraulic lines between the port and starboard gear
![Album image #194 Album image #194](/albums/img/0/5/8/1329058-67957-62-720.jpg)
Starboard main gear strut and side stay while wheel brake discs
![Album image #195 Album image #195](/albums/img/0/5/9/1329059-67957-93-720.jpg)
notice the tow point underneath the main gear strut, this part is extremely vulnaerbale when modelers removing support. I mistook them for supporting sprues and snapped them off too. Fortunately, the J part of the kit has a pair of spare part on it.
![Album image #196 Album image #196](/albums/img/0/6/0/1329060-67957-55-720.jpg)
Notice the tow connector right beneath the shock strut. And the plugs on top of the gear strut are quite fragile, one should be carefull when installing the gear struts. The 3D printed parts replace the plastic parts totally. If you want to install these detail up part, do remember not to install plastic gear struts and plastic side strut lock mechanisms
![Album image #197 Album image #197](/albums/img/3/5/7/1330357-67957-11-720.jpg)
Started painting nose and main landing gear struts. Mr. Color SM206 Chrome Silver comes first.
![Album image #198 Album image #198](/albums/img/3/5/8/1330358-67957-97-720.jpg)
The inner tubes are shiny, choosing SM206 is a good idea!
![Album image #199 Album image #199](/albums/img/3/5/9/1330359-67957-84-720.jpg)
![Album image #200 Album image #200](/albums/img/3/6/0/1330360-67957-70-720.jpg)
Mask up the mirror sections of shock absorber tubes. Time to apply the color D, a mixture of 65% of Mr.Color 337 and 35% of Mr. Color 107
![Album image #201 Album image #201](/albums/img/3/6/1/1330361-67957-33-720.jpg)
Looks good
![Album image #202 Album image #202](/albums/img/3/6/2/1330362-67957-51-720.jpg)
Following this, there would be painting of case of wheel brake actuators, hydraulic lines and electric wires
![Album image #203 Album image #203](/albums/img/3/6/3/1330363-67957-48-720.jpg)
The tube perpendicular to shock strut on the nose gear is the nose gear steering actuator case. There are two hydraulic lines connecting each end of the case. One for pressurized oil, the other for oil that should return to hydraulic reservoir.
![Album image #204 Album image #204](/albums/img/2/2/0/1332220-67957-32-720.jpg)
![Album image #205 Album image #205](/albums/img/2/2/1/1332221-67957-53-720.jpg)
painting the torsion links. Torsion links connects the outer tube of shock strut and inner tubes, limiting the steering angle of main wheels (keeping the wheels facing forward). I painted them with Mr. Color C28, dark steel, by hand brushing.
![Album image #206 Album image #206](/albums/img/2/2/2/1332222-67957-77-720.jpg)
Torsion links of main gear struts are painted with gun metal. Free hand.
![Album image #207 Album image #207](/albums/img/2/2/3/1332223-67957-19-720.jpg)
On the torsion links, there are hydraulic lines and electric wires to be painted later
![Album image #208 Album image #208](/albums/img/2/2/4/1332224-67957-54-720.jpg)
![Album image #209 Album image #209](/albums/img/2/2/5/1332225-67957-18-720.jpg)
![Album image #210 Album image #210](/albums/img/0/7/1/1333071-67957-58-720.jpg)
Free hand painting: Wheel brake actuator cases. Green with a little touch of flat black
![Album image #211 Album image #211](/albums/img/0/7/2/1333072-67957-48-720.jpg)
Side stay of nose gear strut is also painted. the landing gear strut was printed in one piece, painting the inboard side of side stays was difficult! Fine hand brushes were needed!
![Album image #212 Album image #212](/albums/img/0/7/3/1333073-67957-49-720.jpg)
![Album image #213 Album image #213](/albums/img/0/7/4/1333074-67957-53-720.jpg)
Following the wheel brake piston cases were the hydraulic lines and electric wire bundles. Brushed by free hand
![Album image #214 Album image #214](/albums/img/0/7/5/1333075-67957-77-720.jpg)
Following the wheel brake piston cases were the hydraulic lines and electric wire bundles. Brushed by free hand
![Album image #215 Album image #215](/albums/img/0/7/6/1333076-67957-53-720.jpg)
Following the wheel brake piston cases were the hydraulic lines and electric wire bundles. Brushed by free hand
![Album image #216 Album image #216](/albums/img/0/7/8/1333078-67957-81-720.jpg)
Following the wheel brake piston cases were the hydraulic lines and electric wire bundles. Brushed by free hand
![Album image #217 Album image #217](/albums/img/3/0/2/1334302-67957-69-720.jpg)
This is the newly painted nose landing gear strut with drag strut. Not completed yet, but I selected to paint the hydraulic lines, electric wires, landing signal lights, taxiing lights to bring up the detail as an early reveal.
![Album image #218 Album image #218](/albums/img/3/0/3/1334303-67957-19-720.jpg)
I mainly used Mr.Color to paint the details, with some fine hand brushes.
![Album image #219 Album image #219](/albums/img/3/0/4/1334304-67957-59-720.jpg)
![Album image #220 Album image #220](/albums/img/3/0/5/1334305-67957-79-720.jpg)
Carrier landing signal lights: from top to bottom they are clear orange, clear green and clear red
![Album image #221 Album image #221](/albums/img/3/0/6/1334306-67957-67-720.jpg)
![Album image #222 Album image #222](/albums/img/3/0/7/1334307-67957-65-720.jpg)
![Album image #223 Album image #223](/albums/img/3/0/8/1334308-67957-57-720.jpg)
Nose and main gear struts in the storage case. There are still some details to paint, but now they look like 90% complete
![Album image #224 Album image #224](/albums/img/3/0/9/1334309-67957-66-720.jpg)
![Album image #225 Album image #225](/albums/img/3/1/0/1334310-67957-48-720.jpg)
Painting of tyres and wheels. I filled and sanded the seams between halves of tyres, so I closed the tyres before painting the wheels. I airbrushed the tyres first, with matt black mixed with some gray paint. 100% black is absolutely not recommended! No tyres look pure black under the sun
![Album image #226 Album image #226](/albums/img/3/1/1/1334311-67957-27-720.jpg)
Then I masked up the tyres. Pressed the masking tape hard to stick to the surface of wheels as to reveal the edge of wheel rims. I used a modeling knife to cut along the rim and removed the mask over the wheels. Now it is time to paint the wheels
![Album image #227 Album image #227](/albums/img/3/1/2/1334312-67957-47-720.jpg)
Tamiya acrylic paint are used. Some Grass Green mixed with a drop or two of flat black. I used this combination with my wheel brake piston case, as to eliminate the color difference, I sticked to the same combination when painting wheels
![Album image #228 Album image #228](/albums/img/3/1/3/1334313-67957-68-720.jpg)
Masking tapes applied to the tyres, the wheels were airbrushed with Tamiya Green
![Album image #229 Album image #229](/albums/img/3/1/4/1334314-67957-57-720.jpg)
Masking tape removed
![Album image #230 Album image #230](/albums/img/3/1/5/1334315-67957-46-720.jpg)
![Album image #231 Album image #231](/albums/img/3/1/8/1334318-67957-30-720.jpg)
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Manual for Minibase upgrade parts. The instruction sheet depicts a wheel-on-ground version
![Album image #238 Album image #238](/albums/img/7/8/4/1334784-67957-24-720.jpg)
![Album image #239 Album image #239](/albums/img/7/8/5/1334785-67957-86-720.jpg)
![Album image #240 Album image #240](/albums/img/9/8/6/1376986-67957-15-720.jpg)
Several spots needed to be cleaned and fixed before painting. The first being the radome.
![Album image #241 Album image #241](/albums/img/9/8/7/1376987-67957-43-720.jpg)
The right side of nose looked ok when filled and sanded
![Album image #242 Album image #242](/albums/img/9/8/8/1376988-67957-87-720.jpg)
Inside of the canopy, there is a frame where the modulated air tubes are located. It was not really easy to install these small parts. Anyway, I managed to fix it
![Album image #243 Album image #243](/albums/img/9/8/9/1376989-67957-32-720.jpg)
The fitting between a closed airbrake and the top of fuselage was not perfect. I tried to fill and sand it.
![Album image #244 Album image #244](/albums/img/9/9/0/1376990-67957-66-720.jpg)
![Album image #245 Album image #245](/albums/img/9/9/1/1376991-67957-92-720.jpg)
So was the tail boom. It needed some care.
![Album image #246 Album image #246](/albums/img/9/9/2/1376992-67957-29-720.jpg)
As for the left side of the nose. It took more time sanding and re-scribing panel lines. Now it looks ok
![Album image #247 Album image #247](/albums/img/9/9/3/1376993-67957-70-720.jpg)
![Album image #248 Album image #248](/albums/img/9/9/4/1376994-67957-33-720.jpg)
![Album image #249 Album image #249](/albums/img/6/0/5/1446605-67957-49-720.jpg)
A thin layer of Mr.Surfacer 1500 was applied to the airframe, as for inspection. Here is the dry fitted inspection with landing gears attached.
