SPA Modeler

Just three Tunnans – in their J29F configurations – remain, while the rest have been scrapped over the years. One that was in service with the Austrian Air Force is on display at the Museum of Military History in Vienna, while another is at the French Musée de l’Air located at the former Paris–Le Bourget Airport and the third is at the Swedish Cold War “Aeroseum” in Göteborg.

Chapter 3



Detailing the bay with clean card strip and brass tubing





Lots of back and forth with reference. Pencil marks indicate seam failures from old Milliput.

Well done Bruce!

Stunning work Bruce! You're making mine look like a toy! This is truly an amazing thread to watch!

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Thu Sep 10, 2026 10:12 am I do not know how accurate this line drawing is, but the center line of the intake and exhaust look to line up perfectly from this angle.

Ahh yes, Amazing the tricks the eye can play on your. I would guess the drawing is fairly accurate.

Looking good Bruce! If I was building this I would design a faux intake plug buck and vac form it. Just enough depth to trick the casual observer and maybe an undersized engine front to sit at the end

Duke Maddog wrote: ↑Sun Sep 13, 2026 3:31 am Stunning work Bruce! You're making mine look like a toy! This is truly an amazing thread to watch!

You're too kind, mate, but I truly appreciate your support. All that you do at the bench inspires me to just be better. Now if only your ability to build quickly would rub off on me...

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Sun Sep 13, 2026 10:14 am Looking good Bruce! If I was building this I would design a faux intake plug buck and vac form it. Just enough depth to trick the casual observer and maybe an undersized engine front to sit at the end

Chris, thank you so much. I will put your ideas in the mix. I'm trying to set up a time with my buddy (who's been in the scenic department of James Cameron's company for years, also Universal Studios) to use his space for some painting. I'd like to get this and the Sopwith Camel kicked a bit further along. He might be up for a "heat smash" poor man's vac attempt. I'm thinking it's likely I'll be making a bas relief piece at one end of a very short tube.

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Sun Sep 13, 2026 10:14 am Looking good Bruce! If I was building this I would design a faux intake plug buck and vac form it. Just enough depth to trick the casual observer and maybe an undersized engine front to sit at the end

A very good idea… another option is to create the intake cover used on jets while parked on the flight line between flights. I did that on my last F-16 and my F-86. There is usually a similar plug or cover for the exhaust as well.

Very interesting thread, making me curious to build a Saab barrel myself!


- Kari