Cold war GB - Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 8:47 pm

I had an idea of getting canopy framing formed into the plunge, to this end I cut narrow strips of label tape (usally used for scribing)

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and it is placed on to simulate the framing

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It's all ready to plunge

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Post by **Nige201980** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 8:49 pm

This going to be another great build mate great work so far.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 8:51 pm

plunging is complete

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And when cut to shape it looks............ok I suppose

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compare it to the size of the kit canopy

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Thats it for now, I'm off to read the other GB threads

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 8:53 pm

Nige201980 wrote:This going to be another great build mate great work so far.

Thanks Nige

Post by **Coen** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:26 pm

Ian you better patent that wood block/canopy trick of yours before someone steals it. That's twice you've done a trick like this.
Clever fix buddy. Extremely clever!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:29 pm

Agree with Coen!
Very clever!

And handeling a plane that size... awesome...
great wip!

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:31 pm

Coen wrote:Ian you better patent that wood block/canopy trick of yours before someone steals it. That's twice you've done a trick like this.
Clever fix buddy. Extremely clever!

Thanks, it worked so well.on the first canopy it gave me the confidence to do another. It isn't perfect but it will be open so if it is 1/4 mm out it won't look catastrophic (I hope)

Post by **Nige201980** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 4:58 pm

Agree with the others mate great work on the canopy.

Post by **Lee** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 5:09 pm

Nice work Ian - Well done for having a go mate

Website · Post by **Gav0909** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 5:13 pm

Hmm, if I could get a hold of some thin clear plastic like that, then perhaps even I could form my own replacement Mosquito canopy. Where can you get that stuff? And is it expensive? I have MDF, and clamps...

Detailing on this is coming on good.

Although I am going to say, posting all that searching for the SU-25s is getting close to cheating in the whole "research/history" aspect of your build!

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 5:34 pm

Gav0909 wrote:Hmm, if I could get a hold of some thin clear plastic like that, then perhaps even I could form my own replacement Mosquito canopy. Where can you get that stuff? And is it expensive? I have MDF, and clamps...

Detailing on this is coming on good.

Although I am going to say, posting all that searching for the SU-25s is getting close to cheating in the whole "research/history" aspect of your build!

Got it from a local arts and craft shop, less than a quid for an A4 sheet. If you cant find any I could post you some.

As for the satalite pictures, it came from searching for a specific aircraft in Moscow. Seing the graveyard got.me thinking and it was a slow day at work.

YouTube · Post by **ManCupboardModels** » Fri Oct 04, 2013 7:05 pm

Top job and great intro to the build!

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 9:50 am

A little more progress that I neglected to post at the time

As I was still limited to the dining room table I thought I’d get on with things that don’t need paint yet

I removed and cleaned the pylons and rocket pods

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The pylons were added to the wings

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And the rocket pods built (I don’t know why these are not moulded as a single piece each

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Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 9:51 am

I then decided that if the cockpit was to be opened it needs a little more detail, not wanting to waste material, I used the spare plastic from the plunge forming to make instrument panels.
It is roughed up to help adhesion of both the glue and later the paint

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And console shaped pieces cut out

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Because it is clear you can only just make them out when glued into place but hopefully when painted they should stand out more

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A few more bits to add when I next get the chance and then painting begins.

Post by **Coen** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 3:34 pm

That's great progress. I love all of your non-standard fixes and adjustments. They're really great eye openers.
I know I have so many preconceptions that can get in my way when I need to solve a problem.
Seeing what you're doing helps me break free of that.
Great stuff Ian!!

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 3:47 pm

thank you for saying so.

Post by **Nige201980** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 5:35 pm

Great work as always Ian

Post by **chief5437** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 7:40 pm

Wow! That took me ages to catch up with! Great thread mate, I've been toying with the canopy thing since seeing MakingModelsAgain do it. Your detailed description has spurred me on, so I'm going to give it a go. Cheers dude, keep it up!

