Flankerman Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks to my mate Jon, I managed to acquire the Trumpeter J-11B kit at Telford...... Here's a quick look...... Boxart..... Fuselage upper and lower halves.... The wheelbays are set at a strange angle - they should be parallel to the fuselage datum. Not a show-stopper, IMO - note the moulding 'spigot' on the wing - there are a few of them that need to be removed. Main sprue - The kit has 2 X radomes, ejection seats, intrument panels and 2 X sets of tailplanes..... Missiles sprue (4 of) and pylons sprue (2 of). The missiles comprise 8 X PL-12, 8 X PL-21 (shown as PL-13(?) on the colour guide), 4 X PL-11, 4 X PL-8 and 4 X PL-10. The pylons are unique to the J-11B....... Each fin is moulded in one piece - with the tailplane actuator cover integral, so you can't have the tailplanes drooped without some work. The leading edge root intakes are also solid - and the same size The canopy and windscreen are separate - and look to be a good shape. There is a moulding seam along the top of the canopy and the clear sprue includes the nosewheel landing lights, a HUD and what I think is a repeater HUD for the two-seater (not used in this version).... The two extra nozzles are for the J-11B-specific WS-10 engines - and are very good..... Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share Posted November 16, 2011 More.... The decals sheets are well printed and comprehensive. Markings are included for two primer-painted prototypes plus an operational machine - with extra numbers to make a few of them. The other sheet is for missile and pylon stencils.... An additional decal sheet is included for the J-11B instrument panels and chaff/flare dispensers..... The two instrument panels on the sprue are for a Su-27 (left) and J-11B (right) - the raised detail will need to be sanded off to use the decals...... The cockpit tub is very simplified - but with the decals, in this scale, should look OK... The mainwheels are OK - but lack the cooling holes in the hub...... The K-36 ejection seats are also OK (the telescopic arms are a separate)..... The J-11B-specific radome has the distinct strengthening/lightning(?) strips correctly portrayed.... The nozzles for the AL-31F-powered Su-27 are not as detailed as the WS-10 nozzles.....but are OK-ish. The anti-FOD mesh grilles are moulded solid Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bjc2278304 Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks to my mate Jon, I managed to acquire the Trumpeter J-11B kit at Telford...... Here's a quick look...... Boxart..... Fuselage upper and lower halves.... The wheelbays are set at a strange angle - they should be parallel to the fuselage datum. Not a show-stopper, IMO - note the moulding 'spigot' on the wing - there are a few of them that need to be removed. Main sprue - The kit has 2 X radomes, ejection seats, intrument panels and 2 X sets of tailplanes..... Missiles sprue (4 of) and pylons sprue (2 of). The missiles comprise 8 X PL-12, 8 X PL-21 (shown as PL-13(?) on the colour guide), 4 X PL-11, 4 X PL-8 and 4 X PL-10. The pylons are unique to the J-11B....... Each fin is moulded in one piece - with the tailplane actuator cover integral, so you can't have the tailplanes drooped without some work. The leading edge root intakes are also solid - and the same size The canopy and windscreen are separate - and look to be a good shape. There is a moulding seam along the top of the canopy and the clear sprue includes the nosewheel landing lights, a HUD and what I think is a repeater HUD for the two-seater (not used in this version).... The two extra nozzles are for the J-11B-specific WS-10 engines - and are very good..... Ken Ken, I have seen that the canopy is considered to be alittle narrow towards the front. Was kinda wondering how well the neomega vac formed canopy would fit from the resin icm fusalage set? Have you or anyone else seen it in person and know if it has good shape, I saw the resin set came with 2? Just a thought? Brett, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastijan Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 so Ken, what's the verdict? finally the Flanker we've been waiting for in one true scale? ;) Can't wait to get mine - left HK on 9th so it should be pretty close now ;) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) Last bit..... The colour guides give Mr Hobby, Vellejo, Model Master, Tamiya and Humbrol paint matches (where appropriate).... This is the operational machine..... .... and the prototype...... The missile and pylons decal placement guide...... .... and the instruction booklet..... I am chuffed with this new kit from Trumpeter - they seem to have got it right !!!! :worship: It looks as though it is produced down to a price (although I don't know what it will sell for in the UK - but the omens are good) It is simplified in some areas - but it appears to be accurate at last Although parts are included on the sprue for a Su-27 (radome & Nozzles) - you can't make one from this boxing because of the pylons. As I understand it, Trumpeter are going to release the following versions of the Flanker..... Early Su-27 - with straight-topped fin and early style tailboom A standard Su-27 A tandem-two-seat Su-27UB And this J-11B. Hats off to Trumpeter !!!! Ken Edited November 16, 2011 by Flankerman Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deino Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks for posting !!! Could You add just some close ups of the wings, fuselage and other parts in regard to the panel-lines !?? Besides that ... ... This is the operational machine..... ... ... like I said in the other tread the aircraft shown for the decals (no. 10320) is a bird from the 1. Fighter Division / 1. Air Regiment based at Anshan, which is actually a Lot 00 (2008) aircraft not powered by the WS-10A, but by the regular AL-31F. If You want to build a TH-powered J-11B late production model, then You need to build one from the following units: Lot 01 (2010) - 30. Fighter Division / 89. Regiment at Datong-Pulandian - 40x1x-numbers (PLAAF) Lot 02 (2010/11) - 19. Fighter Division / 57. Regiment at Zhengzhou - 31x0x-numbers (PLAAF) Lot 03 (2010/11) - 8. Fighter Division / 24th Regiment at Jialaishi - 81x8x-numbers (PLANAF)... this is a naval J-11BH Lot 04 (2011) - 37. Fighter Division / 111. Regiment at Korla - 41x8x-numbers (PLAAF) Cheers, Deino http://s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=235096&view=findpost&p=2285430 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
White Wolf Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I wish they would bring out a Su-35, but as it is this kit looks really good, thanks for the review. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
su27rules Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks for inbox!! It appears to be accurate at last and finally the Flanker we've been waiting for so long in one true scale!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonW Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) Think I'll wait for the other variants as I am more interested in actual Su-27's schemes as opposed to J-11's. Lord knows I've bought enough decal sheets for Su-27's waiting for these kits to be released. As a side note, how close are the PL-8 missiles to an Israeli Python missile, they look very similar. This kit looks to be worth the cost if not simply for the weapons alone. Nice cache of AAM's there! Oh, and thanks much for the review Ken! Edited November 16, 2011 by JasonW Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deino Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) .... As a side note, how close are the PL-8 missiles to an Israeli Python missile, they look very similar. ... They are de facto licensed copies ! Edited November 16, 2011 by Deino Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alex Sidharta Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Any news if Su-30MKK will be released also? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Berkut Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 bjc2278304, don't quote 100 pictures. Thank you for review Ken. Can we expect some pictures of the nose/canopy in profile? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share Posted November 16, 2011 I've just realised....... If you take one Hasegawa Su-33 and add the WS-10 nozzles and wingtip launch rails from the Trumpeter J-11B........ .... you can make a PLAN J-15 The WS-10 nozzles will fit the Su-33...... I think I have just wet myself....... Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) Thanks for posting !!! Could You add just some close ups of the wings, fuselage and other parts in regard to the panel-lines !?? Will do........ http://s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=235096&view=findpost&p=2285430 Dieno, re the Combat Aircraft mag - is it the November or December issue ???? Also..... the Trumpeter instructions paint call out for the cockpit is Matt Black - for everything. The decals take care of the side consoles and front panel - and the K-36 seat and control column are black - but the floor and rear decking ???? Any good cockpit photos anyone ??? Ken Edited November 16, 2011 by Flankerman Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deino Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) Dieno, re the Combat Aircraft mag - is it the November or December issue ???? Also..... the Trumpeter instructions paint call out for the cockpit is Matt Black - for everything. The decals take care of the side consoles and front panel - and the K-36 seat and control column are black - but the floor and rear decking ???? Any good cockpit photos anyone ??? Ken Thanks Ken, ... it's in the current December issue (http://ch-de.zinio.com/reader.jsp?o=int&offer=500352857&pub=500598831&prev=sub) But like I said, there's an error regarding one base and one regiment is wrong since there was a lot of confusion when I prepared that report. Regarding the cockpit photos ... You need one of the Chinese "B" !? try this one http://cnair.top81.cn/fighter/J-11B_cockpit1.jpg ... and IMO it really looks more black than in a Russian bird !? Cheers, Deino Edited November 16, 2011 by Deino Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks Ken, ... it's in the current December issue Thanks - I'll pick up a copy.... Regarding the cockpit photos ... You need one of the Chinese "B" !?try this one http://cnair.top81.cn/fighter/J-11B_cockpit1.jpg ... and IMO it really looks more black than in a Russian bird !? Cheers, Deino Thanks for that - I'll go with Trumpeters recommendation.... Meanwhile...... The kit K-36 ejection seat is passable - NeOmega resin version at right........ Panel detail closeups as promised....... Fin..... Tailplane/stabiliser.... (note the raised moulding 'spigot' on both of these parts)... The chordwise panel line deliniating the strengthening plate is the only difference between the two sets of tailplanes! Intake.... Forward fuselage - another 'spigot'.... Top fuselage - spigots (white dots) at front and rear of spine and on wings. Note also the slight moulding sink marks in front of the flaperon outer edge (near the wingtips) and the strange flow pattern at the slat root join None of these are critical - I'm just pointing them out. Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MiG31 Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I'm really interested in seeing comparisons with the Airfix/ICM kit. The wheel wells look like they're a pig, but they might be correctable. That's the biggest issue I can see from looking at the photos. It looks like at least three Trumpeter Flankers are somewhere in my future. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tomcat Trebor Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Thanks for the review Ken and giving it the . Mine arrived at the weekend from Hong Kong (check out Hobby Easy) so going to make it my xmas project. Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foxmulder_ms Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Great review Ken. Could you let me know which colors do they suggest for operational J-11? I just wondered. thanks.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Van Buren Boys Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Trumpeter's marking guide lists Mr. Color 332 (Humbrol 166) for the underside and Mr. Color 334 (Humbrol 167) for the topside. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonW Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 They are de facto licensed copies ! That is great! I guess that settles where the Python's for my Ecuadorian Kfir are coming from.Ken, I like your J-15 idea. Might steal that one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Thanks for the review, Ken! Actually, this doesn't look much like a kit of a J-11B, but rather a "Modern PLAAF Missiles" weapon set, supplying a free Flanker kit as a display stand for the AAMs. What would I need to change beside adding the pylons and AAMs from ICM's Flanker kit or their stand-alone AAM/pylon set (containing the same sprues as their Flanker kits) to make a "proper" Su-27? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 19, 2011 Author Share Posted November 19, 2011 What would I need to change beside adding the pylons and AAMs from ICM's Flanker kit or their stand-alone AAM/pylon set (containing the same sprues as their Flanker kits) to make a "proper" Su-27? You would need some cockpit decals - the tub just has flat sides so you'd need to tart it up. There are two front instrument panel parts in the kit - the J-11B version has raised squares for the MFD screens, but there is a plain, flat Su-27 panel included. I expect they'll have appropriate decals for the panels in the promised Su-27 kit. The only other mod I can see so far is the removal of the small RWR aerials moulded into the tailboom sides - a few slices with the craft knife and its done.... Same with the aerial array on the fin trailing edge - probably need to change that as well. They are releasing a Su-27 anyway - but if you can't wait - it should be an easy 'conversion' I've started the build - over on the 'In Progress' forum here. Happy Flankering Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Picked up my Flanker from Customs today. Looks great! Was surprised to see that it offers a separate air brake, but the instructions don't mention a deployed air brake. Sprue A has two parts (A38 and A39) that don't show up in the parts diagram, but look like hydraulic actuators that could be for the air brake. One is slightly less than a cm longer than the other one. Different angles of the air brake on different Flanker Flavours? :unsure: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flankerman Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 Picked up my Flanker from Customs today. Looks great! Congratulations - let us know what you think..... Was surprised to see that it offers a separate air brake, but the instructions don't mention a deployed air brake. Sprue A has two parts (A38 and A39) that don't show up in the parts diagram, but look like hydraulic actuators that could be for the air brake. One is slightly less than a cm longer than the other one. Different angles of the air brake on different Flanker Flavours? :unsure: I do wish the kit makers wouldn't have separate airbrakes - none of them fit flush when closed and it is just so much extra work to fill and sand them flush I know the feature is nice to have - but most photos of Flankers show them closed - and it spoils the gracious curved line to have them open. I must admit I hadn't noticed the two actuating rams in Trumpeters J-11B kit (I stuck my airbrake closed) - but I suspect one is for the single seater, the other for the promised two-seat Su-27UB kit. The airbrakes are different sizes and shapes between the single and two-seater - so I suspect Trumpeter have included both rams on the same sprue. They also include two K-36 ejection seats & control columns for the same reason. Lots of spare parts to be had from this kit - especially the pylons and missiles. Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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