If you’re embarking on a collection of SAAB’s handsome Viggen in 1/48 scale, why not consider a ‘Skol’ two-seater from Special Hobby?
Whether you favour Swedish Air Force subjects in general, or have become a firm SAAB Viggen fan, you can replicate the training variant – the SK 37 – with Special Hobby’s recent kit. Item SH 48029 is great if you’ve previously only built single-seat fighters/fighter-bombers; it’s based on the firm’s previous two-seat SK 37E Stör-Viggen electronic aggressor version.
Instructional gem
This Skol (trainer) Viggen employs the vertical stabiliser that’s raked rearwards toward the top. Besides the many styrene parts, you’re also treated to photo-etched metal details (plain and pre-coloured). Examples include seatbelts, layered instrument panels, structural details for the ejection seats, canopy mirrors and a head-up display frame.
Read about Special Hobby's 1/72 special scheme AJS 37 Viggen
Trainer Viggens were fitted with external periscopes between the cockpits on both sides, so the instructor could monitor the student’s progress – and have a better view during take-off and landing. These are supplied by Special Hobby, as are decals for a trio of different Swedish airframes, reflecting three of the Viggen’s main liveries… bare metal, low-visibility grey and the famous splinter camouflage. The choices are:
• Red 52, /37817, F4 Wing, Östersund-Frösön, 1999
• Black 66/37084, F7 Wing, Satenas, 1973
• Red 58/37811, F4 Wing, Östersund-Frösön, 1998
This is an involved kit with plenty of detail, but it’s not for inexperienced modellers. If you’re happy tackling PE parts and limited-run fit, it’ll be a treat. The kit costs €72.81 direct from Special Hobby, but it’s also available in the UK via Hannants, at £59.60.
