The Little World

As you can see in the heading image, the SAAB Tunnen has not gone scot-free from the need for filler.

The culprit is the optional piece for the underside of the nose – it is either a cannon-armed fighter like this or the photo-recon version with camera windows. You are faced with a curved seam either side of the pilot’s position. You can get one lined perfectly and then have to manufacture the contour for the other side.

Given the variable consistencies possible with Mr White Putty and lacquer thinner – and the fact that it dries with little shrinkage and can be buffed to a polished surface – this is not as onerous as it might be. But it is a repeated task as you coat thinner and thinner layers.

The rest of the aircraft is a superb fit. The cockpit tub has three big location lugs and they are precise enough to put it in the right position easily. The tail snaps in to locating holes – the shape of it reminds me a lot of the Douglas Skyhawk. But the entire rest of the design is really a Messerschmitt P.1101 moved north.