SAAB AJ-37 Viggen (I'm still here)

[Ziper_it]

Dear mates,

For many reasons lately my contribution has been limited or missing:

- because of a tech issue in the software I'm using.

- because I was not fully trusting the project i'm working on for many reasons: not my favorite subject, not the best kit, not sure about the results.

- but also because I thought that not posting here left me more time to concentrate on the results instead of rushing to show results here.

Now that tech issue is solved, I have more confidence on the project and results are showing I'm ready to post again.

But what? I need to take some pictures, then I'll be back to you.

Francesco

 

[papa 695]

Hi Francesco I know how you feel but there is never a need to rush just to show us eager watchers always take your time, and post when your ready we will still be here waiting.

Also I find that sometimes when I have a problem many on here will help out and showing it gives them a better understanding of what is needed to sort it out

 

[Laurie]

Really great stuff Fransesco. Look forward to reading your writings and seeing your models

Laurie

 

[flyjoe180]

Look forward to seeing the new project Francesco. Take your time mate, I take months just to finish a 1/72 kit. Enjoy it first and then show us your pride and joy.

 

[Ziper_it]

Nice words, thanks a lot.

I've been able to take a picture of one part which I consider finished and ready to paint.

View attachment 85252


Can someone guess what we're speaking about?

Francesco

 

[monica]

always look forward to seeing your post Francesco, and do it in your owe time, we will still be hear,

 

[flyjoe180]

Can someone guess what we're speaking about?Francesco

It could be a jet of some description, that looks like the basis of an ejection seat.

 

[Ziper_it]

Thank you Monica and Joe.

Slowly progressing here but that's fine, as it is growing as expected and I'm not leaving out anything (you know that "leave it as it is, no one will notice" or "it won't be visible once painted").

Ok, let me tell you something about the kit. Some time ago I got 7 small kits for 3euro each. Not my preferred kits or planes, but 3 Eur was a good excuse to practice (and justify the purchase to my wife). I built the small spitfire with my 6yo daughter (yes, it's the first purple spitfire) and decided to build the AJ-37 Viggen on my own.

View attachment 85599


That's an old kit, with fuzzy shapes, not perfect fit, positive panel lines. A little bit of work and ...

Cut ailerons/flaps ...

Rescribe panel lines ...

Scratch the FLG well ...

Scratch the engine ...

Cut the aft thrust window and scratch the panels ...

Redo/scratch under wing pilons and bulges ...

Scratch the seat ...

Scratch the IP ...

View attachment 85609


View attachment 85610


View attachment 85611


View attachment 85612


For the first time I used mr.surfacer with my AB and all I can say is "great!".

Still have to complete putting and sanding and scribe some panels lines.

Thank you for looking.

Francesco

Edit: oh yes, Joe, it's a jet.

 

[flyjoe180]

True that

 

[Alan 45]

Thank you fracesco for reminding me of a classic jet this was a favourite aircraft from when I was a nipper and I will be looking in on this

 

[Polux]

Nice start Francesco.

 

[phikoleoputra]

Wow, 1/144 is not easy at all. Great work so far

 

[papa 695]

You really like to make work for yourself don't you Francesco, All the alterations and scratch building in 1/144.

But I have faith in you and I'm watching all the way

 

[Ziper_it]

Thank you mates.

Just finished priming and glueing ailerons and flaps. I'm not very happy with the groove in the left "canard" aileron so I may fix it tomorrow.

I can't probably do better than this so I think she's ready for polishing and paint.

View attachment 85812


Thanks for looking,

Francesco

 

[flyjoe180]

Looking good Francesco, nice and clean build.

 

[dubster72]

You're doing an amazing job Francesco, 1/72 is hard enough, let alone braille scale!

 

[Ziper_it]

Thank you mates, here a couple of pics with better light.

View attachment 85822

View attachment 85823

View attachment 85824


I tried to take one of the engine, not easy ...

View attachment 85825

 

[Ziper_it]

Good morning.

Yesterday I reshaped the air intakes on the fuselage, added the anti collision light, rescribed two panels on the bottom and added hinges to ailerons and flaps.

Then I tried to polish (it's so small!) and sprayed.

I decided to use alclad polished alu and tried to darken few panels with thinned burnt iron and then alu. Area around the engine and reverse thrust has bbeen sprayed with burnt iron and jet exhaust.

All this in low light so I had to wait this morning to check the results.

Beside some overspray tgat can be easily fixed, there are few points that will be hard to retouch without redoing the whole.

View attachment 85877

View attachment 85878

View attachment 85879


Francesco

 

[Ziper_it]

Ok, after a second spraying session I think I'm done and ready for washing.

Now the question: would you put on those roundels on it?

View attachment 85905


Thanks for looking,

Francesco

 

[dubster72]

That's a really nice finish Francesco, how you do it in that scale.....

I can't say much about the roundels, if they're correct for the plane then go for it.