1/48 SU-57 "Felon" from Zvezda

[Edbert]

Having grown up in the cold-war, like many of you, I'm no fan of Russia. But I bought the J-20 and multiple Nazi aircraft, so there's no reason to single out this subject IMO.

I enjoy building collections, working on a Pearl Harbor trio, collecting a Midway trio, over halfway through the "Century Series"...so here's part 1 of of my 5tgh gen trio.

1st thing one notices is how large these birds are.

2 out of 3 of these are not underway. The manufacturers (Zvezda, Hasegawa, and Meng) all make fully molded upper/lower assemblies because seams would be overwhelming if not. L-to-R this is F-22/J-20/Su-57. The mustang is there for reference. That gigantic blob in the middle of the Felon is an issue, but I think it was needed to to get enough pressure for the plastic to flow.

I cheated with a cockpit kit from Quinta, so not much to show there. The assembly was very simple, I think they substituted complexity and part count for detail and fit. The cockpit and wheel well slipped right in between the halves. Those did take some care to avoid gaps and overlaps, but not hard.

I did not show the nose, but his is the intake section.

Sealed up the tail/radar dome.

Followed by the wings. They used a nice technique of hiding the seam not on the leading/trailing edges as is normal, but on a natural seam inboard on the underside. Thanks Zvezda!

One thing immediately noticed in researching photos online is that no two Felons looks the same, and the kit came with three different paint schemes. Both a freeing condition but also frustrating on identifying "correctness". So I painted the main body in XF-23 and applied the digital camo masks for a coat of XF-18.

Before "going there" I tested the colors (and masks) on the vertical stabs. I think that is the wrong term since these hyper-maneuverable 5th gen fighters do not have elevators and rudders, but that is what they look like to a troglodyte like me.

Overall it looks great to me. Some spots need attention before clear-coat, but this will work.

 

[Tommergun]

Wow those masks are terrific. Looks like they made quick work out of that paint job.

 

[Wig41]

Yes she's looking fabulous so far. Those masks are a huge help. I have one of these in the stash and might have to bump it up some.

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Having grown up in the cold-war, like many of you, I'm no fan of Russia. But I bought the J-20 and multiple Nazi aircraft, so there's no reason to single out this subject IMO.

I enjoy building collections, working on a Pearl Harbor trio, collecting a Midway trio, over halfway through the "Century Series"

Man, that's a great lineup of 5G jets. Nothing wrong with appreciating a good looking aircraft, even if it is flown in the service of totalitarian maniacs. And even if seeing a J-20 or Su-57 doesn't immediately make me think "kill"! LOL.

Fantastic work. The paint job looks awesome.

I don't have much interest in building modern jets these days but I might have to pick up a Raptor kit. Such a sexy killing machine.

Before "going there" I tested the colors (and masks) on the vertical stabs. I think that is the wrong term since these hyper-maneuverable 5th gen fighters do not have elevators and rudders, but that is what they look like to a troglodyte like me.

They're still called stabs. At least, USAF pilots still call them that.

 

[Edbert]

pick up a Raptor ki

I'm still afraid of the paint job!

But anyway, pulled the Felon out do do more. 1st things was to touch up some bad spots on the camo. No big deal, but still needed.

That first close-up in in the top of the second pic. Just sprayed some more of the blue to clean up some spots. There were a few on the underside too.

Little works on the wheel and weapon bays before a gloss coat.

Then tonight I painted the engine sections. I had to choose, most of these birds have the metal showing as I ended up doing. But not all, see below.

I'm no expert, and these jets are a little bit secret still, but I think the one in the middle is the newer version.

Anyway, I took the easier route and did it the traditional way.

 

[Wig41]

Looking really good !!

 

[Edbert]

The stickers on this are causing me much frustration!

They are a major weakness in my game, I've watched many vidoes and read many tutorials and troubleshooters. Maybe I just suck, willing to accept that. But this bird has some huge stickers, with very large clear parts. Here's an example...

Here's an overall view...

The one on the port wing went down pretty well. There's some detail/color loss on the numeral, but those micro lines are really small and I think will go away with a clearcoat.

The starboard wing, and center fuselage are definitely showing air underneath. There are many small holes poked to allow the microset in. I see if fill the are, but them wrinkle...

 

[Edbert]

After waiting all year to decide how to save that silvering. I think the answer is I cannot, at least without going Medieval, so I'll just keep going and finish as best I can.

 

[Nutspank]

Outstanding build! Is that Alcad metals on the engines? You might be able to take very fine (3000+ grit) sandpaper and polish that decal carrying film off

 

[Edbert]

Outstanding build! Is that Alcad metals on the engines?

I think I used "AK Extreme" on them, 90% sure

I added the tinting with VERY thin Tamiya clear acrylic.

 

[user 22148]

Nothing wrong with that Edbert, that's a stunner!

 

[BOATMAN]

Nothing wrong with that Edbert, that's a stunner!

yes i aggree looks nice
chrisb