Build Log: 1/72 Hasegawa Su-33 Yellow 13...

Dean- I think that this kit may just be a rebox of the Su-27B/K molds from Hasegawa as it looks just like the 1/72 kit I built a few years back, with the exact same putty issues and gear door misfits.   They've gotten a lot of mileage out of that mold set...

T3chDad- if you want some fun (and have the shelf space to use) try one of Trumpeter's big 1/32 Flanker kits.   They're pretty simple to build, there's a host of aftermarket goodies to use on them and they're freakin' awesome when finished.  But they're not cheap by any means.

Dean30

I'm just thinking I recognise the yellow/grey is it inspired from the Ace Combat series?

Yeah...sort of says "ACE COMBAT" and Yellow 13 all over the box.

I'm not really sure how to judge this kit because it's my first one in 32 years.  As you can see there's been quite a bit of putty and sanding, but that could be my inexperience.  I think she'll turn-out fine, but assembly and prep have been a lot of work.  I've got a Trumpeter 1:72 Su-27 on the way, so I'll be able to compare.

I'm just thinking I recognise the yellow/grey is it inspired from the Ace Combat series?

It looks great, is it a good kit as far as kits go?

Dre

That RC unit looks stunning- I assume that you're going to paint the 1/72 kit to match?

This evening's progress:  Disaster averted...again!  I used a Scotch-Brite scouring pad on it after I got home from work to finish removing last night's mistake.  I dropped my pressure to 15psi, thinned the paint more and never got further away than three inches.  It's smooth as could be now! 

Tomorrow: Masking begins. Luckily, I only have to mask once to paint both the darker colors at the same time.

That RC unit looks stunning- I assume that you're going to paint the 1/72 kit to match?

Can't wait to see the finished model- the Flanker is a gorgeous aircraft.

I almost ruined the model...again! This time, I was shooting the base coat grey and it came out all grainy, bumpy and fuzzy. After some research, I learned that it was all my fault for how I was airbrushing (too far away). I've since hit the entire model with some 4000 grit micromesh pads and some fine steel wool and I should be ready to try again tonight. Fingers crossed!  This model has been a one heck of a learning experience.

I started with the engine area.  I was shooting Tamiya flat Aluminum...it was so grainy I could have used the finish for sandpaper. I tried thinning it more, thinning it less but no improvement.  It got worse as it dried.  How demoralizing.

I stripped the entire engine area to bare plastic and got some Model Masters Metalizer.  Great stuff!  WAY better than the experience I had with the Tamiya.

I've never done pre-shading, post-shading or washes of any kind.  I've done my research and watched probably ten or more tutorial videos, so my hopes are high!

Did a little dry brushing on the cockpit before masking it up.

All primed and ready for the base coats tomorrow.  I used Tamiya White Fine Surface Primer for the first time and I must say I really like it. 

This is literally my favourite aircraft but considering the price of the kit I am surprised at how much putty is needed considering the price of this kit, the air intakes are a usual issue with Flanker/Fulcrum kits they're always a pain, but other wise it looks great, I look forward to seeing more.

Great work!  She's looking great!

Eagle90

Vertical Stabs. There was a hefty gap left, so I got to putty some more.

I'm not one to be really concerned too much with real-world accuracy, but the big vent/intake on the right side stab is really bugging me...so I tried my hand at a little modification:

Much better I think.  Now on to finish rescribing and priming/painting.

Looking good so far