![Album image #250 Album image #250](/albums/img/6/0/6/1446606-67957-61-720.jpg)
Front view. Note the dihedral angle of the canards. The main wheels slightly canted inward
![Album image #251 Album image #251](/albums/img/6/0/7/1446607-67957-99-720.jpg)
![Album image #252 Album image #252](/albums/img/6/0/8/1446608-67957-20-720.jpg)
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![Album image #254 Album image #254](/albums/img/7/9/7/1469797-67957-85-720.jpg)
Preshading. The Su-33 aircraft is huge even in 1/48 scale. I started pre-shading by drawing along all panel lines and rivet lines. After which I will add shades to various panels as to make the tone look more dynamic.
![Album image #255 Album image #255](/albums/img/7/9/8/1469798-67957-90-720.jpg)
As you can see, the density of panel lines and rivet lines are higher, compared with all my previous builds
![Album image #256 Album image #256](/albums/img/7/9/9/1469799-67957-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #257 Album image #257](/albums/img/8/0/0/1469800-67957-35-720.jpg)
![Album image #258 Album image #258](/albums/img/8/0/1/1469801-67957-37-720.jpg)
I used a PS-289 airbrush to draw all these lines. I held my airbrush with both my hands, as to airbrush steadily
![Album image #259 Album image #259](/albums/img/8/0/2/1469802-67957-28-720.jpg)
Pre-shading the vertical fins.
![Album image #260 Album image #260](/albums/img/5/8/3/1485583-67957-24-720.jpg)
![Album image #261 Album image #261](/albums/img/5/8/4/1485584-67957-45-720.jpg)
![Album image #262 Album image #262](/albums/img/5/8/5/1485585-67957-53-720.jpg)
![Album image #263 Album image #263](/albums/img/5/8/6/1485586-67957-71-720.jpg)
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This is a typical painting of pre-shading. I tacked the horizontal stabilizers to a paper card, and then hold my Gunze PS-289 Airbrush with my right hand. My elbows are resting on the edge of desk, while my left hand is also holding the airbrush, limiting the movement of it. With two hands, airbrushing would be quite stabilized and the lines I make would be straighter than freehand painting.
![Album image #265 Album image #265](/albums/img/5/8/8/1485588-67957-53-720.jpg)
The top side of horizontal stabilizers. I used very thin paint rather than thick ones. The airbrush is moved very carefully and slowly to highlight the rivet and panel lines
![Album image #266 Album image #266](/albums/img/5/8/9/1485589-67957-29-720.jpg)
Second stage: making the airflow marks on panels.
![Album image #267 Album image #267](/albums/img/5/9/0/1485590-67957-17-720.jpg)
![Album image #268 Album image #268](/albums/img/5/9/1/1485591-67957-94-720.jpg)
![Album image #269 Album image #269](/albums/img/5/9/2/1485592-67957-60-720.jpg)
Controling the quantity of paint flow is not very easy. You can still see some splashes on the airframe as I failed when the paint flow is too much
![Album image #270 Album image #270](/albums/img/5/9/3/1485593-67957-40-720.jpg)
![Album image #271 Album image #271](/albums/img/5/9/4/1485594-67957-58-720.jpg)
![Album image #272 Album image #272](/albums/img/5/9/5/1485595-67957-62-720.jpg)
![Album image #273 Album image #273](/albums/img/5/9/6/1485596-67957-88-720.jpg)
![Album image #274 Album image #274](/albums/img/4/4/5/1488445-67957-96-720.jpg)
![Album image #275 Album image #275](/albums/img/4/4/6/1488446-67957-86-720.jpg)
Actually I know that the shades on the engine nacelles would be covered completely by metal paints, but I can't resisit making shades over them. In contrast, the shades are dark at the center of the panels, rather than edge of panels
![Album image #276 Album image #276](/albums/img/4/4/7/1488447-67957-37-720.jpg)
![Album image #277 Album image #277](/albums/img/4/4/8/1488448-67957-93-720.jpg)
Shades are added randomly along the longitudinal panel lines, most of which are airbrushed in a lateral pattern
![Album image #278 Album image #278](/albums/img/4/4/9/1488449-67957-24-720.jpg)
![Album image #279 Album image #279](/albums/img/4/5/0/1488450-67957-66-720.jpg)
Overview of underside
![Album image #280 Album image #280](/albums/img/8/5/4/1489854-67957-78-720.jpg)
Painting of underside begins. Minibase offered a camouflage on the basis of Gunze's Mr. Color solvent based paint: Color A, B and C. Color A is the baseline paint, which is a mixture of gray, blue and white. I pour a whole bottle of C307 into my mixture can. And then, some C115(gray), C107(character white) and a drop of C323(Blue). Now I have approximately 25-30ml of the mixture, which is enough for painting the whole 1/48 Su-33.
I began with the underside.
I began with the underside.
![Album image #281 Album image #281](/albums/img/8/5/5/1489855-67957-73-720.jpg)
A thin layer of Color A is applied to the underside. I selected to leave the textures not completedly covered, so as to make the airframe look tremendous.
![Album image #282 Album image #282](/albums/img/8/5/6/1489856-67957-39-720.jpg)
The main undercarriage bays were covered with landing gear doors. I did not bother to use masking tape or sols to cover the bays
![Album image #283 Album image #283](/albums/img/8/5/7/1489857-67957-29-720.jpg)
![Album image #284 Album image #284](/albums/img/8/5/8/1489858-67957-24-720.jpg)
The underside is full of details. Tons of details.
![Album image #285 Album image #285](/albums/img/8/5/9/1489859-67957-69-720.jpg)
![Album image #286 Album image #286](/albums/img/8/6/0/1489860-67957-44-720.jpg)
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![Album image #290 Album image #290](/albums/img/6/9/7/1499697-67957-91-720.jpg)
This is what I had done to the engine nacelle panels. I know the shades would eventually be covered completely by metal paints, but I couldn't resist to make some shades in the middle of the panels. Look fun especially when you painted the surround panels with camouflage colors. That made my model look like a completed one even if I was still in progress🙂
![Album image #291 Album image #291](/albums/img/6/9/8/1499698-67957-41-720.jpg)
![Album image #292 Album image #292](/albums/img/7/0/1/1499701-67957-37-720.jpg)
Adding Color B to the airframe
![Album image #293 Album image #293](/albums/img/7/0/2/1499702-67957-41-720.jpg)
![Album image #294 Album image #294](/albums/img/7/0/3/1499703-67957-97-720.jpg)
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![Album image #297 Album image #297](/albums/img/7/0/6/1499706-67957-53-720.jpg)
I used Mr.Color paints to make camouflage colors as referred in the instructions. Color A was the basic color that was used on lower surface and some upper surface of the airframe. The ingredient for Color B was 50% C323(light blue) + 30% Color B +20% C135(Russian Green), which turned out to be the bottle to the right(TOOO GREENISH!!!). I gave it a second try, reducing Russian Green. I dropped only a drop into the mixture and it turned out to be more decent for a Russian Navy Su-33.
![Album image #298 Album image #298](/albums/img/9/6/2/1499962-67957-54-720.jpg)
adding a thin layer of color A to make the shades fade. It is not a good idea if the shades are too pronounced!
![Album image #299 Album image #299](/albums/img/9/6/3/1499963-67957-42-720.jpg)
![Album image #300 Album image #300](/albums/img/9/6/4/1499964-67957-98-720.jpg)
![Album image #301 Album image #301](/albums/img/4/1/9/1508419-67957-16-720.jpg)
Mixture for Color C: 60% C72 blue + 25% Color B + (Ignore the 15% Russian Green, you just need one drop or two in the 10ml mixture). Port horizontal stabilizer.
![Album image #302 Album image #302](/albums/img/4/2/0/1508420-67957-46-720.jpg)
I left the pre-shading visible. I would like to leave the texture clearly seen since this is a model full of details
![Album image #303 Album image #303](/albums/img/4/2/1/1508421-67957-35-720.jpg)
Starboard horizontal stabilizer, three colors: A, B and C
![Album image #304 Album image #304](/albums/img/4/2/2/1508422-67957-39-720.jpg)
After a lot of masking work, I finally came to a fully-colored airframe! Looked pretty worn but still airworthy.
![Album image #305 Album image #305](/albums/img/4/2/3/1508423-67957-36-720.jpg)
I was able to paint the draft of camouflage of this airframe on the first day. Yet I still have to work with the details, making them look more decent.
![Album image #306 Album image #306](/albums/img/4/2/4/1508424-67957-47-720.jpg)
![Album image #307 Album image #307](/albums/img/4/2/5/1508425-67957-19-720.jpg)
This is the prelimary effect, which needs detailing up and a lot of tweaking. Stay tuned for further update!
![Album image #308 Album image #308](/albums/img/4/2/6/1508426-67957-45-720.jpg)
![Album image #309 Album image #309](/albums/img/4/2/7/1508427-67957-36-720.jpg)
Mock up with unloaded version of Minibase 3D printed landing gears. The drag strut of nose landing gear still needs some modification. The shock strut will not tilt forward like this on a real Su-33. The pole here is an arcylic rod which is drilled on top, where a short steel tube sit on top connecting the airframe and acrylic rod
![Album image #310 Album image #310](/albums/img/4/2/8/1508428-67957-98-720.jpg)
![Album image #311 Album image #311](/albums/img/4/2/9/1508429-67957-98-720.jpg)
![Album image #312 Album image #312](/albums/img/4/3/0/1508430-67957-37-720.jpg)
Faded shades looks smoother than before!
![Album image #313 Album image #313](/albums/img/4/4/3/1510443-67957-83-720.jpg)
A few areas has been re-painted. I apply a very thin layer of thinned paint everytime since I would like to leave the panel lines and rivet lines more obvious.
![Album image #314 Album image #314](/albums/img/6/1/0/1511610-67957-58-720.jpg)
![Album image #315 Album image #315](/albums/img/6/1/1/1511611-67957-52-720.jpg)
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![Album image #323 Album image #323](/albums/img/1/9/0/1515190-67957-33-720.jpg)
Color Separation: Gun metal. Muzzle fire protection plates and air intake chin
![Album image #324 Album image #324](/albums/img/1/9/1/1515191-67957-20-720.jpg)
Color seperation: Leading edges of horizontal stabilzers, vertical stabilzers and leading edge flaps. When leading edges are extended, the fairings underneath are exposed (also painted gray). Wing fold hinges are painted gun metal
![Album image #325 Album image #325](/albums/img/1/9/2/1515192-67957-93-720.jpg)
Flame protectiong plates underneath horizontal stabilizers, painted gun metal
![Album image #326 Album image #326](/albums/img/1/9/3/1515193-67957-71-720.jpg)
Muzzle fire protection plates on upper nose section. The plate aft of the gun muzzle has not been painted yet. It would be painted with camouflage colors.
![Album image #327 Album image #327](/albums/img/1/9/4/1515194-67957-89-720.jpg)
overall view of painted airframe
![Album image #328 Album image #328](/albums/img/1/9/5/1515195-67957-28-720.jpg)
I also prepared a tilted version of display stand. I drill a 8mm diameter hole on a 28 by 28cm wood display base, in a tilted manner. On this display stand, the airframe could be hold on a take off attitude where the nose pointed up
![Album image #329 Album image #329](/albums/img/1/9/6/1515196-67957-84-720.jpg)
Do not forget there is a bare metal section in the front of windshield frame
![Album image #330 Album image #330](/albums/img/1/9/7/1515197-67957-18-720.jpg)
Tilted version with landing gears on
![Album image #331 Album image #331](/albums/img/1/9/8/1515198-67957-79-720.jpg)
![Album image #332 Album image #332](/albums/img/1/9/9/1515199-67957-13-720.jpg)
I gave a little post-shade over the heat-protection plates under the horizontal stabilizers, airbrushed freehanded with smoke color
![Album image #333 Album image #333](/albums/img/2/0/0/1515200-67957-91-720.jpg)
Here you can see the post shade better
![Album image #334 Album image #334](/albums/img/2/0/1/1515201-67957-45-720.jpg)
post shade also applied on gun muzzle fire protection plates on starboard fuselage
![Album image #335 Album image #335](/albums/img/3/8/9/1515389-67957-94-720.jpg)
Time to work on nacalle fairings. Mixture of Mr.Color Super Stainless Steel with semi gloss black is airbrushed in thin layers over the preshadings I had applied
![Album image #336 Album image #336](/albums/img/3/9/0/1515390-67957-14-720.jpg)
The fairings looked dark metallic in reference photos, so did the color I applied
![Album image #337 Album image #337](/albums/img/3/9/1/1515391-67957-30-720.jpg)
![Album image #338 Album image #338](/albums/img/3/9/2/1515392-67957-42-720.jpg)
![Album image #339 Album image #339](/albums/img/3/9/3/1515393-67957-15-720.jpg)
I used water thinned Vallejo paints to depict the variations over the fairing panels. I chose Smoke and Transparent Blue to do the work
![Album image #340 Album image #340](/albums/img/3/9/4/1515394-67957-54-720.jpg)
The secret was to apply the water based paint with water removed. Yes, in a near dry brushing manner.
![Album image #341 Album image #341](/albums/img/9/2/6/1516926-67957-65-720.jpg)
I applied more Smoke to forward section and aft section, while more tranparent blue to the middle section.
![Album image #342 Album image #342](/albums/img/9/2/7/1516927-67957-50-720.jpg)
The plates on upper fuselage varied more. I drew little squares on the forward section. Note all the access doors were not painted as they were supposed to be cleaned more often.
![Album image #343 Album image #343](/albums/img/9/2/8/1516928-67957-49-720.jpg)
![Album image #344 Album image #344](/albums/img/9/2/9/1516929-67957-19-720.jpg)
I airbrushed a thin layer of semi gloss clear coat to secure the water based paints. And then... removed the masks to see if everything went ok, seemed ok this time!
![Album image #345 Album image #345](/albums/img/9/3/0/1516930-67957-84-720.jpg)
![Album image #346 Album image #346](/albums/img/9/3/1/1516931-67957-69-720.jpg)
![Album image #347 Album image #347](/albums/img/9/3/2/1516932-67957-18-720.jpg)
Looked ok on the upper surface too
![Album image #348 Album image #348](/albums/img/9/3/3/1516933-67957-95-720.jpg)
![Album image #349 Album image #349](/albums/img/1/6/8/1518168-67957-77-720.jpg)
Time to work on the exhaust cones. Minibase kit supplied two sets of cones: open and closed. I chose to use the 3D printed part. Easy to seperate from sprues. Just snap them off with your hands once the protective frames are removed.
![Album image #350 Album image #350](/albums/img/1/6/9/1518169-67957-95-720.jpg)
First challenge. You have to glue the fuel injection nozzles to the support parts, very delicate work.
![Album image #351 Album image #351](/albums/img/1/7/0/1518170-67957-58-720.jpg)
![Album image #352 Album image #352](/albums/img/1/7/1/1518171-67957-61-720.jpg)
Dry fit with prepared parts. Afterburner cans and exhaust cones
![Album image #353 Album image #353](/albums/img/1/7/2/1518172-67957-58-720.jpg)
Vallejo is used to high-light different tones to various parts of the cone
![Album image #354 Album image #354](/albums/img/1/7/3/1518173-67957-96-720.jpg)
![Album image #355 Album image #355](/albums/img/1/7/4/1518174-67957-33-720.jpg)
Dry fit with painted exhaust cones. I applied very thin layer of thinned Vallejo water based paint, so it dried just a few minutes after application. A thin layer of semi gloss coat was applied to protect the water based paint in future work steps
![Album image #356 Album image #356](/albums/img/1/7/5/1518175-67957-71-720.jpg)
![Album image #357 Album image #357](/albums/img/1/7/6/1518176-67957-65-720.jpg)
![Album image #358 Album image #358](/albums/img/1/7/7/1518177-67957-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #359 Album image #359](/albums/img/7/3/9/1518739-67957-46-720.jpg)
![Album image #360 Album image #360](/albums/img/7/4/0/1518740-67957-55-720.jpg)
![Album image #361 Album image #361](/albums/img/7/4/1/1518741-67957-86-720.jpg)
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![Album image #364 Album image #364](/albums/img/7/4/4/1518744-67957-64-720.jpg)
After studying reference photos from Nazar, scalemodel.ru I decided that the exhaust cones were too shiny and I gave it a thin coat of semi-gloss black. The engine nacelles and exhaust cones of Su-33s were not often shiny, just like dark metal. This photo was taken outdoors. I am satisfied with the result this time.
![Album image #365 Album image #365](/albums/img/7/4/5/1518745-67957-50-720.jpg)
Another photo from outdoor, upper surface. Looks flat, just like what real Su-33s be like
![Album image #366 Album image #366](/albums/img/7/4/6/1518746-67957-16-720.jpg)
![Album image #367 Album image #367](/albums/img/7/4/7/1518747-67957-43-720.jpg)
Back indoor. I applied Smoke and transparent blue Vallejo colors to the heat protection panels underneath horizontal stabilizers
![Album image #368 Album image #368](/albums/img/7/4/8/1518748-67957-71-720.jpg)
Indoors, on the workbench. What the aft bottom fuselage look like under lamp light.
![Album image #369 Album image #369](/albums/img/7/4/9/1518749-67957-20-720.jpg)
Indoors, on the workbench. whole airframe under lamp light.
![Album image #370 Album image #370](/albums/img/7/5/0/1518750-67957-89-720.jpg)
Indoors, on the workbench. What the airframe look like under lamp light.
