Hi all,
So I want to build my first non US modern era warplane. I think I’d like to build either the SU-27 (any variant really) or later models. Any recommendations about what 1/48 kit is the best out there right now in terms of fit and finish? Would really appreciate some help from those who’ve had some experience in this area.
Thanks folks.
-Greg
As far as I know, your only option for any member of the “Flanker” family in 1/48 is from Academy. They’ve done both single and two seat baseline SU-27s in 1/48.
They are generally accurate in shape and dimensions from what I’m told, but a bit scarce in detail when it comes to the cockpit and gear wells. I’m pretty sure resin cockpits were made by the aftermarket to remedy the shortcomings in that area.
Zhengdefu also makes a 1/48 scale SU-27B and a SU-35. I haven’t built either yet, neither kit seems to be extremely detailed.
they are both crap rip offs of the academy kits.
in 1/48 the academy mig-29 is fairly decent as well.
and we all know the only real fighters are migs. [:D]
Thanks guys… looks like the Academy kits are the way to go. What about pilots? Does any company make Russian fighter pilots in 1/48 scale? I was actually thinking of building a SU-27 in flight, so pilots would be nice to have in the cockpit 
Also, anyone know if you can get clear acrylic stands for fighters in flight? Or any other stands that actually look half decent for posing fighters in flight?
Again, thanks for your help.
Just hang the from the ceiling with fishing line.
I concur with upnorth. I’ve got the 1/48th Academy flanker which I am converting into a ficticious Flanker based on a video game. The stock cockpit is definitely nothing to write home about. I bought the resin set from Neomega Resin. Beautiful set; K-36 seat, tub,all panels, rear deck panel, canopy rails etc. The detail is very nice. I also ordered Eduard’s photo-etched set for the plane as well. Good luck and hope this helps![:)]
SU-27 - cool!
I have to restrain myself from buying a Flanker kit, because as
bad as I want one, I have plenty of other planes to finish first!
As for in-flight displays, I make my own. They are easy. First,
I cut a peice of Balsa so that it will fit snugly inside the kit. I
then use superglue to bond it in place, and then drill a hole
through it to fit a 1/8" brass bar, which is also superglued.
The base is made from a cheapo piece of wood from a craft
store, stained and varnished.
I’m sure that similar things could be done with clear acrylic.
Notice the balsa wood in the tail pipe.
A finished model on stand
Some planes just look better in the air than they do on the ground.
For example, the P-51H looks incredibly awkward on the tarmac in
my opinion. As opposed with the P-51D, which I think looks terrific
with wheels down.