Lancfan's XR220 build - *** DNF ***

[lancfan]

This is my model from the original batch, however as the decals included in the Stratos4 kit are better I will use those here instead.


David.

[lancfan]

This model will be of XR220 as it now preserved at RAFM Cosford.
now is the time to begin, I will first wash the sprues and then assemble and detail the cockpits, wheel wells & bomb bay based on pictures of the full-size.


David.

[lancfan]

The cockpit as it now stands, the basic tub has been assembled and painted, the instrument panels have been painted and decalled and the ejection seats have been assembled and are now being painted, although the kit seats are simple and do lack some smaller details they are basically accurate and with a little TLC will scrub up very well.


David.

[lancfan]

My TSR-2 as it stands, The cockpit has been assembled bar the seats which are waiting to be fully painted, the avionics bay hatch has been cut away from the R/H fuselage side and a shallow dummy bay has been made from plastic card, this will be fitted out to resemble the populated bay.


David.

[splash]

I must admit I'm tempted to open up the avionics bay as well just to give the a/c some colour.

Your cockpit is looking good, I suspect with the canopy closed not much will be seen.

Regards Splash

[lancfan]

Cheers Splash, I'm going to leave the canopies open on the grounds that they do seem to open them from time to time- presumably to work on the interior.

David.

[lancfan]

This is the avionics bay as it is now, dry fitted and viewed from both inside and out.


David.

[splash]

Nice work on the avionics bay.

Regards Splash

[lancfan]

Cheers Splash.
This is the state of play with the cockpit and avionics bay glued in position and the noseweight (6 steel nuts) added over the nosewheel bay- cyanoe'd in position and doubly secured with filler.


David.

[iggie]

Um, can I ask a question regarding nose weights for the Airfix 1/72 TSR-2? As in; is it needed?
The reason for asking is that
a) I've sealed up the fuselage with none in, and;
b) it's sitting on it's undercarriage legs (no wheels yet) without tail sitting
Am I missing something that is going to bite me on the bum?

[splash]

Um, can I ask a question regarding nose weights for the Airfix 1/72 TSR-2? As in; is it needed?
The reason for asking is that
a) I've sealed up the fuselage with none in, and;
b) it's sitting on it's undercarriage legs (no wheels yet) without tail sitting
Am I missing something that is going to bite me on the bum?

I'm glad you asked that question as I was thinking the same thing.

Regards Splash

[JamesPerrin]

Ditto

[lancfan]

Yes the TSR-2 does have fairly central undercarriage but it is a nose wheel set up and I did not fancy taking the risk of building a tail sitter. If it is sitting OK now on its legs then that's great it should still be OK when it is finished.


David.

[iggie]

Phew!
Mind you, I think I'll keep the paint thin just in case!

[lancfan]

If you are worried over the weight issue and haven't fitted your air intakes yet you could pop some weight in there or if you have done so you could saw through the lower panel in front of the bomb bay and carefully cut the front section of the lower panel out and drop weight in there ,once secured with epoxy or similar the piece of lower panel could be glued back in place and with a little filler in the sawcut all would be well.


David.