Sepecat Jaguar GR.3

by Piero de Santis

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This is the first time that I have shared my hobby on the Internet, but I hope it is not the last!

The model I chose for my debut is a Sepecat Jaguar GR.3 from 6 Squadron RAF, based at Coltishall in the United Kingdom. I like the Jaguar, as I like all "mud-movers". 

They might not be premium fighters in the category of the F-14, F-15 or Flankers, but I think they look very "military" in any case.

I based this modelling project on the Airfix 1/48 scale Jaguar GR.1A. This is not a state-of-the-art injection moulded kit, but it is a good basis for a detailing project such as this. It is also the only British Jaguar in this scale, and it is very rare to find one in the shops these days!

Today there are a many detail sets to improve the Airfix kit, and I used several of these including:

• extended flap & slats

• bulges cannons

• chaff & flares launchers

• wheels and afterburners 

These all came from Paragon sets. The instrument panel, tub sidewalls and seat came from the Neomega set. Cockpit tub came from Hi-Tech set. Access ladder came from Xtraparts. Many others details were made from scratch by myself, including the undercarriage bays and legs details, airbrakes details, FODs, Multi-Functional Display, canopy rails, extended IFRP and antennas. 

Sidewinder missiles came from a Hasegawa Weapons set. TIALD pod is a highly detailed resin item and come from Aardvark Line. 

The model was painted using Humbrol Enamels. Dark Sea Grey (164) was applied to the upper surfaces and Dark Camouflage Grey (156) for the other surfaces. 

ECM and Phimat pod are in Medium Sea Grey (165). TIALD pod is in Bronze Green (75) and Dark Green (163). Sidewinders are in Light Grey (127). 

Now, the challenging step - decals. Today, no one produces a complete decal sheet in 1/48th scale for the RAF aircraft in the current two-tone grey camouflage. Xtradecal recently introduced a decal sheet for Jaguars and Tornados. I used this one for the squadron badges, cocades and fin flashes. Unfortunately, on my decal sheet, the serial numbers are outlined in white. This is incorrect. The tail code was therefore sourced from Carpena Decal. 

Serial numbers are from dry-transfers. All the stencils on the upper surfaces are in Dark Camouflage Grey, and all the stencils on the others surfaces are in Dark Sea Grey. For the stencils in Dark Sea Grey I found a solution using stencils included in Xtradecal sheet for the “Saint” Jaguar. For the Dark Camouflage Grey… look at your storage!

Model, Text and Images Copyright © 2001 by Piero de Santis
Page Created 11 May, 2001
Last Updated 04 June, 2007

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