Ps, I'm hoping to ring the revell number you gave me, tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes, if the offer of the Canberra decals is still open? Cheers.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 9:14 pm

chief5437 wrote:Wow! That took me ages to catch up with! Great thread mate, I've been toying with the canopy thing since seeing MakingModelsAgain do it. Your detailed description has spurred me on, so I'm going to give it a go. Cheers dude, keep it up!

Ps, I'm hoping to ring the revell number you gave me, tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes, if the offer of the Canberra decals is still open? Cheers.

I'd totally forgotten about that. Sure, let me know.

Post by **spruecutter** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 11:54 pm

A great build so far and some useful problem solving examples.

Although I keep getting distracted by the thought of those satellite images.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:31 pm

Ohhhh! a month with no work done on this

Best get on with it then.....

well this piece of wood (a left over spare cannon gondola) will soon become.....

PICT0420.JPG

A new instrument panel

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and a drinking straw (already curved to fit) became the cover over the top of the seat

PICT0429.JPG

I was planning on adding some sort of sight on top of the panel BUT!!!

DISASTER

In that the canopy will be open I of course had to cut it. Queue the front half pinging away to be consumed by the carpet monster, not really a problem though as I didn't cut straight anyway so my plunge formed canopy is RUINED

SOOOOOOOOO

right now that it went back in the box!!!!!

Post by **DC87** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:37 pm

Oh no Ian - gutted for you

, hope you open the box again in a months time with renewed energy to carry on with the kit.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:29 am

Ok, so I got back on with it.

To sort the canopy issue I simply formed two more canopies to make sure I get the cut right.

That done I wanted to focus on the finishing the cockpit

I mixed a colour myself to try to recreate the strange turqouse colour soviet era aircraft were painted on the inside, a mix of Vallejo game colour scruffy green and model colour sky blue

Once sprayed on it has showed up a multitude of issues with my scratchbuilt cockpit, a little adjustment may be needed but I like the colour, except the massive over spray due to using a cheap airbrush on a cockpit measuring 15 by 7 mm and my inexperience.

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Post by **DC87** » Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:56 am

Nice colour, over spray aside it's looking really good.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 9:16 am

I got a tiny amount done last night. Mostly masking the canopy and laying a coat of the interior colour on it before painting it up properly.

then I added the hydraulic lines and a few cables to the wheel wells. Nothing accurate but just to give a little more interest.

Wire is threaded through and then secured inside with CA

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It looks a mess but the outside looks 'OK' I suppose

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Post by **Coen** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 4:55 pm

It looks hundreds of time better than it did.
Nicely done Ian.

Post by **Nige201980** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 5:06 pm

looks great Ian really love what you have done with the bays mate

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:45 pm

Thanks guys, hoping it will look even better with actual instruments in the tub.

Post by **Paul** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:03 pm

Nice work ian

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 11:54 pm

A night or two has given me enough time to finish the cockpit tub and start the build propper

black instrument panels and various knobs have been painted, the seat is brown with tape seatbelts. The ejection handles (inaccurate for a frogfoot but I don't care) were meant to be red and white striped but didn't turn out as I wanted.

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And once sealed up this is what you will be able to see

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And so prior to sealing it is out with the lead

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Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 11:59 pm

Maybe this much is overkill for a 1/144 nose but I want to be sure, so pleanty is added and held in with CA.

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Fusalage halves and flying surfaces are all together with Mr hobby Cement

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The kit seems to have been made with alot more dihedral in the horizontal stabilisers than any picture I have ever seen so I set it how I think it should look

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Post by **DC87** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 12:19 am

Looking the business, sure looks great with all those pylons.

Post by **Coen** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 1:22 am

That last shot is totally wicked Ian... Even if the dip it a bit overdone,
The look of those pylons just set it all up.