![Album image #371 Album image #371](/albums/img/7/5/1/1518751-67957-94-720.jpg)
The gun panel was also given a little touch with Acrylic Vallejo colors. Clear coat was applied after that for protection
![Album image #372 Album image #372](/albums/img/7/5/2/1518752-67957-22-720.jpg)
![Album image #373 Album image #373](/albums/img/7/5/3/1518753-67957-14-720.jpg)
![Album image #374 Album image #374](/albums/img/2/4/1/1521241-67957-42-720.jpg)
Color separation with some metallic colored parts: step 1
![Album image #375 Album image #375](/albums/img/2/4/2/1521242-67957-88-720.jpg)
Color separation with some metallic colored parts: step 1
![Album image #376 Album image #376](/albums/img/2/4/3/1521243-67957-61-720.jpg)
Color separation with some metallic colored parts: step 2. It would be good practice if neighbourhood areas are also covered before airbrushing procedure
![Album image #377 Album image #377](/albums/img/2/4/4/1521244-67957-26-720.jpg)
Color separation: hinge areas of horizontal stabilizers
![Album image #378 Album image #378](/albums/img/2/4/5/1521245-67957-61-720.jpg)
Color separation: hinge areas of horizontal stabilizers
![Album image #379 Album image #379](/albums/img/2/4/6/1521246-67957-39-720.jpg)
Color separation: hinge areas of horizontal stabilizers
![Album image #380 Album image #380](/albums/img/2/4/7/1521247-67957-92-720.jpg)
![Album image #381 Album image #381](/albums/img/2/4/8/1521248-67957-83-720.jpg)
![Album image #382 Album image #382](/albums/img/2/4/9/1521249-67957-85-720.jpg)
Port engine bay. A shiny metal panel just behind main landing gear bay
![Album image #383 Album image #383](/albums/img/8/9/9/1534899-67957-54-720.jpg)
Work on IRST. This is the only photo that would explain the painting procedure:
1, the lens is mirror like, I chose Super Chrome Silver from Mr. Color
2, cover the lens and then airbrush the base and support rack for the lens
3, airbrush the fairing: Color A for the forward section and then Color C for aft section
4, apply a little smoke color from Acrylic Vallejo to the inside of glass dome and then attach it
1, the lens is mirror like, I chose Super Chrome Silver from Mr. Color
2, cover the lens and then airbrush the base and support rack for the lens
3, airbrush the fairing: Color A for the forward section and then Color C for aft section
4, apply a little smoke color from Acrylic Vallejo to the inside of glass dome and then attach it
![Album image #384 Album image #384](/albums/img/9/0/0/1534900-67957-53-720.jpg)
Correcting some mistakes made in previous painting procedures
![Album image #385 Album image #385](/albums/img/9/0/1/1534901-67957-55-720.jpg)
![Album image #386 Album image #386](/albums/img/9/0/2/1534902-67957-94-720.jpg)
![Album image #387 Album image #387](/albums/img/9/0/3/1534903-67957-19-720.jpg)
![Album image #388 Album image #388](/albums/img/9/0/4/1534904-67957-70-720.jpg)
![Album image #389 Album image #389](/albums/img/9/0/5/1534905-67957-78-720.jpg)
![Album image #390 Album image #390](/albums/img/9/0/6/1534906-67957-56-720.jpg)
![Album image #391 Album image #391](/albums/img/5/6/5/1550565-67957-41-720.jpg)
Began to work on smaller parts underneath the airframe. Dry fit came first if I wanted to make a cleaner final assembly.
![Album image #392 Album image #392](/albums/img/5/6/6/1550566-67957-44-720.jpg)
There were just so many A-A missile pylons who looked almost the same. One had better to mark them before building
![Album image #393 Album image #393](/albums/img/5/6/7/1550567-67957-29-720.jpg)
Overall view of pylons and weapons applied
![Album image #394 Album image #394](/albums/img/5/6/8/1550568-67957-59-720.jpg)
![Album image #395 Album image #395](/albums/img/5/6/9/1550569-67957-57-720.jpg)
I could have skipped the painting of these white panels. Since I found decals depicting these panels... tooo late!
![Album image #396 Album image #396](/albums/img/5/7/0/1550570-67957-93-720.jpg)
Outboard wing pylons for R-73 Archer AAMs
![Album image #397 Album image #397](/albums/img/5/7/1/1550571-67957-27-720.jpg)
Finally painting procedure had come to the smaller parts such as wing flap hinges, actuator rods...
![Album image #398 Album image #398](/albums/img/5/7/2/1550572-67957-55-720.jpg)
Port wing.
![Album image #399 Album image #399](/albums/img/5/7/3/1550573-67957-57-720.jpg)
Underneath the flaps... the rods and hinges were painted. I simply drew the flaps out to paint, since the hinges were installed without using any glue
![Album image #400 Album image #400](/albums/img/5/7/4/1550574-67957-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #401 Album image #401](/albums/img/5/7/5/1550575-67957-43-720.jpg)
the ribs of trailing edge flaps were also painted. I used the colors for upper surface of the wing flaps
![Album image #402 Album image #402](/albums/img/5/7/6/1550576-67957-93-720.jpg)
In-flight refueling probe. There were three different metallic colors on it, which this photo would not show
![Album image #403 Album image #403](/albums/img/5/7/7/1550577-67957-78-720.jpg)
Another view of in-flight refueling probe
![Album image #404 Album image #404](/albums/img/5/7/8/1550578-67957-29-720.jpg)
Installed with probe cover panel
![Album image #405 Album image #405](/albums/img/5/7/9/1550579-67957-60-720.jpg)
Overview with painted pylons
![Album image #406 Album image #406](/albums/img/5/8/0/1550580-67957-85-720.jpg)
![Album image #407 Album image #407](/albums/img/5/8/1/1550581-67957-16-720.jpg)
![Album image #408 Album image #408](/albums/img/5/8/2/1550582-67957-52-720.jpg)
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![Album image #411 Album image #411](/albums/img/9/2/2/1551922-67957-13-720.jpg)
Due to the complexed structure of slotted trailing edge flaps. Small assemble errors may lead to interference between flaps and fuselage. I used a steel file to trim the root of the port inner trailing edge flap
![Album image #412 Album image #412](/albums/img/9/2/3/1551923-67957-36-720.jpg)
I carefully adjust the deflection angles for all trailing edge flaps, as to eliminate any asymmetry
![Album image #413 Album image #413](/albums/img/9/2/4/1551924-67957-48-720.jpg)
![Album image #414 Album image #414](/albums/img/9/2/5/1551925-67957-10-720.jpg)
The cursors showed how the interference came
![Album image #415 Album image #415](/albums/img/9/2/6/1551926-67957-90-720.jpg)
Before glueing outer wing to fuselage, I had to complete building the hinges even if I am not folding the wings. There were multiple PE parts on the outer wing and inner wings. This photo showed the port outer wing. I just drew a big exclamination mark on the instruction sheet to reminder myself not to forget those small parts
![Album image #416 Album image #416](/albums/img/9/2/7/1551927-67957-49-720.jpg)
![Album image #417 Album image #417](/albums/img/9/2/8/1551928-67957-63-720.jpg)
Look at those hinges! They are just so tiny! Not expected to be easy to handle with!
![Album image #418 Album image #418](/albums/img/9/2/9/1551929-67957-85-720.jpg)
PE hinges installed, port outer wing
![Album image #419 Album image #419](/albums/img/9/3/0/1551930-67957-14-720.jpg)
Hinges installed, starboard outer wing
![Album image #420 Album image #420](/albums/img/9/3/1/1551931-67957-36-720.jpg)
![Album image #421 Album image #421](/albums/img/9/3/2/1551932-67957-85-720.jpg)
As for inner part of the hinges. This was the easiest to install part! The head of the wing folding hinges.
![Album image #422 Album image #422](/albums/img/9/3/3/1551933-67957-79-720.jpg)
Inner part of wing fold hinge, head and tail installed
![Album image #423 Album image #423](/albums/img/9/3/4/1551934-67957-32-720.jpg)
Similar work done with starboard inner hinges
![Album image #424 Album image #424](/albums/img/9/3/5/1551935-67957-15-720.jpg)
Airframe finally ready for wing assembly
![Album image #425 Album image #425](/albums/img/9/3/6/1551936-67957-84-720.jpg)
![Album image #426 Album image #426](/albums/img/2/5/6/1556256-67957-16-720.jpg)
![Album image #427 Album image #427](/albums/img/2/5/7/1556257-67957-72-720.jpg)
![Album image #428 Album image #428](/albums/img/2/5/8/1556258-67957-16-720.jpg)
![Album image #429 Album image #429](/albums/img/2/6/3/1556263-67957-65-720.jpg)
Airframe before installing outer wings
![Album image #430 Album image #430](/albums/img/2/6/4/1556264-67957-33-720.jpg)
![Album image #431 Album image #431](/albums/img/2/5/9/1556259-67957-63-720.jpg)
Finally, wings were glued in place
![Album image #432 Album image #432](/albums/img/2/6/0/1556260-67957-21-720.jpg)
Finally, wings were glued in place. In flight configuration
![Album image #433 Album image #433](/albums/img/2/6/1/1556261-67957-51-720.jpg)
I had had some trouble when squeezing the starboard wing to the fuselage. So hard.... so let it be....
