GWH Su-27UBM build

I used the Quinta Studios 3D decal set because I am too lazy and do not like painting cockpit details! 

I later found out that the Ukraine Su-27UB1M had been repainted during upgrading so had to repaint the wheel wells and undercarriage legs with a bluer colour (similar to RLM76) 

Some magnets fitted so I can swap the weapons around 

There is a mould line that has to be removed from the engine pods. 

The petals for the nozzle are in 4 parts so care has to be taken when assembling them. Next Flanker I build I will use ResKit replacements. 

I do not like painting cockpits so was glad to reach this stage. 

The nose cone is not the best of fits. I could get it to sit without a step on 3/4 of the circumference but would always get a step on the last 1/4. 

Lots of sanding and filling to try to get it decent. Then it had to be rescribed of course. 

Mr Finishing Surfacer 1500 Black as the base  

I realised that it was probably going to be too dark a base for the light colours so toned it down with a light coat of Mr Finishing Surfacer 1500 Gray (which I should have used in the first place) 

There was no way this mask was going to fit properly without being sliced up into bits to fit over the curves 

I need a break from wrestling with these paint masks!  

A change of pace, time to finish off the engine pods 

It is maybe a bit heavy but I could not find good close up photos of the underside of Blue 71  

back to finish off the camo scheme after a bit of a break 

Just need some tidying up where the masks did not seal properly then the camo will be finished. 

Fixing where the masks had lifted and caused some blurred edges 

A lot better, still not perfect but as good as it's going to get 

Starting to seal in with Mr Color GX100 clear gloss ready for decals