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Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 3:09 am
by KSaarni
Well done Bruce, the build goes really quickly!

I like the Tunnan, hope you build it in original markings, a la Sweden?

My Matchbox Tunnan, which I think I built around 1983 or so, was found a few years ago in a box in my parents' attic—dusty and missing its wheels. Brush-painted with Humbrol enamels, just like we used to do back then..

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- Kari

Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 3:55 am
by tempestjohnny
speedgraflex wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2026 10:53 am Happy Memories, TJ. What a wonderful story. Did any kits survive the years or are they memories now?

Stuart, After an hour I’ve glued the halves of the fuselage temporarily with PVA so my second round of fills can address the symmetrical shape better. I can already tell there’s a slight mismatch in the area between each wing root and the cockpit. I’ll need to dry fit wing assemblies to see if that affects alignment. At a guess it’s most likely that the mold bucks are just slightly different. No big deal, really.

I definitely need a set of plans to continue so I’m off to the internet’s dark corners to see what’s around.

Cheers
Just Memories and a few pictures

Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 6:21 am
by speedgraflex
Hi Kari! I’ll be doing markings for the third subject in the original RoG release of the kit, which are for Sweden’s Aerobatic Team.

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Thanks to you, TJ, Marius and Duke for sharing your memories.

Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 9:49 am
by Stikpusher
Looks like you’re off to a good start Bruce! :shoutout: Drilling out the gun ports is a good touch.

Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 11:08 am
by speedgraflex
I am improving the kit part slightly to resemble the original seat. Photos of two injection seats from an online auction.

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I’m going to have to find my needle files; got some grinding to do, gentlemen. Only in LA: I’m typing this at a cafe and a man in his thirties just walked in wearing a complete lime green frog costume—Kermit the Frog.

Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 12:24 pm
by speedgraflex
Canopy, cockpit rear deck, seat reference.

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Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 2:22 pm
by Stikpusher
Looks like you are finding plenty of great reference photos. That’s a big plus!



:giggles: A 30something man child in his Kermit clothing. :whistle:

Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 3:53 pm
by speedgraflex
Wing reference

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Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 6:05 pm
by speedgraflex
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Re: Matchbox 1/72 Saab J29 F Tunnan by speedgraflex

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 6:32 pm
by Stikpusher
speedgraflex wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 2:57 pm Since moving to Los Angeles, I have given up explaining or attempting to describe human behavior here. This is a good neighborhood, as far as I know. I can take a walk at night or at least up until 10 pm or so without too much stress; it’s generally quiet; I am, however, just a block north of Route 66, which can be rough with homeless people, drug addicts, criminals—and costume wearing people.
After having been a street cop for 31 years in L.A. County, no explanation is truly possible. I used to joke that taking a drive thru Hollywood along Hollywood or Sunset Boulevards was something akin to going to the zoo or wild animal park. Just lock your doors and roll up the windows. :giggles: I’ll leave it at that. :whistle:
speedgraflex wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 3:53 pm Wing reference

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Excellent wing reference shots. But notice this must be painted or lacquered compared to some of your previously posted photos.
speedgraflex wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 6:05 pm Image
Is this CGI or a photo of an actual aircraft. If an actual photo, this aircraft had an afterburner. :hmm: