1/48 Italeri EFA-2100 Typhoon III

Gallery Article by Jan Mikes on Aug 18 2003

 

Conversion from Italeri 1/48 EFA-2000 Typhoon

I returned to the hobby two years ago. Since then I finished four models. This makes average of one model in six months, which is quite frustrating. I decided to improve my productivity statistics with some quick ‘What if‘ project. Italeri 1/48 EFA-2000 Typhoon is perfect starting point for such a project: good looking subject, simple kit (about 80 parts) and reasonable price. 

I did Typhoon in EFA-2100 version in hypothetic Czech Air Force scheme. I like splinter schemes so it was nice opportunity to try one. The shark mouth was my second idea, and I think Typhoon looks great with it. The yellow-black stripes identify aircraft taking part in some military exercise or campaign. Decals are from my spares box or are custom made (guess who’s name is on the canopy frame).

 

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I made couple of modifications to upgrade‘ Italeri’s Typhoon to EF-2100 standard:

  • repositioned canards (designers the original version obviously did not take into account the need for a sharkmouth space)

  • shortened wing span (now the plane looks 'faster‘)

  • installation of wing tip missile launchers (it looks cool on any jet)

  • changed shape of jet intake (now it looks more like one on Su-27, my favourite fighter)

  • added fins under the rear section of the fuselage (I like them on F-16)

As this was 'what if' project, I used it as a testbed for new weathering technique (new to me). I tried to imitate panel fading with chalk pastels. Perhaps my Typhoon looks much too worn out for a modern jet, but this is 'what if' project after all.   

Hope you enjoy my not-so-serious project,  

Jan Mikes

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Photos and text © by Jan Mikes