1:72 Su-27: plugs in the B3 to the nozzle on the shutters and a decal with numbers (Trumpeter)

The real subject

The Su-27 is a heavy twin-engine fighter aircraft. After it stops on the surface, the ground personnel close off the openings into which water, dust or a foreign object would otherwise get. Blanking plugs tend to have a conspicuous color and carry the number of the machine, so that it is clear which aircraft they belong to and so that nobody forgets to take them off before takeoff.

What the set contains

The package consists of photo-etched metal plugs and a decal sheet with numbers with which you label the finished parts. The shape and the dimensions are based on the Su-27 kit in 1:72 scale from Trumpeter. For the MiG-29 the manufacturer offers a similar set, so the sets are not interchangeable with one another.

Building tips

• Separate the parts with a sharp scalpel against a hard surface, not by twisting.
• Make the bends in a photo-etch bending tool or over the edge of a steel ruler.
• Degrease the metal and coat it with a primer for metal, or the paint rubs off.
• Apply the decal with the number according to the manufacturer's instructions, onto dry paint.
• Glue at points with super glue, so that the plugs can be taken off later.
• Leave the conspicuous shade of the plugs clean, as a dirtied surface would lose its point.

Who it is for

The set belongs to a model standing parked on the apron and to airfield scenes with ground personnel. On a model in a flying pose a plug has no place on the machine. The package contains only the plugs and the decals. The model of the aircraft, paints and glue are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.