![Album image #434 Album image #434](/albums/img/2/6/2/1556262-67957-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #435 Album image #435](/albums/img/2/6/5/1556265-67957-73-720.jpg)
Trying with the stores the Minibase kit had provided
![Album image #436 Album image #436](/albums/img/2/6/6/1556266-67957-32-720.jpg)
![Album image #437 Album image #437](/albums/img/7/3/9/1569739-67957-19-720.jpg)
In flight posture against my old Tamiya F-14D build
![Album image #438 Album image #438](/albums/img/7/4/0/1569740-67957-45-720.jpg)
![Album image #439 Album image #439](/albums/img/1/4/5/1573145-67957-42-720.jpg)
Color separation with details at the wing root extensions
![Album image #440 Album image #440](/albums/img/1/4/6/1573146-67957-51-720.jpg)
Ready for decals! I put all major parts together....looking good
![Album image #441 Album image #441](/albums/img/1/4/7/1573147-67957-18-720.jpg)
Ready for decals! I put all major parts together....looking good....making the main wheels canted inwards with a few degrees was important
![Album image #442 Album image #442](/albums/img/1/4/8/1573148-67957-28-720.jpg)
![Album image #443 Album image #443](/albums/img/1/4/9/1573149-67957-22-720.jpg)
![Album image #444 Album image #444](/albums/img/1/5/0/1573150-67957-35-720.jpg)
![Album image #445 Album image #445](/albums/img/1/5/1/1573151-67957-79-720.jpg)
An 'A2A' front view🙂
![Album image #446 Album image #446](/albums/img/1/5/2/1573152-67957-95-720.jpg)
You can see the shiny landing gear inner strut pistons here
![Album image #447 Album image #447](/albums/img/1/5/3/1573153-67957-15-720.jpg)
Ready for decals: underside
![Album image #448 Album image #448](/albums/img/1/5/4/1573154-67957-97-720.jpg)
![Album image #449 Album image #449](/albums/img/1/5/5/1573155-67957-53-720.jpg)
![Album image #450 Album image #450](/albums/img/1/5/6/1573156-67957-37-720.jpg)
![Album image #451 Album image #451](/albums/img/1/5/7/1573157-67957-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #452 Album image #452](/albums/img/1/2/1/1579121-67957-47-720.jpg)
There are approximately 450 stencils for the airframe alone. 30 decals for each pair of R-27 missiles, 40 decals for each pair of R-73 missiles. I began with the stencils, each tick marks a decal applied
![Album image #453 Album image #453](/albums/img/1/2/2/1579122-67957-36-720.jpg)
I started the decal work with stencils first
![Album image #454 Album image #454](/albums/img/8/7/1/1580871-67957-59-720.jpg)
I chose to apply decals on page 45 next: decals on intake trunks
![Album image #455 Album image #455](/albums/img/8/7/2/1580872-67957-18-720.jpg)
![Album image #456 Album image #456](/albums/img/8/7/3/1580873-67957-98-720.jpg)
Interesting comparison against a MiG-31BS
![Album image #457 Album image #457](/albums/img/5/4/6/1581546-67957-53-720.jpg)
Decals C187 to 203 are really tiny. They are meant to be applied to the wall inside the intake tunnel. As depicted in the STENCIL instruction, they are on the same water-line. I am going to stick a long, fine masking tape to the inside of the tunnel, as to make them align
![Album image #458 Album image #458](/albums/img/5/4/7/1581547-67957-73-720.jpg)
Rare photo taken by my iPhone (all other photos were taken with my Canon EOS 850D digital camera), just wanted to show the stencils applied during past few days
![Album image #459 Album image #459](/albums/img/5/4/8/1581548-67957-42-720.jpg)
Rare photo taken by my iPhone, just wanted to show the stencils applied during past few days
![Album image #460 Album image #460](/albums/img/5/4/9/1581549-67957-96-720.jpg)
One stencil one tick.... still some not marked with tick, but not many 🙂
![Album image #461 Album image #461](/albums/img/1/8/7/1585187-67957-99-pristine.jpg)
The tiniest decals (Decals C187 to 203)! They were aligned when I applied a strip of masking tape to the nacelle, parallel to longitudinal axis of the aircraft
![Album image #462 Album image #462](/albums/img/1/8/8/1585188-67957-26-720.jpg)
Decals C187 to 203 applied, completing the last pieces of stencils on the nacelle stencil page. This photo shows the starboard nacelle and air intake.
![Album image #463 Album image #463](/albums/img/1/9/0/1585190-67957-50-720.jpg)
Decals C187 to 203 applied, zoomed in , completing the last pieces of stencils on the nacelle stencil page. This photo shows the starboard nacelle and air intake.
![Album image #464 Album image #464](/albums/img/1/9/1/1585191-67957-29-720.jpg)
Tiniest decals applied! Little yellow marks on the port engine and air intake bay
![Album image #465 Album image #465](/albums/img/1/9/2/1585192-67957-11-720.jpg)
Decals C187 to 203 applied, completing the last pieces of stencils on the nacelle stencil page. This photo shows the port nacelle and air intake.
![Album image #466 Album image #466](/albums/img/1/9/3/1585193-67957-19-720.jpg)
Decals C187 to 203 applied on the bare metal cowling of port engine bay
![Album image #467 Album image #467](/albums/img/1/9/4/1585194-67957-71-720.jpg)
Stencil Page finished, overview with the airframe. In fact there is only one page named 'stencils' which instructed me applying the decals on bottom and intake trunks. There are still a lot more decals to work on on the left, top and right side of the airframe. More stencils to come.... although the pages are not called 'stencils'
![Album image #468 Album image #468](/albums/img/1/9/5/1585195-67957-85-720.jpg)
![Album image #469 Album image #469](/albums/img/8/1/6/1587816-67957-97-720.jpg)
Finally the underside stencils are sort of complete
![Album image #470 Album image #470](/albums/img/8/2/1/1587821-67957-54-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, port side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #471 Album image #471](/albums/img/8/2/0/1587820-67957-19-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, port side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #472 Album image #472](/albums/img/8/1/8/1587818-67957-43-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, port side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #473 Album image #473](/albums/img/8/1/7/1587817-67957-92-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, port side
![Album image #474 Album image #474](/albums/img/8/1/9/1587819-67957-63-720.jpg)
Overview on underside, STENCILs complete, port view
![Album image #475 Album image #475](/albums/img/8/2/3/1587823-67957-82-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, starboard side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #476 Album image #476](/albums/img/8/2/4/1587824-67957-69-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, starboard side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #477 Album image #477](/albums/img/8/2/5/1587825-67957-96-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, starboard side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #478 Album image #478](/albums/img/8/2/2/1587822-67957-98-720.jpg)
Taking a quick view of the stencils underside, starboard side. Some yellow marks are not clearly visible, but they do exist on the model.
![Album image #479 Album image #479](/albums/img/8/2/7/1587827-67957-52-720.jpg)
STENCILs underside finally complete. Overview with starboard side
![Album image #480 Album image #480](/albums/img/8/2/6/1587826-67957-46-720.jpg)
The topside is still 'too clean' ... two and a half pages of instructions will address the top
![Album image #481 Album image #481](/albums/img/0/9/5/1589095-67957-90-720.jpg)
First day with topside decal works! I chose to apply those big ones first, details are brought up immeadiately.
![Album image #482 Album image #482](/albums/img/0/9/6/1589096-67957-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #483 Album image #483](/albums/img/0/9/7/1589097-67957-94-720.jpg)
![Album image #484 Album image #484](/albums/img/0/9/8/1589098-67957-83-720.jpg)
![Album image #485 Album image #485](/albums/img/0/9/9/1589099-67957-90-720.jpg)
![Album image #486 Album image #486](/albums/img/8/9/2/1592892-67957-77-720.jpg)
Finally! Stencils on top side are finished!
![Album image #487 Album image #487](/albums/img/8/9/3/1592893-67957-49-720.jpg)
![Album image #488 Album image #488](/albums/img/8/9/4/1592894-67957-32-720.jpg)
![Album image #489 Album image #489](/albums/img/8/9/5/1592895-67957-37-720.jpg)
Finally! Stencils on top side are finished!
![Album image #490 Album image #490](/albums/img/8/9/6/1592896-67957-32-720.jpg)
The arrows are highlighting some smallest stencils, which are the fuselage station FS marks
![Album image #491 Album image #491](/albums/img/8/9/7/1592897-67957-90-720.jpg)
Finally! Stencils on top side are finished!
