1/48 Trumpeter Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon A

Gallery Article by Mariano Milanés on Mar 17 2010

 

Hello! Greetings from Argentina!!! This is my first contribution to this site. Here is my last model, the Trumpeter 1/48 Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon A. This is the first model of the Flagon series, is almost s pre-series aircraft. Not more than 150 Flagon A were produced before the original design was re-evaluated and the Su-15 TM was introduced as the normalized interceptor in the early 60's. The main difference in the Flagon "A" is the complete delta wing, some difference in the rear engine air intake and the single-wheel front landing gear.

I chose an original paint scheme, this is the normalized aerobatics Russian Cold War scheme: upper surfaces in red and natural metal on the lower surfaces, but after some little investigation I learned this type never conform an aerobatic team. Only one airplane adopted this scheme, probably for an air parade. This is not an operational scheme. Also another aircraft was painted in an all black scheme.

It hasn't any numeral, only were painted the six Soviet stars in the wings and vertical fin and of course the normalized group of original Su-15 stencil data.

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The Trumpeter kit is really, really good!!  I used some parts from the Eduard Su-15TM PE set and I finished my model using automotive acrylic paints, red for the upper surface and a very good aluminum for the lower surfaces (applying  a complete black coat before the aluminum).  

Car paints are great!!  But has some problems, first they are more expensive and you have to buy a lot.

I used some pastels and inks for some effects and I finished spraying a great Sherwin-Williams automotive transparent acrylic lacquer (not future, not varnish).  This is a really good product for all types of paints.

I don't know if the missiles were installed on this red model, but was impossible for me don't put this impressive weapons!!!  This black-white missiles scheme is original, also I can see all white missiles and all red missiles (probably inert or practice types).

There isn't much information about Flagon "A" because the more famous of this series is the newest Su-15 TM "Flagon F" perhaps for the KAL Boeing 747 shoot down, but there are some book and walkarounds about this wonderful plane.  Almost there aren't a lot of choice in the paint schemes, all operational Flagons were all natural aluminum scheme, (very boring for me!).

Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy it!!!

Mariano Milanés

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Photos and text © by Mariano Milanés