Post by **Nige201980** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 8:28 am

looks amazing mate

Post by **Paul** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:11 am

Cockpits looking brilliant Ian, some nice detail there

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 11:52 am

Thanks guys. I'm actually REALLY chuffed with the cockpit tub

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 10:11 pm

Awesome build

Website · Post by **Gav0909** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 1:34 pm

Cracking work there Ian, nice work on the tub.

And as the other said, it looks excellent with the pylons on!

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:00 am

So I guessed I had better get a move on if I am to get this done in time.

So after masking over te cockpit and wheel wells it is on with the Vallejo primer

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It being 'that' primer that people had had issues wth I decided to leave it for a fewdays but when I went into the man cave 24hrs later I noticed that it was wet, not the paint, the model itself, it is so cold and damp in there condensation is forming on things. I brought it inside to dry out, this does not bode well for my stash sat in there.

Post by **wappynutter** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:14 am

"NOooooooooo"!!!!

Don't let the dreaded damp get the stash and WiP....
Sneak them inside while SWMBO isn't looking...
Good luck dude!!

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:21 am

wappynutter wrote: "NOooooooooo"!!!!

Don't let the dreaded damp get the stash and WiP....
Sneak them inside while SWMBO isn't looking...
Good luck dude!!

sadly there is nowhere for them to go, literally nowhere or they would be.

Need a new house!

Post by **Paul** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:22 am

Not good about the damp issues mate, hope the model is ok though

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:28 am

Paul wrote:Not good about the damp issues mate, hope the model is ok though

It seems fine but I do worry about the stash, maybe move it to the garage.

Our fridge should be coming out of there soon so there may be som space in there.

Post by **Paul** » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:32 am

UKscalemodeller wrote:
Paul wrote:Not good about the damp issues mate, hope the model is ok though
It seems fine but I do worry about the stash, maybe move it to the garage.

Our fridge should be coming out of there soon so there may be som space in there.

What put your models in the fridge

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:15 pm

DC87 wrote:OK you're either working for the MOD as a spy or have too much time on your hands - either way that research is awesome , well done finding them .

Feel free to punch me over the internet but I believe you may have missed some as they are also operated as part of the Russian Navy on there aircraft carriers so are either stationed on them or the bases near the Black Sea and Murmansk.

Found some, parked up at Severomorsk, Northern fleet.

Severomorsk nf.jpg

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:24 pm

In that I cannot get time in the man shed at the moment, here is a little more background info to stop the thread going stale

BACK GROUND PART 3 ‘Description’ (try to stay with me)

02.jpg

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, several Su-25 variants appeared, including modernised versions, and variants for specialised roles. The most significant designs were the Su-25UB dual-seat trainer, the Su-25BM target-towing variant, and the Su-25T for antitank missions. In addition, an Su-25KM prototype was developed by Georgia in co-operation with Israeli company Elbit Systems in 2001, but so far this variant has not achieved much commercial success. The Su-25 is the only armoured aircraft still in production in 2007.
The Russian Air Force, which operates the largest number of Su-25s, had planned to upgrade older aircraft to the Su-25SM variant, but funding shortfalls have slowed the progress; by early 2007 only seven aircraft had been modified.

The Su-25 has a normal aerodynamic layout with a shoulder-mounted trapezoidal wing and a conventional tailplane and rudder. Several different metals in differing amounts are used in the construction of the airframe: 60% aluminium, 19% steel, 13.5% titanium, 2% magnesium alloy, and 5.5% other materials.

All versions of the Su-25 have a metal cantilever wing, of moderate sweep and high aspect ratio, and equipped with high-lift devices. The wing consists of two cantilever sections attached to a central torsion box, forming a single unit with the fuselage. The air brakes are housed in separate fairings at the tip of each wing. Each wing has five hardpoints for weapons carriage, with the attachment points mounted on load-bearing ribs and spars. Each wing also features a five-section leading edge slat, a two-section flap, and an aileron.
The flaps are mounted by steel sliders and rollers, attached to brackets on the rear spar. The trapezoidal ailerons are located near the wingtips. The fuselage of the Su-25 has an ellipsoidal section and is of semi-monocoque, stressed-skin construction, arranged as a longitudinal load-bearing framework of longerons, beams and stringers, with a transverse load-bearing assembly of frames. The one-piece horizontal tailplane is attached to the load-bearing frame at two mounting points.