![Album image #492 Album image #492](/albums/img/8/9/8/1592898-67957-51-720.jpg)
The arrows are highlighting some smallest stencils
![Album image #493 Album image #493](/albums/img/8/9/9/1592899-67957-33-720.jpg)
The arrows are highlighting some smallest stencils
![Album image #494 Album image #494](/albums/img/9/0/0/1592900-67957-15-720.jpg)
The arrows are highlighting some smallest stencils
![Album image #495 Album image #495](/albums/img/9/0/2/1592902-67957-19-720.jpg)
The arrows are highlighting some smallest stencils
![Album image #496 Album image #496](/albums/img/9/0/3/1592903-67957-26-720.jpg)
![Album image #497 Album image #497](/albums/img/9/0/4/1592904-67957-24-720.jpg)
These would be the final touch! Red 80 would bear those old Russian roundels. After these weathering work will commence
![Album image #498 Album image #498](/albums/img/5/1/2/1593512-67957-62-720.jpg)
![Album image #499 Album image #499](/albums/img/5/1/3/1593513-67957-12-720.jpg)
when building Red 80, choose the old roundels. The suggestions in the instruction book (A27) is wrong
![Album image #500 Album image #500](/albums/img/5/1/4/1593514-67957-85-720.jpg)
Insignia finally applied! One more solid step to the finish line! Mock up with landing gears
![Album image #501 Album image #501](/albums/img/5/1/5/1593515-67957-29-720.jpg)
![Album image #502 Album image #502](/albums/img/5/1/6/1593516-67957-66-720.jpg)
![Album image #503 Album image #503](/albums/img/5/1/7/1593517-67957-56-720.jpg)
![Album image #504 Album image #504](/albums/img/5/1/8/1593518-67957-67-720.jpg)
![Album image #505 Album image #505](/albums/img/5/1/9/1593519-67957-81-720.jpg)
Decals in the kit is from Galaxy Model. They react well with Mr. Mark Setter and Mr. Mark Softer.
![Album image #506 Album image #506](/albums/img/5/2/0/1593520-67957-83-720.jpg)
![Album image #507 Album image #507](/albums/img/5/2/1/1593521-67957-15-720.jpg)
As for large decals. A layer of Mr. Mark Setter is applied first, after which the decal is applied. I use a cotton swab to roll over it, as to drive the air and excess Mr. Mark Setter out from beneath the decal. A thin layer of Mr. Mark Softer is applied last. Then.... just let it dry.
![Album image #508 Album image #508](/albums/img/5/2/2/1593522-67957-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #509 Album image #509](/albums/img/5/2/3/1593523-67957-13-720.jpg)
![Album image #510 Album image #510](/albums/img/5/2/4/1593524-67957-47-720.jpg)
![Album image #511 Album image #511](/albums/img/5/2/5/1593525-67957-97-720.jpg)
![Album image #512 Album image #512](/albums/img/5/2/6/1593526-67957-39-720.jpg)
Modeling memes:'The airbrush is sick so that I don't paint this week!' :-D
![Album image #513 Album image #513](/albums/img/0/6/0/1597060-67957-82-720.jpg)
Added the last pieces to the gear struts: placards(decals), mooring point, taxi light and landing lights to nose gear; placards(decals) and mooring point to main gears
![Album image #514 Album image #514](/albums/img/0/6/1/1597061-67957-33-720.jpg)
Added the last pieces to the gear struts: placards(decals), mooring point, taxi light and landing lights to nose gear; placards(decals) and mooring point to main gears
![Album image #515 Album image #515](/albums/img/0/6/2/1597062-67957-39-720.jpg)
Added the last pieces to the gear struts: placards(decals), mooring point, taxi light and landing lights to nose gear; placards(decals) and mooring point to main gears
![Album image #516 Album image #516](/albums/img/0/6/3/1597063-67957-83-720.jpg)
Note: mooring rings is stored in closed position since there are springs which keep them from dangling
![Album image #517 Album image #517](/albums/img/4/8/7/1607487-67957-46-720.jpg)
first layer of weathering: black brownish oil paint, hand brushed along panel lines, rivets, and anywhere I would like to put dirt on
![Album image #518 Album image #518](/albums/img/4/8/8/1607488-67957-38-720.jpg)
![Album image #519 Album image #519](/albums/img/4/8/9/1607489-67957-11-720.jpg)
![Album image #520 Album image #520](/albums/img/4/9/0/1607490-67957-39-720.jpg)
![Album image #521 Album image #521](/albums/img/4/9/1/1607491-67957-80-720.jpg)
![Album image #522 Album image #522](/albums/img/4/9/2/1607492-67957-83-720.jpg)
![Album image #523 Album image #523](/albums/img/4/9/3/1607493-67957-82-720.jpg)
The oil colors I used: a tube of ivory black and a tube of burnt sienna, mixed to depict dirt and leak effect
![Album image #524 Album image #524](/albums/img/7/0/7/1607707-67957-38-720.jpg)
Sealant on IRST probe, painted by free hand with Acryic Vallejo white color
![Album image #525 Album image #525](/albums/img/7/0/8/1607708-67957-43-720.jpg)
Sealant on IRST probe, painted by free hand with Acryic Vallejo white color
![Album image #526 Album image #526](/albums/img/7/1/0/1607710-67957-22-720.jpg)
![Album image #527 Album image #527](/albums/img/7/0/6/1607706-67957-89-720.jpg)
Landing gears weathered with a thin layer of Winsor Newton oil colors. I brushed on anywhere except for the mirrored finish surfaces of the inner tubes
![Album image #528 Album image #528](/albums/img/7/0/9/1607709-67957-35-720.jpg)
Red dynamic balance align marks were painted on the tyres and rims, using red oil color.
![Album image #529 Album image #529](/albums/img/7/1/1/1607711-67957-64-720.jpg)
Weathering: added a second layer of oil color to the airframe
![Album image #530 Album image #530](/albums/img/7/1/2/1607712-67957-36-720.jpg)
Some dirt patches were added to top surface of horizontal stabilizers, wings and fuselage
![Album image #531 Album image #531](/albums/img/7/1/3/1607713-67957-10-720.jpg)
Finally the empennage and landing gears are attached to the airframe permanently
![Album image #532 Album image #532](/albums/img/7/3/0/1607730-67957-44-720.jpg)
![Album image #533 Album image #533](/albums/img/7/3/3/1607733-67957-99-720.jpg)
![Album image #534 Album image #534](/albums/img/7/3/4/1607734-67957-20-720.jpg)
![Album image #535 Album image #535](/albums/img/7/3/5/1607735-67957-50-720.jpg)
![Album image #536 Album image #536](/albums/img/7/7/8/1609778-67957-79-720.png)
Started working on the landing gear doors. The doors are made up of doors themselves, uplock rollers and hydraulic actuators. This photo depicts the actuators of main wheel bays. The selector valve canisters are moulded in seperate parts.
![Album image #537 Album image #537](/albums/img/7/7/9/1609779-67957-58-720.png)
Painting of the doors. A PE part was glued to edges of each main wheel door. The door uplock rollers are moulded seperatedly, depicted with plastic parts.
![Album image #538 Album image #538](/albums/img/7/8/0/1609780-67957-87-720.png)
The actuator pistons for main landing gear doors are airbrushed with this color: Mr. Color SM206 Super Chrome Silver 2. This is the very same color I applied to the inner tube of landing gear struts
![Album image #539 Album image #539](/albums/img/4/8/0/1610480-67957-47-720.png)
Attachment of main gear door actuator selector valves
![Album image #540 Album image #540](/albums/img/4/8/1/1610481-67957-62-720.png)
Painting main gear door actuators: canisters (Color D)
![Album image #541 Album image #541](/albums/img/9/6/8/1611968-67957-21-720.png)
There is also a uplock roller on the nose door, just beneath the accumulator can. There are two white sticker or placard on the inside of the door. As for main wheel bay and strut doors, the inside are painted red. A slight oil-color weathering is given to the inside and outside of the doors after attaching door actuators
![Album image #542 Album image #542](/albums/img/9/8/3/1610983-67957-35-720.jpg)
Underside, with doors attached. Note the actuator hinges should attach to correct position to achieve correct opening angles for the doors
![Album image #543 Album image #543](/albums/img/9/7/0/1611970-67957-28-720.png)
Attachment illustrated.
![Album image #544 Album image #544](/albums/img/9/8/4/1610984-67957-20-720.jpg)
![Album image #545 Album image #545](/albums/img/9/8/5/1610985-67957-54-720.jpg)
An interesting comparison between my work and Mocha-Lei's work. Mr. Lei has done a great work with his own version of Minibase Su-33. He hasn't posted anything on scalemates yet. You can visit him in his Facebook or Weibo page.
Facebook: facebook.com/profile..&mibextid=JRoKGi
Weibo: weibo.com/u/1872488742
Facebook: facebook.com/profile..&mibextid=JRoKGi
Weibo: weibo.com/u/1872488742
![Album image #546 Album image #546](/albums/img/9/8/6/1610986-67957-84-720.jpg)
![Album image #547 Album image #547](/albums/img/9/8/7/1610987-67957-58-720.jpg)
![Album image #548 Album image #548](/albums/img/9/8/8/1610988-67957-33-720.jpg)
![Album image #549 Album image #549](/albums/img/9/8/9/1610989-67957-75-720.jpg)
![Album image #550 Album image #550](/albums/img/9/9/0/1610990-67957-10-720.jpg)
![Album image #551 Album image #551](/albums/img/9/9/1/1610991-67957-40-720.jpg)
![Album image #552 Album image #552](/albums/img/9/9/2/1610992-67957-53-720.jpg)
Comparison between PLA Navy cousin J-15 Flying Shark with Su-33 model with landing gear doors installed. Look alike, but full of difference inside.
