The Little World

Just how neutral is Sweden – really?

I know they are always telling us that they defend only themselves, and it is damned difficult to get them to go on exercises with other countries – though this has changed lately. But in the world wars they were shipping arms and raw materials to both sides…somewhat like Switzerland.

Well, politics aside, the SAAB 29 Tunnen seems to have lasted a good long time in service as a fighter and fighter-bomber – into the 1970’s. Planes of the 22nd squadron fought in the wars of rebellion in the Congo under the banner of the UN in early 60’s. Few were lost operationally, but some were destroyed after the end of the deployment as it was cheaper to bust them up than ship them home.

The Heller kit is an easy one to construct, and the two-tone silvered finish a good choice for the shape of the aircraft. The landing gear is particularly good in that it has very definite sockets into which you plug the main legs – once cemented, they are in there for good.

The twin pitots on the wings almost survived until the end of the build – but an incautious movement on the bench wiped one away and there was nothing to do but drill and fit brass rod as a replacement. Really, it is annoying to find the moulders putting this sort of detail on a main part when it will always be knocked off anyway. A separate bit to be cemented on later is far better. And a home-made brass pitot is the best alternative.