Danish Recon Draken (1/48 Hasegawa)

[helios]

For @Rhino since he sounded intrigued.

Building for a Nordic build. I've always liked the late cold war SAABs...especially the Viggens. Wanted a simpler build that I can hopefully get done in about a week...so that ruled out the Viggens. The single color finish of the Dane ticked the expedited box. Nice thing with this kit is it comes w/ various bits for 3 different versions...so we'll be storing the extras for another build down the road.

Kit + a few dress up goodies.


Last week I did a little fettling around w/ the resin cockpit to get it fitted to the fuselage. Though no real work started until Thanksgiving.

 

[helios]

This weekend was pretty busy, and good headway was made. Not really wanting to deal w/ people after working 60 hours a week for the past 6-7 weeks helps.

Tanks built up (only the big bags will be used). Cockpit mostly painted and installed. Still need to do the IP & seat...which just have to be done at some point prior to installing the canopy.


It has gone together well. Mostly built up and standing on it's own legs. I did have to readjust the angle later on as I didn't have the MLG splayed out enough. This became apparent when I went to test fit the belly tanks and they didn't fit between the gear.


Going to need a bit of filler/clean up around the undersides of the intakes...but they fit pretty well around the top & sides which is going to be the most visible part so I'll take that.

 

[moon puppy]

They do have those sleek "I'm an interceptor" lines don't they.

 

[centaur567]

Nice start on a great looking bird. Gary S. XLV MMXXIV LGB

 

[Sharkmouth]

I always have liked the rakish, I can kill you even as a model, look to them. Actually, Klingons do consider this kit a weapon!

Here's a Viggen that isn't a masking nightmare!

Regards,

 

[Rhino]

Some airplanes look awkward on the ground. The Draken looks swift and deadly, even sitting still. The Gripen is a little like that too. Still doing the pitcher-snapper? Tuck a Standard or a Shrike under the wing for the odd Sov radar you may lop off along the way?
So many cool paint jobs to choose from! Neet-O!

 

[helios]

I screwed up & trimmed the wrong parts (instructions weren't very clear). Fortunately Maestro Models offers the bits I need to correct my blunder and as a side bonus are actually more accurate for a Danish airframe. Will probably order a couple more Danish specific bits while I'm at it. So this one will be going to the sideline for a week or 2 whilst waiting for parts.

 

[Rhino]

Ok, Inigo Montoya is obviously NOT a Dutchman, but still..............
drunks: :drink

 

[helios]

Ok, Inigo Montoya is obviously NOT a Dutchman, but still..............
drunks: :drink

I just watched that movie again this past week! A classic.

 

[helios]

Fixes...and additions are inbound from Sweden.

 

[jknaus]

Very very cool. The Draken is such a neat looking a/c. Watching with interest.
James

 

[helios]

Fix parts have arrived...along with some other additions since I was making an order anyways.

 

[Rhino]

Danish made parts for a Danish jet? This makes perfect sense. I haven't had enough coffee to make a Hamlet pun yet.

 

[helios]

Calling the cockpit good enough. About ready to button up and start the final assemblies before paint...mainly getting the pylons fitted.

 

[Skinny_Mike]

Nice work Chris. Looks real clean

 

[helios]

Got it primed last night. I ended up having to give it a wet sand today though as I was trying to get the last little bit out of the can which ended up being a bit under-pressured despite warming it up. End result was a slightly rough surface. A couple minutes after I was done spraying I found the new can I bought 2-3 weeks ago when this one was starting to get low...then promptly forgot all about. I was hoping to get it in paint today, but unfortunately the weather has turned crappy again with rain (not a big deal) and a lot of wind (the real problem). Unfortunately the side of the house I have all my spray equipment set up on is the side that is usually subjected to wind, which unfortunately renders my exhaust system useless.

 

[centaur567]

Great job so far and that your happy mistake turned out well. Gary S. LGB XLV MMXXIV

 

[moon puppy]

 

[Rhino]

Pretty speedy progress!

 

[helios]

We've got color!

Turned out a bit darker than I was hoping. Should've gone w/ a slightly lighter base coat (used NATO Black). Wanted to experiment before I get to the EJ Kai, don't know that I'll go with that dark of a base coat again. Still, doesn't look too bad. It'll do.