>>7560325Averof got done a while ago,
>>7536842Now as I have a Tunnan, Draken, Viggen and Gripen all lined up it's about time for Lansen to complete the big five. There is a somewhat modern and largely short-run kit from Tarangus of the fighter version (in 1/72). That one has some issues though, horribly placed ejector pins if nothing else, and I'd rather build the attacker version (A32A) instead. That one however is only around as a somewhat ancient Heller kit, raised panel lines and all. After a lot of indecision (Just go for the J32B? Grab a Heller engine to convert the Tarangus into an A32A?) a different thought appeared as well while building other aircraft, namely that I could do with a bit of rescribing practice. And with that I finally settled on the old Heller kit.
So the kit itself came in a bag, with the staples holding the cardboard bit attached having rusted quite a bit, so it isn't just the tooling that's aged here. The decals had yellowed a good deal and appear to have been rather damp at some time. Luckily (?) the roundels there were utterly horrific so aftermath decals were a necessity anyway. Looking at the plastic, oh dear... At least the fuselage sides seem to line up quite well when forced together. The sink holes in the headrests will need some attention as well, though overall I probably won't do much with the cockpit. Both because I'm not much good at such, and since the canopy is quite clear, but radiation-shielding thick there wouldn't be much point to it anyway. Long years in a bag also means I have some scratches to buff out there.
So if anyone was looking at a "try to whip an old kit into shape" challenge over summer, now could be the time to dig it out and join in the fun.
