Hi all, herewith my latest completed.
Originally I bought a KPM Su-22 M4 “Warsaw Pact” to make a Libyan Fitter for the First Gulf of Sidra incident. However, the kit was locked up in another place and so I could only buy the Plastyk S-132 “Su-22UM-3K” and build it as a practice run, as I’ve not built a Su-22 Fitter before.
As expected of Plastyk kits, the moldings and details are of minimal standard, but since it’s only a “stand-in” for the more recent KPM Fitter, I decided to build it as a VPAF markings Su-22UM-3K, a rare subject in the modeling field.
Brief background on the VPAF Su-22 Fiiter, the VPAF procured the Su-22 Fitter as a stop-gap measure to challenge the PLAAF in the South China Sea, as no other aircraft in their inventory had the range nor weapon load that could suffice. However, as China stationed Su-27 and subsequent versions in Hainan Island, the Su-22 became obsolete and lack of spares/maintenance became a problem and this type suffered some losses.
VPAF “Su-22 Fitters” are usually in a 4-tone splinter camouflage scheme with a sky/oceanic blue underside. I’ve tried a few times to achieve the right hue of this blue colour shade, but all turned out a little too dark of the blue shade, so I gave up and finished the model as it is.
Decals are pinched from other 1/72 VPAF Shenyang F6 kits, representing “Fitter” of 929 Fighter Regiment/372 Division based at Da Nang.
Also after applying the decals, I sprayed a coat of X-22 clear to seal the model, a new technique in my modeling skillset.
Most welcomed for your recommendations and criticisms!