Hi there
modelers! this is my latest build, a Pampa II
The real thing is a two seat trainer designed in Argentina by the F.M.A. in the ´80 as the IA-63
Pampa.
Nowdays an improved
version with new avionics and weapons systems is produced by Lockheed Martin
Aircraft Argentina with the AT-63 Pampa II denomination.
Some Characteristics
are:
Click on
images below to see larger images
The model is
manufactured in resin with P.E vacuformed and with metals parts.
The quality is up to
Aconcagua´s high standard with great detail, almost no bubbles and a reasonable
good fit, but some details in the landing gear bays will be great.
Construction was
straightforward, with only a few gaps to fill, but as with any limited run kit,
careful test fitting is a must. I had few problems
with the vacuformed canopy but nothing to serious. The only addition I
made was some 'pipes' lines here and there, mostly in the gear bays to show
something in there.
I finished the plane
as the unit E-809 in service with the Argentinian Air Force using some
Humbrol´s and custom mixed paints to match the colours on the real bird. After all the
painting was dry I sprayed a coat of clear gloss and the model was ready for
the decals. The decals was a
bitter/sweet surprise, all were in perfect register and you can read all the
tiny stencils included, but silvered badly and the refuse to stick in place.
A coat of clear flat
sealed all and the last task involved glue all the antennas and some 'Static
dischargers' (I don´t know the real name) made of nylon monofilament.
The model was fun to
build and it looks great on the shelf next to his little 1/72 brother.
Jeremias
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