Not much appears to have changed since the last set of pictures, but believe me, it’s not quite the same model anymore…!
Special Hobby’s 1/72 FMA IA-58 Pucara has a few little problems in store, the main one so far being the fit of some parts. In particular, the wings leave nasty gaps at the wing/fuselage joint.
This is because, I think, the wing is designed in 5 bits, with a central underside section that does not fit well anywhere… That part includes the lower section of the front fuselage and once in place, it lacks a bit of cheek. The joint at the back of the wing, under the fuselage is probably the best, but it’s still not perfect either.
But nothing than Milliput can not fix!
This last picture just to show you an idea of the size of this beast…
Thats a pretty wild looking aircraft. To me it almost looks like a Hs 129. Sorry to hear that you have had such a rough time with it. But I cant wait to see it completed. Bryan
DJ, you were looking for some inspiration.
Found a pic of a Sri Lanken bird here http://www.scramble.nl/lk.htm blurb says they have been retired from their service.
One from Uruguay here http://airkiller.myrice.com/attacker/pucara.htm (scroll down)
There is also a set of decals out there for each air force at www.condordecals.com.ar
Here are some pics from the sheet
Phil, you’re a STAR…! I’m gonna order that right away! The Sri Lankan machine is intriguing. I read quite a bit about the civil war there and there’s been lots of nasty stuff happening there for over 30 years. The Pucaras were not very succesful and lack of funds have made spares quite difficult to obtain…
Bryan, yes it has a bit of the Hs-129 in it… It is a weird looking aircraft, a bit like the US Bronco (both were made for the same purpose). I find the fuselage depth quite surprising, but I guess it gives the rear driver some vision…!
Keep working at it, I have been waiting for this kit for a while, ever since the Falklans war. I have a great shot of this bird in British markings. I’ll try to get it to you
