9K33 OSA / SA-8 Gecko Trumpeter 1/35

[Olivier Carneau]

Hi all
It's been a while since my last project.

I've just started to build this Soviet/Russian short range low altitude air defense system. The kit includes more than 350 parts (plastic and PE) and countless decals for the comprehensive interior.

Trumpeter have you start by the interior which you need to paint and decal. As I began the kit at yesterday night club session I decided to tackle the suspension and the steering system first.

Just after assembling the very first suspension sub-assembly I decided not to follow the instructions. If you do so you'll get into trouble at the end of the process and you might have wheel alignment issues. Moreover if you don't go the Trumpeter way you can build the front and rear wheels steered with a minimal effort.

Here are some pictures.









I really don't know if I can finish this build this year. Early November I'll start to work in my new home and have a lot to do before we can move there.

[Bryan Krueger]

Will follow with interest! Such an interesting vehicle.

[Olivier Carneau]

Thanks for the support Bryan!

I recently worked on the interior so I can close the hull.
Trumpeter give you plenty of decals to represent the buttons, dials and handles on the technical compartments. Unfortunately most of the parts present a relief which does not allow a perfect fit of the decals. So I shifted to the hand painting first with acrylic paints which proved wrong. I then used oils and managed to get an acceptable result considering that only 2.5% will remain visible when the upper hull is fitted.

Each part is 10 cm long.



I still have to paint and decal the dashboard. As it presents less relief, the decals should be useable. Fingers crossed.

[Philipp Gross]

Wow, that control panel is impressive

Perhaps you can add some LEDs to the interior to show it off better?

Philipp

[Steve Hutchinson]

Thanks for the support Bryan!

I recently worked on the interior so I can close the hull.
Trumpeter give you plenty of decals to represent the buttons, dials and handles on the technical compartments. Unfortunately most of the parts present a relief which does not allow a perfect fit of the decals. So I shifted to the hand painting first with acrylic paints which proved wrong. I then used oils and managed to get an acceptable result considering that only 2.5% will remain visible when the upper hull is fitted.
Each part is 10 cm long.

I still have to paint and decal the dashboard. As it presents less relief, the decals should be useable. Fingers crossed.

Super hand painting Olivier
Shame its not going to be visible
At least you know its inside and looking so good
We; done
Steve H

[Olivier Carneau]

Thank you all.
Today I managed to apply the decals onto the dashboard. However I first cut the large decals into small pieces I could insert between the numerous handles molded solid by Trumpeter.
The result is quite convincing.

[Adam Durrant]

Looks good Olivier, I’ve never regretted spending time on painting interior details, even when most of it will be hidden. Mainly because I know it’s there, but also because often more is visible than you think!

[Olivier Carneau]

Thank you Adam.
The box is closed. Not much to see through the front openings so I'll let the roof hatch open when the hull is painted.











I still have to paint the windows rubber seals and apply the windows with some Klir. I'll probably do it after the entire hull is painted.

[Olivier Carneau]

Today I started the sub-assemblies of the launch module.
I first assembled the missiles containers supports. Be aware that Trumpeter omitted to mold alignment pegs on one of the major part. Consequently when I dry fitted the first support to the module the containers were angled. I think I've found the part concerned and on the second support I've been more careful so the second attempt was successful.





Then I started to build the detection radar antenna block. The details look good however the mold lines are tedious to remove and there are some gaps to fill in the base.

[Olivier Carneau]

The building of the various antennas is close to the end. The main antenna assembly is over. Trumpeter gives you two options: travel or search mode. I chose the search mode. I advise not to glue the antenna to its both "axis". It allow the antenna to be mobile until you definitely glue it with the two tiny jacks on the sides. Weirdly Trumpeter only allows you to represent the antenna facing rearward.







I then shifted to the side antennas which can move toward the outside of the vehicle. Like with the main antenna if you don't glue the antennas to their axis they will remain mobile.
And it will be easier to align all the parts with the main support.