Hey all.
Whilst I’m well aware of the enthusiasm you all have for real aircraft, I wonder how many of you are captivated by the imaginary world created by plastic model kits?
Being of a youngish age myself (23) I can remember the time a few years back when my ceiling was covered with numerous Airfix planes ‘dogfighting’ each other all over my room. To be honest, it’s a hobby I’d love to get back into but as is so often the case, time is not readily available and so it has been many years since I last put together a Spitfire. In saying that, my want to collect and build 1:72nd scale Spits and Hurris has recently been rekindled and a couple of kits been ordered from Airfix.
This has drawn my attention to the initial point of this thread.
It has been announced that due for release in 1:72nd scale in Autumn this year, is Airfixs’ B.A.C TSR.2. Quite frankly, this excites me considerably. The story is that in I think 1964, Airfix were offered the chance to release this kit, but due to the political debate surrounding the actual aircraft, were denied the chance. It is said that the accuracy of the model was such that it could have inadvertantly revealed some development secrets. This is why I think the release of this model is so exciting. 40 years after its initial conception, Airfix are finally able to release the TSR.2.
I can’t believe that I am the only person on the forum with such an interest, so was wondering what others thought of this news.
By: dhfan - 13th October 2005 at 09:58
A bloke did a ducted-fan one a few years back. There was an article in one of the R/C mags about it.
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 13th October 2005 at 09:09
Am pretty sure i saw one at Old Warden Scale day -last year i think – would make a very attractive ARTF model
By: wessex boy - 13th October 2005 at 09:00
I wonder if anyone has tried doing a radio Control one….I will have a search for some plans, if not it should be fairly easy to create ones from the 3 views, not too many compound curves etc.
Probably good for a pair of twin Electric Ducted fans, or in larger scale a pair of Wren Turbines……
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 13th October 2005 at 08:44
If you have to have a 1/48th TSR2 – you could either buy the Tamiya Swordfish 😉 or Dynavector from Japan IIRC do a very nice vacform….
Clever! made i laugh…… 😀
Hope they re release the decal sheets and that Airfix dont F*** up the kit launch – never heard so much excitement about an Airfix release…well….ever actually- very pleased that they are sorting themselves out – am sure a 1/48th aircraft will follow… :rolleyes:
By: Eric Mc - 13th October 2005 at 08:12
I bumped into an Airfix rep in a model/toy shop last week and he told me that the TSR2 release date is now “early December”.
I think Hannants have already sold out all those decal sheets as well.
By: J Boyle - 13th October 2005 at 03:32
As well as the Airfix TSR.2 – which is sure to be a top-seller if early reservations are anything to go by – Hannants have released two decal sheets depicting ‘what if’ schemes for the kit…..
I hear Canada is selling its fleet that they withdrew from service in the 80’s as a cost cutting move. Maybe New Zealand will buy them. 😀
Seriously…I asked this question awhile back on the Modern Military aviation forum, and was surprised by the lack of response.
In retrospect was the cancellation of the TSR.2 the right thing to do? Would it have had the ‘growth’ potential to be a viable weapon for 30 years?
Could it have adapted to new missions, roles and tactics?
If it had been bought (and developed) would the Tornado be around in its present form?
IMHO: In retrospect the other two cancelled Western programs that aviation buffs have lamented for years…the US B-70 and the Canadian CF-105 Arrow…probably were better off cancelled. The B-70 was a high flying bomber in the age of low-level penatrators, while the Arrow would have been the last Western dedicated interceptors (The earlier…and less advanced…US F-106 was the last purpose-built USAF interceptor). In retrospect, the RCAF/CAF got along okay with its Starfighters, F-5s and used VooDoos…and it saved the taxpayers a lot of money, albeit at the expense of the Canadian avaition industry…or at least AVRO Canada.
By: dhfan - 13th October 2005 at 00:11
My mate owns half of the only model shop in Chesterfield.
I haven’t spoken to him for a couple of months. Must be about time I rang him…
By: JDK - 13th October 2005 at 00:06
if you want one, I should snap it up as Hannants have already pre-sold their allocation and cannot get any more!
And Hannant’s are VERY good at this kind of “get ’em while they’re hot” marketing. I don’t think Airfix want anyone not to get one, do you? Hanants know how to stampede the collectors… :rolleyes:
By: coanda - 12th October 2005 at 23:07
wonder if they will be as good as the hawk…….i.e. a mixed blessing,
anyhew, saving up for another dynavector tsr2 as I am scratchbuilding all the open bits, and I’d like one in flying pose……..possibly in that rasberry ripple scheme!
By: ALBERT ROSS - 12th October 2005 at 17:44
Incidently, the “TSR-2 Story” on video has just been re-released on DVD.
Re the Airfix kit, this has been delayed, but should be available any day now.
if you want one, I should snap it up as Hannants have already pre-sold their allocation and cannot get any more! 😮
By: wessex boy - 12th October 2005 at 12:19
Does anyone remember the Documentary on the TSR2 that was shown on Discovery a couple of years back?
2 things stick in my mind:
1. In a project meeting 45 people turned up, the project Manager cancelled the meeting as there were too many people for it to be effective, he re-called the meeting for the following week, with the instructions that only the really necessarry people need attend……54 people turned up!
2. The first Re-heat test, filmed from a Lightning Chase plane, you heard the countdown, the lightning went to full power, the TSR lit up one ‘burner and just disappeared into the distance….that really put it into perspective for me, just imagine the acceleration if both Burners were used!
By: dhfan - 12th October 2005 at 08:00
Mrs DHFan may well kill me if I suggest buying any more kits to add to the hundred plus I already have.
I think this will have to be bought while she’s not looking. 🙂
By: jeepman - 12th October 2005 at 05:38
Ah you see Barry, a 1:48th TSR.2 does exist…..
When doing their test shots, Airfix construct a lager scale model to ensure accuracy when it’s scaled down. They moulded a 1:48th scale to release the 1:72nd scale.
Perhaps you should contact Airfix see what they can do. I’d assume going on their previous kits, that if the 1:72nd TSR.2 seels well, it won’t be too long before a 1:48th scale version appears.
If you have to have a 1/48th TSR2 – you could either buy the Tamiya Swordfish 😉 or Dynavector from Japan IIRC do a very nice vacform….
By: JDK - 12th October 2005 at 02:01
It is said that the accuracy of the model was such that it could have inadvertantly revealed some development secrets.
“It is said” by the Airfix PR department. PR bull. 😉
Exciting kit!
By: barrythemod - 12th October 2005 at 01:36
Ah you see Barry, a 1:48th TSR.2 does exist…..
When doing their test shots, Airfix construct a lager scale model to ensure accuracy when it’s scaled down. They moulded a 1:48th scale to release the 1:72nd scale.
Perhaps you should contact Airfix see what they can do. I’d assume going on their previous kits, that if the 1:72nd TSR.2 seels well, it won’t be too long before a 1:48th scale version appears.
Nice one.Thanks for that.I`ll keep an eye out 🙂
By: Rich82 - 12th October 2005 at 00:19
Ah you see Barry, a 1:48th TSR.2 does exist…..
When doing their test shots, Airfix construct a lager scale model to ensure accuracy when it’s scaled down. They moulded a 1:48th scale to release the 1:72nd scale.
Perhaps you should contact Airfix see what they can do. I’d assume going on their previous kits, that if the 1:72nd TSR.2 seels well, it won’t be too long before a 1:48th scale version appears.
By: barrythemod - 12th October 2005 at 00:03
As well as the Airfix TSR.2 – which is sure to be a top-seller if early reservations are anything to go by – Hannants have released two decal sheets depicting ‘what if’ schemes for the kit…..
Hannants are at :- http://www.hannants.co.uk/
Ken
If only the politicos could have got their act together,then this lot wouldn`t be a “what if”.Makes me want to dig out my Exacto knives and M.E.K. 🙂
If only it were 1/48th 😀
If only…….
By: Rich82 - 11th October 2005 at 22:54
Indeed they are, some nice test shots of the Spit.
Doesn’t excite me as much tho, after all, they’ve made a fair few spits already, whereas the TSR.2 is new! Loving the box artwork for the TSR as well!
By: Septic - 11th October 2005 at 22:50
Staying on this TSR 2 theme, albeit on an audio note, I recently purchased a long play single(vinyl) titled ‘The Neil Williams Collection’ which featured a recording of the TSR2 taking off !
Along with the TSR 2 kit release Airfix are also releasing their reworked 48th scale Spitfire as a Mk IX complete with MH434 ZD-B markings.
Septic.
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October 11, 2005 at 10:05 pm