![Album image #553 Album image #553](/albums/img/4/1/0/1614410-67957-89-720.png)
Making of Arrestor Hook. Step 1: Mooring rings
![Album image #554 Album image #554](/albums/img/4/1/1/1614411-67957-87-720.png)
Making of tailhook: uplock for tailhook, really tiny
![Album image #555 Album image #555](/albums/img/4/0/9/1614409-67957-90-720.jpg)
![Album image #556 Album image #556](/albums/img/5/7/9/1616579-67957-15-720.png)
Making of arrestor hook: step 2
![Album image #557 Album image #557](/albums/img/5/8/0/1616580-67957-93-720.png)
Installing components of vertical stabilizers
![Album image #558 Album image #558](/albums/img/8/6/2/1616862-67957-88-720.png)
Installing air data probes on the nose
![Album image #559 Album image #559](/albums/img/8/6/3/1616863-67957-38-720.png)
Installing air data probes. 2 standby pitot tubes, 1 high angle of attack pitot tube, 2 AOA vanes, and one total air temperature probe
![Album image #560 Album image #560](/albums/img/8/6/5/1616865-67957-81-720.jpg)
![Album image #561 Album image #561](/albums/img/8/6/6/1616866-67957-77-720.jpg)
![Album image #562 Album image #562](/albums/img/8/6/9/1616869-67957-21-720.jpg)
![Album image #563 Album image #563](/albums/img/7/0/2/1617702-67957-84-720.png)
IFF antenna on the tail boom
![Album image #564 Album image #564](/albums/img/7/0/3/1617703-67957-10-720.png)
IFF antenna under the nose
![Album image #565 Album image #565](/albums/img/0/6/8/1618068-67957-45-720.jpg)
Dorsal HF antenna installed. Now the Minibase Su-33 airframe is complete literally. Going to work on the pylons and missiles.
![Album image #566 Album image #566](/albums/img/0/6/9/1618069-67957-88-720.jpg)
The airframe is literally complete . Going to work on the pylons and missiles.
![Album image #567 Album image #567](/albums/img/0/7/0/1618070-67957-98-720.jpg)
The airframe is literally complete . Going to work on the pylons and missiles.
![Album image #568 Album image #568](/albums/img/0/7/1/1618071-67957-33-720.jpg)
The airframe is literally complete . Going to work on the pylons and missiles.
![Album image #569 Album image #569](/albums/img/0/7/2/1618072-67957-40-720.jpg)
![Album image #570 Album image #570](/albums/img/0/7/3/1618073-67957-52-720.jpg)
![Album image #571 Album image #571](/albums/img/0/7/4/1618074-67957-53-720.jpg)
![Album image #572 Album image #572](/albums/img/0/7/5/1618075-67957-27-720.jpg)
![Album image #573 Album image #573](/albums/img/0/7/6/1618076-67957-66-720.jpg)
The airframe is literally complete . Going to work on the pylons and missiles.
![Album image #574 Album image #574](/albums/img/6/8/3/1618683-67957-26-720.jpg)
The airframe is literally complete . Going to work on the pylons and missiles.
![Album image #575 Album image #575](/albums/img/6/8/4/1618684-67957-23-720.jpg)
![Album image #576 Album image #576](/albums/img/6/8/5/1618685-67957-51-720.jpg)
![Album image #577 Album image #577](/albums/img/6/8/6/1618686-67957-49-720.jpg)
![Album image #578 Album image #578](/albums/img/6/8/7/1618687-67957-76-720.jpg)
![Album image #579 Album image #579](/albums/img/6/8/8/1618688-67957-67-720.jpg)
![Album image #580 Album image #580](/albums/img/6/8/9/1618689-67957-29-720.jpg)
![Album image #581 Album image #581](/albums/img/6/9/0/1618690-67957-72-720.jpg)
![Album image #582 Album image #582](/albums/img/6/9/1/1618691-67957-13-720.jpg)
![Album image #583 Album image #583](/albums/img/6/9/2/1618692-67957-78-720.jpg)
![Album image #584 Album image #584](/albums/img/6/9/3/1618693-67957-91-720.jpg)
![Album image #585 Album image #585](/albums/img/6/9/4/1618694-67957-38-720.jpg)
![Album image #586 Album image #586](/albums/img/7/1/0/1622710-67957-48-720.png)
The work on the pylons and missiles continued...these angle of attack vanes are not easy to attach. They are just too small to hold on tweezers, yet I managed to put them on...
![Album image #587 Album image #587](/albums/img/7/1/1/1622711-67957-32-720.jpg)
The planned loadout
![Album image #588 Album image #588](/albums/img/7/1/2/1622712-67957-77-720.png)
![Album image #589 Album image #589](/albums/img/5/6/6/1643566-67957-11-720.png)
![Album image #590 Album image #590](/albums/img/5/6/7/1643567-67957-45-720.png)
![Album image #591 Album image #591](/albums/img/3/7/5/1625375-67957-24-720.jpg)
![Album image #592 Album image #592](/albums/img/1/0/9/1629109-67957-45-720.jpg)
![Album image #593 Album image #593](/albums/img/1/1/1/1629111-67957-50-720.jpg)
Dry fit on the airframe, without decals
![Album image #594 Album image #594](/albums/img/2/5/2/1629252-67957-49-720.png)
R-27ET decals complete
![Album image #595 Album image #595](/albums/img/2/7/7/1629277-67957-94-720.png)
![Album image #596 Album image #596](/albums/img/1/8/1/1632181-67957-32-720.jpg)
R-27ER and R-37L, decals completed
![Album image #597 Album image #597](/albums/img/1/8/2/1632182-67957-48-720.jpg)
![Album image #598 Album image #598](/albums/img/1/8/3/1632183-67957-52-720.jpg)
![Album image #599 Album image #599](/albums/img/1/8/5/1632185-67957-74-720.jpg)
![Album image #600 Album image #600](/albums/img/2/6/1/1634261-67957-25-720.jpg)
Decaling on pylons, APU-73s are on the wing outer stations
![Album image #601 Album image #601](/albums/img/2/6/2/1634262-67957-79-720.jpg)
R-73E AAMs are also complete, all decals are on. Look at those ticks!
![Album image #602 Album image #602](/albums/img/2/6/3/1634263-67957-78-720.jpg)
![Album image #603 Album image #603](/albums/img/2/6/4/1634264-67957-85-720.jpg)
![Album image #604 Album image #604](/albums/img/2/6/5/1634265-67957-62-720.jpg)
APU-470 is the inner wing pylon for R-27ET missiles
![Album image #605 Album image #605](/albums/img/7/4/4/1635744-67957-71-720.jpg)
All pylons and missiles complete, mounted to the Su-33 airframe
![Album image #606 Album image #606](/albums/img/7/4/5/1635745-67957-39-720.jpg)
![Album image #607 Album image #607](/albums/img/7/4/6/1635746-67957-35-720.jpg)
Missiles and pylons are complete
![Album image #608 Album image #608](/albums/img/7/4/7/1635747-67957-97-720.jpg)
![Album image #609 Album image #609](/albums/img/7/4/8/1635748-67957-50-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #610 Album image #610](/albums/img/7/3/7/1636737-67957-37-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #611 Album image #611](/albums/img/7/3/8/1636738-67957-51-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #612 Album image #612](/albums/img/7/3/9/1636739-67957-17-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #613 Album image #613](/albums/img/7/4/0/1636740-67957-62-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #614 Album image #614](/albums/img/7/4/1/1636741-67957-76-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #615 Album image #615](/albums/img/7/4/2/1636742-67957-28-720.jpg)
Airframe with weapons complete, on a pole (in flight)
![Album image #616 Album image #616](/albums/img/7/4/3/1636743-67957-50-720.jpg)
Possible next 48th scale build: Lockheed Martin F-35A by Tamiya Models
![Album image #617 Album image #617](/albums/img/1/0/1/1639101-67957-28-720.jpg)
Still thinking about making a diorama base, depicting a takeoff scene. This very Red 80 has been operating from naval air station recent years, so I am making a blurred runway base
![Album image #618 Album image #618](/albums/img/1/0/2/1639102-67957-98-720.jpg)
The masking tapes represents the runway center lines and longitudinal edges of PAG-14 concrete plates on the runways
![Album image #619 Album image #619](/albums/img/1/0/3/1639103-67957-86-720.jpg)
![Album image #620 Album image #620](/albums/img/5/4/4/1640544-67957-69-720.jpg)
After the first hour of painting, the base began to take shape. The base is 28 by 28 centimeters, extensive airbrush work is done with Mr. Color C307 mixed with some C107 character yellow. The center line is airbrushed with C107 character white, while the tyre marks and panel lines are airbrushed with brownish black
![Album image #621 Album image #621](/albums/img/5/6/4/1643564-67957-38-720.png)
![Album image #622 Album image #622](/albums/img/5/6/5/1643565-67957-19-720.png)
I made more blurred effect with masking tapes and airbrush, mostly along the concrete panel lines and in vicinity of white center dash line. I moved my airbrush in parallel direction to the center line, sweeping sideways to make the blurred effect
Making the runway. As for the blurred effect, you may refer to:
Painting blurred runways | Album by ZHOU Kun (1:48)
Making the runway. As for the blurred effect, you may refer to:
Painting blurred runways | Album by ZHOU Kun (1:48)
![Album image #623 Album image #623](/albums/img/6/3/0/1640630-67957-12-720.jpg)
This is what I have done to the diorama base. I masked and airbrushed the center line and longitudinal panel lines of the concrete plates. I am going to make more shades according to pictures and videos I have viewed.