Early versions of the Su-25 were equipped with two R95Sh non-afterburning turbojets, in separate compartments on either side of the rear fuselage. The engines, sub-assemblies, and surrounding fuselage structure are cooled by air provided by the cold air intakes located on top of the engine's nacelles. A drainage system collects oil, hydraulic fluid residues, and fuel from the engines after flight or after an unsuccessful start. The engine control systems allows independent operation of each engine. The latest versions (Su-25T and TM) are equipped with improved R-195 engines (Designed for use in the Su-39).

engine.jpg

The cannon is located in a compartment beneath the cockpit, mounted on a load-bearing beam attached to the cockpit floor and the forward fuselage support structure. The nose is fitted with distinctive twin pitot probes and hinges up for service access.
The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a centre stick and left hand throttles. The pilot sits on a Zvezda K-36 ejection seat (similar to the Sukhoi Su-27), and has standard flight instruments. At the rear of the cockpit is a 6 mm (0.24 in) thick steel headrest, mounted on the rear bulkhead. The cockpit has a bathtub-shaped armoured enclosure of welded titanium sheets, with transit ports located in the walls. Guide rails for the ejection seat are mounted on the rear wall of the cockpit.

gun.jpg

The canopy hinges open to the right, and the pilot enters using the flip-down ladder. Once inside, the pilot sits low in the cockpit, protected by the bathtub assembly, which makes for a cramped cockpit. Visibility from the cockpit is limited, being a trade-off for improved pilot protection. Rearwards visibility is very limited, though a periscope is fitted on top of the canopy to compensate.
On the left-hand rear side of the cockpit, a built-in ladder provides access to the cockpit, the upper part of the engine nacelles, and the wing.

Avionics

The base model Su-25 incorporates a number of key avionics systems. It has no TV guidance, but includes a distinctive nose-mounted laser rangefinder, that is hypothesized to provide for laser-based target designation capability. A DISS-7 doppler radar is used for navigational purposes; the Su-25 can fly at night, in both visual and instrument meteorological conditions.
The Su-25 often has multiple radios installed for air-to-ground and air-to-air communications, including an SO-69 identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) transponder. The aircraft's self-defence suite includes various measures, such as flare and chaff dispensers capable of launching up to 250 flares and dipole chaff. Hostile radar uses are guarded against via an SPO-15 radar warning receiver.
An airtight avionics compartment is behind the cockpit and in front of the forward fuel tank.
The newer Su-25TM and Su-25SM models have an upgraded avionics and weapons suite, resulting in improved survivability and combat capability.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Thu Dec 05, 2013 1:04 pm

Paul wrote:
What put your models in the fridge

As long as they are not in the damp I'm happy.

Currently in the loft where the tree and decorations go (until January anyway) but appliance tetris begins soon.

In-laws fridge to brother-in-laws, Grandad's fridge from ours to in-laws, our fridge out of garage into kitchen, granddad's washing machine from ours to brother-in-laws and our washing machine from garage to our kitchen...following this?

Means that there is space in the garage which is considerably less damp.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:24 am

AT LAST!!!!! cave time.

It gave me the opportunity to preshade the Frogfoot and then add the blue undersides

I am reasonably pleased with the preshading, though it did keep splattering a little, I'll blame it on the cheap airbrush, yes the airbrush, not my skills at all

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The blue is a 90% Vallejo air white 001 10% Vallejo air blue 004

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Shading seems to show through OK

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Next to mask of and do the three tone camo.

Post by **Nige201980** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:11 am

looking great mate. A good work man always blames his tools

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:37 am

Nige201980 wrote:looking great mate. A good work man always blames his tools

Thanks.