Airfix TSR2 Prototype (real world)

[Robomog]

Hi all.

Been wanting to do a TSR2 for many years, but what with the model going out of production and the cost getting a kit becoming astronomic things got somewhat delayed. However two years back I was in the right place at the right time and managed to purchase the kit at a reasonable price and here it is.

I have seen many excellent whatifs and kit bashes of this aircraft on various forums including Sprues and Whatif but my favourite colour/configuration has always been the prototype in white. So here it is, very real world, but what a looker !



















This was the Stratos 4 boxing which I foolishly thought was a new tooling but it turned out to be the old tooling with some extra sprues for the alternative parts. The parts fit was not good but it was not the worst kit I have built, however the Decal sheet was very good with serials to cover all of the prototype aircraft plus the Stratos 4 markings.  In the end though, it came out as a good looking kit and I walked away with quite a few spare parts and decals.  Result !

As always all comments and criticisms gratefully accepted.

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Jeffry Fontaine]

No issues with the main landing gear?  To me, the TSR.2 looks a bit bird like with the spindly legs of the main gear and the tandem wheels standing in for the claws.  Great work as usual, you never fail to impress us with your modeling skills. 

[Robomog]

Thanks Jeffry,  most kind

The undercarriage was problematical,  the instructions don't tell you to fit the main undercarriage legs before closing up the fuselage so I had to fiddle them in through a narrow gap, also the fit of the wheel assembly was way too loose so instead of being vertical they kept drooping in. To fix that I had to wait until the glue was almost dry to adjust them then support the body until the glue was fully dry.

Looking at the pics I thought there was still some lean on the wheels, but they or OK,  it's distortions caused by the telephoto lens on my phone 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Buzzbomb]

I like what you have done.

After struggling through a vacform, then a resin kit of this super aircraft, Airfix finally releases the Injection kit. Like you I have the Stratos kit.. but sadly it is still just a kit in the stash. After seeing this...maybe. Just maybe

[Robomog]

Thanks Buzz.

Respect for doing this aircraft as a vacform (or resin for that matter ). It's not until you put it up against a Spitfire or Lancaster you realise how big this aircraft is.

I can only say go for it,  the build will be a challenge but boy what a stunning aircraft when you've finished 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[smeds]

I have an Airfix 1/48 TSR2 in the stash, along with a resin fin with small intake correctly moulded in. My all time favourite jet aircraft and have visited both survivors at Dixford and Cosford.

Great model btw. 

[Robomog]

Thanks sleds.

I've seen both, I think I first saw the TSR2 at Cranfield when they had an open day. I have some wet film snaps somewhere. If I find them I'll publish them on the forum 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[John Howling Mouse]

Very sharp-looking model: some people dream of building this subject (like me)...some people successfully build it (like you).