![Album image #624 Album image #624](/albums/img/6/3/5/1640635-67957-16-720.jpg)
Completed work with diorama base. More black marks are added to the surface, giving it a dynamic look
![Album image #625 Album image #625](/albums/img/6/3/3/1640633-67957-94-720.jpg)
Completed work with diorama base. More black marks are added to the surface, giving it a dynamic look!
![Album image #626 Album image #626](/albums/img/6/3/2/1640632-67957-97-720.jpg)
Put the plane on. I did not bother to use acrylic rods since they were quite thick. I did not want to drill big holes on the wood base so I used a steel tube instead.
![Album image #627 Album image #627](/albums/img/6/3/4/1640634-67957-28-720.jpg)
Completed work with diorama base. More black marks are added to the surface, giving it a dynamic look!
![Album image #628 Album image #628](/albums/img/0/3/1/1653031-67957-80-720.jpg)
Test shot with background paper. Stay tuned for final reveal.
![Album image #629 Album image #629](/albums/img/3/4/5/1690345-67957-92-720.jpg)
Showed up with my Tamiya F-14D VF-2 Bounty Hunters build at the 3rd Guangzhou Modeling Contest. Pre-show.
![Album image #630 Album image #630](/albums/img/3/4/6/1690346-67957-85-720.jpg)
Showed up with fellow modeler Mocha_Lei's builds (Su-33 Red 68 and Su-27K with Kh-41 Moskit Anti-Ship missile) at Minibase/HKModel booth in the 3rd Guangzhou Modeling Contest. Pre-show.
![Album image #631 Album image #631](/albums/img/1/6/7/1761167-67957-41-720.jpg)
Prior to Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. June 28-30
![Album image #632 Album image #632](/albums/img/1/6/8/1761168-67957-99-720.jpg)
At Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. June 28-30. With a 3D printed F-35C in foreground
![Album image #633 Album image #633](/albums/img/1/6/9/1761169-67957-95-720.jpg)
Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. Jun 38-30. Fellow modeler Mocha_Lei's builds (Su-33 Red 68 )
![Album image #634 Album image #634](/albums/img/1/7/0/1761170-67957-70-720.jpg)
Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. Jun 38-30. Fellow modeler Mocha_Lei's builds (Su-27K with Kh-41 Moskit Anti-Ship missile)
![Album image #635 Album image #635](/albums/img/1/7/1/1761171-67957-45-720.jpg)
At Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. June 28-30. Also shown is a Kinetic F-16I Sufa in flight display by a fellow modeler.
![Album image #636 Album image #636](/albums/img/1/7/2/1761172-67957-56-720.jpg)
At Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. June 28-30
![Album image #637 Album image #637](/albums/img/1/7/3/1761173-67957-75-720.jpg)
Model World Saga 2024, Guangzhou, China. Jun 28-30.
Коментари
164 29 March 2022, 15:26
![](/profiles/img/72020-938-s.jpg)
Following, I think this will be an extensive WIP? Good luck with this multi-multi parts kit.
29 March 2022, 17:03
![](/profiles/img/48987-587-s.jpg)
yessss, this will be both informative and epic 👍 Going for a carrier landing?
29 March 2022, 19:32
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
Yes this is a multi multi parts kit! I am still working on the cockpit tub. The manufaturer has developed a 3D printed set of unloaded landing gear struts, I am going for a another in-flight (gear down and locked position).
16 April 2022, 11:35
![](/profiles/img/99040-745-s.jpg)
The figure painted fairly nice. One of my friends has been working on this expensive kit as well, following.
预祝成功🤓🤓
24 April 2022, 08:33
![](/profiles/img/29367-876-s.jpg)
Nice, almost no one builds this beats; definitely following; @Zhou, if I may sugest, Edit your album and set the "Teaser" to "Use last image" so that every one can see your last pics first; otherwise, the first image will be always appearing, despite your progress
26 April 2022, 14:12
![](/profiles/img/48987-587-s.jpg)
Fantastic work so far (and a lot of it😅) Fascinating kit 👍
This will be a great guide when I man up and start mine🙂
10 August 2022, 15:43
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
Thank you @Daniel and @Jay Calvert. The building thread would address some problems I encounter in my build, with me sharing my own solutions
16 October 2022, 01:11
![](/profiles/img/48987-587-s.jpg)
Fantastic, now I am happy I invested in those aftermarket landing gears as well 👌
1 November 2022, 20:56
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Daniel the 3d printed landing gear sets are released with Minibase label. Perhaps there is only weight on wheel version in market now. The weight off wheel version is temporarily out of stock
8 January 2023, 12:50
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Martin thank you so much. I think what one need is practicing and patience. Right now I don't have much time building my models, it is so hard to maintain my skill while not building models. 🙁
8 January 2023, 12:54
![](/profiles/img/74389-420-s.jpg)
Amazing detail and this kit, and you definitely brought the best out of it with your skills! 👍
Looking very much forward to further progress!
8 July 2023, 14:39
![](/profiles/img/121752-978-s.jpg)
Amazing Zhou! That Minibase kit is one of the most detailed kits I have ever seen and you did it justice! How many hours did you spend on it?
20 July 2023, 18:22
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@CaptGPF Just too many hours. I have other time consuming hobbies like cycling, running. So my plastic model projects usually last long 🙂 This project was started 1.5 years ago.
11 August 2023, 06:12
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Villiers de Vos @Gianluca @Guy Rump @Rui S @Alexander @Spanjaard
thank you for your kind comments! I am currently on a bussiness trip, the project is currently on a two week halt. I have been doing some color separation. I have worked out a preliminary effect with my airframe, a lot of details are still to address.
11 August 2023, 13:12
![](/profiles/img/25292-311-s.jpg)
...i dropped in on page 49....mate....that is incredible. I'm speechless about your work.
30 October 2023, 13:44
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Dominik Weitzer Thank you for your comment! Yes this is an unprecedented project I have ever come to. Extreme amount of work. I am a slow builder with other time comsuming hobbies, and I would like to show the building of this model to detail
30 October 2023, 15:40
![](/profiles/img/34360-107-s.jpg)
Phänomenal work so far. The painting and weathering looks fantastic.
30 October 2023, 20:29
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Shar Dipree thank you! But the weathering has not started yet. I am planning to draw some dust, leakage and drain effect, along with the highlighting the panel lines and rivets
12 November 2023, 12:49
![](/profiles/img/121752-978-s.jpg)
I just noticed that the landing gear struts are extended, are you planning to make this into a diorama landing on a carrier deck?
13 November 2023, 16:30
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Villiers de Vos thank you for your comment! I am going to move into final steps with this build.
@CaptGPF the model would be in carrier operation configuration, it would be in the air. I have not decided weather the tail hook would be down yet. I am going to finish the airplane first. Diorama base has not yet been planned yet.
15 November 2023, 02:20
![](/profiles/img/99040-745-s.jpg)
looks really Russian, joyful to watch your builds 👍
by the way nice hand writing 😁
21 November 2023, 05:28
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
Thank you @Chan Li @Jos Jansen @tianyi chen it has been a long long build
22 December 2023, 05:46
![](/profiles/img/10306-948-s.jpg)
Richie loved this kit so much he smashed his finished build with a hammer lol
I don't know if I have the patience for this type of kit. Takes a special breed to build this one.
Looks amazing.
10 January, 11:07
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Ellis Smith Thank you!
@Eric Thornton This kit do need more patience since it has more than 600 parts, yet it would be possible to finish if you don't hurry. Make only one part at one time, enjoy the progress 🙂 I am just an average skilled modeler who do not have much time at the workbench, time is the ingredient to solve the difficulties:-D
Would you mind if you share some of Richie's works
14 January, 13:18
![](/profiles/img/21096-573-s.jpg)
average skilled? quite an understatement, 😉
talent, skill and patience, you have plenty. skills can be learned, but patience is a lot more difficult to master 😉
14 January, 18:29
![](/profiles/img/127872-122-s.jpg)
This is remarkable, lovely work, awaiting the final reveal with my breath held.
1 February, 02:34
![](/profiles/img/48987-587-s.jpg)
Looking forward to that as well 👍 I got the feeling I bought another shelf queen😅...this one needs a lot of long term motivation - but you prove it can be done 👍
2 February, 12:12
![](/profiles/img/67957-649-s.jpg)
@Spanjaard @Neuling patience may work better than skills when building this kit 🙂
@Jennifer Franklin thank you!
@Daniel I recommend breaking the build into multiple small steps. There are too many sub-systems to deal with, each one is a delicate model itself
5 February, 11:50
![](/profiles/img/60803-133-s.jpg)
Excellent build! I really like the colours. They are spot on! You used Mr. Color, right? Best ragards!!!
28 February, 14:19