Zactoman

I uploaded the following paint charts in 1/48 (@150 dpi). Feel free to download them to help with your builds: Links to the drawings are here: https://zactomodels.com/html/Su-33/Su-33_deal.htm I spent a lot of time researching the camo schemes and documented them to the best of my ability. It frustrates me when I see kits that include multiple decal options but only show one camo scheme, especially on a plane where there is so much variation. There are also a bunch of small details that differ from one plane to another. Little details like the thin gray strip on the fuselage edge under the cockpit is different on each of these schemes. Details like the gray forward section on the Bort 80 IRST. The bare metal tips on Bort 68s wingtip pylons. Etc. Also note the bare metal panel on the lower left fuselage just below the wing flap. I think I've only seen one build that included this. Note that I don't call out color recommendations on the charts or my web page. I've seen a lot of discussion and debate about which paint brands are most accurate and haven't seen a definitive answer. If I were building one I'd grab something close and make my own color adjustments. The main marking locations should be close. The markings were based on the decals that were being developed for the 1/48 kit before Kinetic took over and finished the project. The markings on the drawings are not necessarily accurate (especially the colors). Cross Delta ended up doing the decals for the Kinetic kit and I don't know how accurate they are either. I recommend Begemot Decals. They offer a sheet with early schemes (48-007 which includes Bort 80 above) as well as one for current schemes (48-051 Su-33 in Syria) which could be used to do the other schemes above. The stencils and stencil location on these drawings is questionable (wasn't carefully researched), so check your references. Again, I'd recommend Begemot. They have an Su-27 stencil package (48-009) that includes decals and instructions for the Su-33. It includes 3 pages of stencils for airframes, pylons and weapons. Hope that you like the drawings and find them helpful on your builds. Unfortunately, due to shipping cost, the deal I'm offering on the 1/48 Kinetic kit will only benefit U.S. customers... 🍺

The fins are very thin and knife edged (just like the real deal). Don't make the mistake of leaving your assembled missiles sitting on thier fins or the tips will evetually bend and warp (especially true on the pontiy tipped fins of the A/B version)! Instead support your finished missiles with the fins elevated until you are ready to mount them to your model. Parts are designed to make removing the fins from the casting blocks an easy task. The rear fins require that you first clip the mounting post sprue. Then a light score with an X-acto and rock them back and forth. A quick clean-up of the mating surface with a fine file or sandpaper and you're ready to go. Mounting brackets will need to be adjusted to fit the pylons you are mounting them on. I'm surprised at how far off some of the kit provided pylons are. AFAIK there aren't any accurate ones out there yet. Packaging is designed to reduce the chance of fin warpage. If you do encouter warps, a quick dip in hot water or blast with a hairdryer will allow you to straighten them. Decals are not included but Two-Bobs decals offer a set in case the kit you are using these on does not provide decals. http://www.twobobs.net/contents/en-us/p319.html For those that missed it, during development I was posting some pics on ARC with comparison pics to other offerings: http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?/topic/306361-132-aim-120/ I'd invite you to add pics of the other brands of AMRAAMs there as well. I'm most curious to see the new releases from Eduard and the missiles included in the new Revell F-18E kit. 🍺

Now available! https://zactomodels.com/ First, a big thanks to Jim Rotramel for helping with references! Two versions are available, the early AIM-120A/B versions and the newer clipped wing AIM-120C. Both versions include separate nosecones and exhaust section to convert your missiles to CATM versions (Captive Air Training Missile). The main body as supplied has the live version of the nosecone molded-in and just the exhaust cone as a separate part. The CATM versions do require cutting and replacing the front and rear sections. The CATM type nosecone is occasionally seen on live missiles so check your references. Note the left wing AIM-120C in this pic has the CATM type nose while the right AIM-120A/B is the standard live nose: https://www.airfighters.com/photo/99576/M/USA-Air-Force/General-Dynamics-F-16C-Fighting-Falcon/89-2029/ I still don't know the explanation for that so if any of you know please chime in.

A word of warning for those using this walk-around as a reference: This is a prototype air-frame and several changes have been made on production models. Check other references before using these. I don't have time right now to list all the changes (and am no expert, but some of the bigger differences are the forward portion of the intakes and the vent arrangement on the stinger. Nice build Dave! Do you plan to do another in the camo scheme (using the Kitty Hawk kit?)? Thanks for listing the problem areas on the kit.

No time for a proper introduction. "I am Zactoman!"