Hasegawa’s Jaguar T2/E kit provides the option to make the SEPECAT Jaguar IB, the two-seater version of the British “T2” in Indian Air Force service. SEPECAT Jaguars have served the Indian Air Force for over 25 years in five squadrons comprising three versions: the Strike version (IS); the Maritime strike (IM) and the two seat trainer (IB). The IB of this build is JT056 of the No. 14 Squadron, The Bulls, based in Ambala, India. I have already finished an IM in No. 6 Squadron markings, and have an IS that I will build to complete the troika of Jaguars in Indian Air Force service.

Build

Jaguar IB’s in IAF service have been upgraded to DARIN II standards, which has resulted in a few minor alterations to the external appearance of the IB. I built the Jaguar IB as an older type without some of the external sensors and antenna of the DARIN II version. To modify the Hasegawa kit to the IB version requires the removal of several blade antennas from the wings and fuselage, and the removal of the fins on the tail. The overall fit of the forward fuselage section was trying and resulted in a lot of work to align the parts. I think it was more because of my lack of skill than the kit. I also noticed during the build that the IB only has a port cannon unlike the IS or French E version that have two cannons. Thankfully, Hasegawa provide the starboard cannon as a separate kit part.

Painting

Indian Air Force Jaguar IBs sported a two-tone dark green and grey wrap-around pattern until a few years ago, when it was replaced by the boring all-grey scheme. I elected to use the wrap-around pattern because the all-grey scheme is a bit boring and omits the attractive Bulls squadron insignia. The main colors were Euro Dark Green and Dark Camouflage Grey. Wheel wells were finished in Yellow Zinc Chromate and the gun port is a combination of dilute gloss Red over a base of Jet Exhaust. I experimented with post-shading weathering by lightening the base colors with white and spraying inside the panel lines. The effect is understated in the photos, but is acceptable in natural light. Panel lines were highlighted with a wash of green and brown chalk, and soapy water. Everything was sealed in Future® for decaling, but all did not go as planned when the decals were applied.

Decals

The kit decals are excellent and provide excellent stenciling for one complete British or French aircraft. However, there are no aftermarket decals for Indian Air Force IBs. Therefore, I created the squadron insignia on the air intakes, roundels, fin flashes, numerals, and stenciling in Adobe Illustrator. The decals were printed by a patient, Pete, of SpareTime Hobbies in Winnipeg, Canada (thanks!). To my disappointment, some of the decals silvered due to my lack of patience. All in all, it was fun to build my first two-seater model.

Photos and text © by Rupesh Santoshi