Bill Cross

Not sure what you're driving at here: I test fitted things as best I could, but didn't expect the hatches would basically not fit without major sanding when built closed. I would not generally buy Trumpeter's jets, except for Vietnam subject matter, there is almost no alternative. Maybe these Red Pill Phantoms will prove worthwhile, though the price tag makes me gag.

@Zola25 I wish I had known that. I followed the instructions, and as you say, it goes together poorly at the nose. But I also found a lot of fit problems amidships. I may get back to it someday, however life is too short to spend time fixing manufacturers' issues if I don't have to.

See @red Dog's post above. I wanted gear down to show a plane on the ground in Vietnam for the fantastic AoA decal sets "Intruders from the Beach." I boxed it up as it's too much "mafan" (麻煩) as the Chinese would say.

I am about 2/3 through a build and the landing gear are the LEAST of your problems. Fit issues abound unless you plan on having all the doors open. I was very disappointed in the kit. BTW, the landing gear are a very hard plastic and are not a problem.

These kits are unique and special. I ordered the new D kit so I can have a JA as well as my AJ. There are no perfect kits; well, maybe the Tamiya Corsair.

Reskit all the way.

The newly-announced tariffs are making me nervous that these kits could be even more-expensive than they already are. Anyone know if Turkey is on Trump's **** list?

OK, not a Viggen expert, but it looks like there are no OUTWARD differences between the already-released JA37 and these two. Am I missing something?

I'll pass-- for now. There are too many unknowables at this point to sink that much into a kit. I hope this isn't a short run where like Jetmads, if you don't buy in advance, you're SOL. I'm not adverse to paying that much for a kit that's 90% ready OOB. But if there is still a bunch of AM needed, then it loses its appeal for me.

Is this Trumpeter's way of working up to a new D?

Don't get too excited. eBay sellers in China are putting hundreds of dollars in delivery fees on shipments because of Captain Bone Spurs' tariffs. These may not be here for awhile, or at ridiculous prices.

You and me both, Brother.

Thanks, I will look into that.

As the title says. I tried using "clam shells" from grocery items, but they thin out when heated. Someone said poly-carbonate sheets, but where do you get them? Need something that is clear and strong.

Get the resin replacement if it's still available, but honestly I built it without it, and it came out smashingly.