IAF Fouga / Tzukit 1/50 scale

[Isaac]

I am switching gears now from the Luft 46 series in 1/48 scale ( so far I built 12 of them ) to another favorite set. Those are aircraft that served in the Israeli Air Force.

In my long building career I started with paper models from the IAF magazine and then to plastic collection in 1/72 scale and then to 1/33 scale more detailed versions in paper. Now, I will build a few simple ones with limited details ( and no interior cockpits ).




First model I will build is the Tzukit. It is the Israeli version of the French designed Fouga magister CM 170

In the IAF service it was used as a trainer and was named the Snunit ( meaning Swallow as in the bird ) because of its V tail. That version was also pressed into service as a ground attack aircraft during the 1967 6 Day war.

There were substantial improvements to the aircraft made by IAI and the aircraft was then named the Tzukit ( Thrush ). This is the subject of this build.

The Tzukit remained in the IAF service as a trainer until very recently. It was replaced by the T-6 Texan II as well as the Aermachhi 346 jet trainer now entering IAF service.

Here is some info on the plane

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fouga_CM.170_Magister







To me , this is one of the most elegant looking aircraft with very graceful lines and practical aerodynamics. I also had the pleasure of seeing them in person and one was ( painted all black ) stationed at Beverly Massachusetts airport when I lived in the Boston area.



Isaac

[Isaac]

This is a repaint version of the Fouga that was published in the IAF magazine. Back then I had the early pleasure of building it along with many others. I may have some old pictures of some packed away in my storage boxes I am sure.


The kit design is very much dated back to the 1960's but all the parts fit well. The model is mostly white with red patches, so no edge coloring is needed except where the red colors need to match.


I decided not to build the landing gear bay or the cockpit area (which is really not described ) and keep it simple since I am still building those at my hotel room ( yes, I am still in Canada ).



So lets start building



Fuselage assembly

The design is traditional. Conical sections joined together and internal frames.




Front



Front and back


and assembled



Note:
Most likely some weight in the nose will be needed to prevent it from being a tail seater. I will add that later and place it under the canopy.

Alternatively, this model can be built in a flying position



Isaac

[yaelb]

One of my favorite planes, Isaac.

I will follow the build with great interest.

Theo

[Isaac]

At this point, I assembled the wing spar. Nothing complicated here.




And cut out the side of the fuselage to accept the spar.



Nothing is glued yet.





The engines and inlet form side cheeks. They are assembled individually and then I cut the side for the wing spar to go thru.




Trial fit with the spar in position of both engine sides.



And when all is OK, glue the engine cheeks on. The spar is not glued and is free to move. This is done to allow the engine cheeks to be adjusted as needed for best fit.




Isaac

[scissorsandplanes]

Nice plane and excellent start.
looking forward to more.

B

[paperengineer]

Awesome magister so far Isaac! Is this available anywhere else other than the magazine where I can get my hands on it?

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by paperengineer

Awesome magister so far Isaac! Is this available anywhere else other than the magazine where I can get my hands on it?

Sorry, but it's not


Isaac

[Isaac]

Not much to the wings






And wing fillets




I have to say it is a nice fit!



Isaac

[YOAVHOZMI]

good start Isaac.

YOAV

[dcoquelet]

Very good design for this magister..one of my favorite bird..some time in the
future i'll try it too ...pleasant aircraft to do..