Kit: No. 01623
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Trumpeter, from Stevens International, 856-435-1555
Price: $29.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 98 parts, decals
Pros: Easy assembly; excellent clear parts
Cons: Sparse cockpit; no instrument-panel detail
Issue Published: September 2008
The light gray, injection-molded parts of Trumpeter’s Su-15TM Flagon F feature little flash and nicely recessed panel lines. The tri-fold instruction sheet covers 15 assembly steps.
Construction was easy and straightforward with good fit. Only minor sanding and filling was needed around the engine exhaust and intake trunks.
My only disappointment was the cockpit. The main instrument panel had no surface detail. Nor was a decal provided. It’s just as well to leave the canopy closed.
I left the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizers off until after painting. Though the instructions make no mention of it, I added nose weight (just in case).
The kit offers two AA-3 Ahab and two AA-8 Aphid air-to-air missiles. Additional options include two external fuel tanks or two gun pods. I thought the gun pods looked cooler than the fuel tanks.
Options for paint and markings include two aircraft in natural metal and one in a tactical camouflage. I chose to paint the plane with Testors Model Master Metalizers. The recessed panel lines drew me to apply a light gray wash to pick out the detail. Decals went on smoothly and reacted well to Solvaset.
The model scales close to the dimensions in Yefim Gordon’s Sukhoi Interceptors (Midland, 2004).
The model took me about 15 hours, easily qualifying it as a relaxing weekend “quick build.” I’d gladly recommend it to anyone; beginners should have no trouble with the model.
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