Rebell Hobby

1/48 J-35S Draken DK-215 "Last Flight" decal sheet 
Product # MMD4802

Product Article by Steve Bamford on June 24 2010

 

This new Draken decal sheet by Maestro Models Conversions and available from Rebell Hobby features the bright yellow J-35S Draken DK-215 "Last Flight" Finnish Air Force 1972 - 2000. 

Special thanks on this decal sheet goes out to Anders Nowotny, Max Nykvist and Ted Burnett.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

From the instruction booklet.

The Last Finnish Draken

The final flight made by a SAAB 35S Draken, DK-215, was made on 16th August 2000, by Captain Mika Tuiku in a specially painted aircraft.

After 28 years the Draken was retired from service in the Finnish Air Force during a ceremony at Rovaniemi Air Base in northern Finland.  Seven Drakens were flown, five Saab 35S Drakens, one 35FS Draken and one two-seat 35CS Draken which was flown by the Commander and Chief of the Finnish Air Force, General Jouni Pystynen.  The last Draken flwon was DK-215, which was painted black on the undersurface and nose cone and yellow on the upper surfaces.  Over the upper surfaces of the wing is a large grey and black buffalo, the squadron badge of Havittajalentolaivue 1, whilst on the left side of the fin was 1972000.  On the right side of the fin is the squadron badge repeated in the usual style of buffalo on a yellow shield with a green outline.  Capt Tuisku performed an 18 minute aerobatic display. 

 

The 3 page instruction booklet is clear and includes 4 color views of this aircraft to assist in painting and decal placement.  The decals are beautifully printed on 1 decal sheet.  I'm pleased to see the big buffalo artwork is cut into 5 smaller decals to make installing it on the contours on the top side of this Draken much easier.

The yellow color is a custom color and the mixing ratios are included for 5 different brands of paint.

It's a pleasure to see a Finnish Draken and to see one in a Special Anniversary paint scheme is extra special.  The Draken is a beautiful looking aircraft and this decal sheet will give you the ability to build a truly unique and sharp looking Draken.

Steve

I would like to thank Rebell Hobby for providing me with this review sample.  

Rebell Hobby has more items for the Viggen and Draken from Maestro Models Conversions.  

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford