Well, roundabout two weeks to go for the GB, and I might try to add an eighth entry - somewhat inspired by Kit's Tornado F.5 build with "extensions", but a different interpretation of a Tornado ADV upgrade. Basis will be the Italeri kit (recently got one cheap w/o clear parts, but I found suitable replacements in the donor bank!), and changes will be rather subtle. The idea is an engine upgrade towards the type's late career, and the paint scheme will be different from the standard light grey livery, too.
Now that a 2 week extension's been granted to the build end date you've got a whole month to go.
That's long enough to build a whole SQUADRON of F6s at your rate Thomas. ;D ;)
I guess so, too... :rolleyes: I am just finishing a non-GB project right now, but work on the Tonka hardware might start this evening. I've already secured some donor parts and have been bathing the new/old clear parts in oven cleaner for a week in order to get the old paint off, this should move fast (since the kit is not very complicated).
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1936/43968754445_3bdb174412_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmRc)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmRc) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Work actually started, with several non-critical sub-assemblies and parts cleaning. Most of the F.3 will be retained, but, as mentioned above, the engine will be changed, and with it some visible parts like the exhausts and, most of all, the air intakes. The latter will be the actual stunt of this build, because of the complex location in the wing roots and the curved fuselage flank. Armament will also be upgraded - I had some AMRAAMs earmarked, but found yesterday a Eurofighter/Typhoon kit which comes with four Meteor AAMs, a more British ordnance option. ;)
For instance, the exhausts will be changed in order to mimic EJ200 engines (with F-18 implants from an F404)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/31007066268_4b66de3668_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PeZjwQ)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/PeZjwQ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The ordnance, four Meteor AAMs and four different AIM9s (which are better than the OOB missiles):
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1914/43968754015_72a42358f7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmHM)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmHM) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
And a look at the interior:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1901/44880708021_e1c93c3160_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2bnXmSH)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2bnXmSH) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Veeeeeery interesting. :thumbsup:
I am really curious how this will turn out. The intakes will be a major stunt, but I gess that this Tonka will look even more racy than the pure F.3 (at least when compared with the stout IDS).
Transplants from an Academy MiG-23! :wacko:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1927/43968753325_2ae8d1fbe0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmvT)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmvT) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The size fits quite well, but they are naturally much more slender than the Tonka's orginal wedge-shaped intakes with horizontal ramps. For instance, I added a spacer from 1mm styrene sheet on the back side, so that the new intake/splitter plate does not sit directly on the fuselage. On the lower fuselage, in front of the landing gear wells, the shape under the original airtakes had to be adapted to the new parts, too.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1973/43968753125_864455c246_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29Znmsr)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29Znmsr) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Some gaps on the lower and upper side had to be filled - in an initial step with styrene stripes/plates:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1934/44159771264_b0ea40c415_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfnuC)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfnuC) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1905/43968752505_4229d63f25_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmgK)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnmgK) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The fin is taken OOB, just a small antenna fairing added to the leading edge:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1963/44159771454_8daf745a01_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfnxU)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfnxU) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
What about adding the Eurofighter wings to your tonka? :banghead:
Nah, I want to create an evolutionary step between the F.3 and the Eurofighter, so I'll stay close to the "original". ;)
But your suggestions could become a late CF-105 successor?
So an upgrade to the weapons and engines?
Eurojet EJ200 engines along with the Meteors you have already mentioned?
Gondor
Yup, an obvious combo. ;D
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on September 13, 2018, 08:28:19 AM
Yup, an obvious combo. ;D
I have a similar plan for an F-4F to become and F-4F ICE++
You could also add small details such as a commercial SATNAV aerial to the spine of the aircraft
Gondor
Hardware makes quick progress; yesterday I closed the fuselage halves and worry now about the massive PSR all around the hull... In parallel, work on ordnance and air intakes goes on, too - once the fuselage is "clean" the implantation stunt can take place: of a pair of MiG-23 intakes with vertical splittter plates! :lol:
I'm glad it's not just me who has that problem with that kit, those fuselage halves just DON'T fit top to bottom.
You can't help thinking that a few more locating pegs would help, as I recall the only ones are right at the nose and back near the tailplane!
Totally agree. But it would not have been different if the fuselage would be split vertically: the square diameter, with its vertical side walls (and top and bottom) are a big problem for the molds' construction. More locator pins, even though generally helpful, would IMHO hardly help - I guess that thicker side walls would be a more effective solution? Well, I have built enough Italeri Tonka not to panic about this, but it's still a nuissance.
Things have turned messy. If you ever wondered whether it was possible to mount MiG-23 air intakes on a Tonka... Well, it is possible, but not recommended! :banghead:
Massive PSR involved, with 2C and NC putty:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1935/44159770864_90fdd926e1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfnnJ)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfnnJ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Since the original air intake ducts would not be there anymore I also decided to modify the characeteristic, swung "edge" on top of the wing gloves into a straight line - this was done with NC putty and the help of thick adhesive tape as a template. Worked better than expected! :lol:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1943/44159770614_310a56f5a4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfniq)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfniq) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The landing gear wells also needed covers on the inside; I also implanted a vertical styrene tube into the fuselage, in a prospect towards the beauty pics, because the attachment of a holder to the model is quite difficult for flight scenes:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1947/43968751735_bc8cb70a0a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29Znm3t)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29Znm3t) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
PSR...PSR...PSR... The air intakes are a complex affair, but progress is good. The front end of the landing gear wells had to be blanked off with the new intake arrangement, and the landing gear covers have to be modifed accordingly to the new fuselage shape, too. Since I use a donor windshield from an IDS Tornado, the whole canopy is 2mm too short, so I have to fill a respective gap. One challenge leads to the next one. :party:
But the new intakes do not look bad at all!
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1908/43968751425_18b668d63b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkX8)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkX8) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Besides prolonged body work, the underwing pylons came off, too. :angry: Well, I use it as an opportunity because it will make painting easier (the upper camouflage will be painted around the leading edge). However, I might get them back in a flexible fashion with the help of rubber glue (for photographs, used in "hardware albums" eons ago). I already cleaned the holes in the wings and replaced the original swivelling pins, the overall "damage" is manageable.
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on September 17, 2018, 12:11:58 AM
Besides prolonged body work, the underwing pylons came off, too. :angry:
Looks like an inherent fault in the design, the pins are just too weak.
Hmm, I actually like the mechanism for the swivelling pylons, and the stunt actually works. But the whole arrangement is not suitable for modelers who use putty to hide the underwing seams/trenches/canyons between the wing parts - and the fact that you have to add the pylons before you complete the wings, and these have to be put into the fuselage with their swivelling mechanism, is not builder-friendly. It works, but there could have been a more clever solution.
Besides, the Tonka with its modified air intakes has a funny look to it. It looks to me like a Romanian copy of the Tornado, in an attempt to create a Su-24 "at home". It looks good, but strange!
One of the final challenges concerns the clear parts. As mentioned very early, the kit needed replacement parts. The cleaning of the canopy went well, but I just had a windscreen from a Tornado IDS at hand - and it is too short. A 2mm gap had to be filled, and the OOB HUD turned out to be quite massive, so that the windscreen's fit was/is less than optimal.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1908/44159770104_8b1b7a2706_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfn9C)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2ahfn9C) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1945/43968751085_c879c0dfa5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkRg)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkRg) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Another conversion step concerned the main landing gear covers - the original parts' shape would not match the new fuselage lines anymore. Instead of scratching something I used the OOB parts, cut out a wedge, bent the side wall and inserted the wedge again. glueing it into place. With some putty, the modified parts look quite good.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1964/43968750745_8949f34091_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkKp)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkKp) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
An final detail is an IRST in front of the windscreen, similar to the Typhoon's arrangement. The IRST in front of the windscreen is a piece of clear styrene sprue (instead of an opaque piece, painted glossy black), placed on a black background. The depth effect is very good!
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1935/44880707871_e24e0c3978_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2bnXmQ8)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2bnXmQ8) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Painting started, and the Tonka looks even more like a Su-24 now!
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1974/43968749955_d9a1a5dc9e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkvM)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkvM) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Awww...come on man! I keep waiting for pictures. I'm dying to see how this one turns out.
Patience, pls. There's still another non-GB build that's waiting for pics. Just imagine a grey Tonka with side intakes...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airrecognition.com%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Feast_europe%2Frussia%2Ffighter%2Fsu-24_fencer%2Fsu_24_Fencer_data_sheet_main_picture_640_001.jpg&hash=9f8de1412f06e75411bf4eaa038894c691fd531c)
:rolleyes:
Disaster struck, twice. One issue is that one of the stabilizers broke off - I have the feeling that the plastic of this 2nd hand kit was/is somewhat brittle, since the wing pylon crash was also rather dubious and unexpected. And the paint job went sour - I used Tamiya acrylics (applied with a brush), but somehow the stuff created a very open surface once dry, almost like a short pelt, which is totally sensitive to touch. I guess that the paint was simply too old. Now I have a rather spotty upper side, and have to try to make the best from this mess. :-\ My Tonka will probably look much more worn than originally planned.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1949/31007060138_63b8d63eda_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PeZhH9)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/PeZhH9) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
:banghead:
That could save on the weathering maybe :-\
Gondor
It looks crappy right now, not weathered... :-\ I hope I can save the model through post-shading.
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on September 20, 2018, 02:01:37 AM
Disaster struck, twice. One issue is that one of the stabilizers broke off - I have the feeling that the plastic of this 2nd hand kit was/is somewhat brittle, since the wing pylon crash was also rather dubious and unexpected.
Exactly what happened with my F5 too, looks to be an endemic design fault to me, the pivoting bits just aren't strong enough.
Spent last eveneing with rescue measures, and I am not convinced yet. From above, the Tonka looks like a low-viz Tiger Meet participant right now... :banghead:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1934/43968749315_25f701ccc6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkjK)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnkjK) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Quite good news: in a courageous attempt to save the situation I applied a water-thinned coat of the Tamiya paint over the post-shaded surface. Even though the result is a little cloudy, the tiger stripes disappeared and the whole affair looks more uniform. Not perfect, but better than anything before. Phew... :mellow:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1977/31007059248_71715879b7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PeZhrN)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/PeZhrN) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1943/43968748605_c64bcbea02_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29Znk7v)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29Znk7v) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Even better news - thanks to a zillion of decals and stencils, more and more of the paint problems disappear. If you do not look too closely, the thing even looks good! :mellow:
Pics soon to come/follow, since I was able to finish the photo series of the former build outside of the GB. :lol:
Latest update with live pics! :lol: Not fully Fifty Shades Of Grey, but certainly a dozen grey tones involved!
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/31007058188_be876cc5a7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PeZh8w)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/PeZh8w) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1945/43968747635_7c4287ab17_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnjPM)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, 2018 (Whif/Kitbashing) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/29ZnjPM) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Look at that, he left it parked and someone came along and pinched the wheels...
;D
My brain is hurting, because the inlets make the entire nose look like MiG-23, but the tail end wants to identify itself as Su-24. The "painting accident" actually looks like well-done heavy weathering and that together with the red squadron flashes complete the illusion of a Soviet/Russian bird. Complete with the distinctive Tonka fin ;D
That does look distinctly UN-Tornado like with those intakes. A super job there. :thumbsup:
Where did the 'No Step' walkway decals come from please? I don't have any of those on any of my umpteen Tornado sheets, or are they from an Su-24 sheet?
No, they come all from the Revell-reboxing sheet of the Italeri kit. Their carrier film is quite thin and flimsy, though.
The dotted walkway markings come from a Model Decal Tornado F.3, though, because Revell only provides you with a dozen thin, white lines, printed on a single carrier film, and wishes you "Good luck" with them!
OK, thanks Thomas.
I may steal the designs from your pics for my F5, but they'll be black or grey I guess as I can't print white.
You might try this sheet here, too:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/1-72-Tornado-F-3-F-4-Phantom-FG-1-229-OCU-65-Sqn-29-Sqn111-Sqn-RAF-MODELDECAL/392116264991?hash=item5b4bf3601f:g:EuoAAOSwPFFbjGIK
It's the one from which I used the dotted walkway markings (and some other elements like the fin flashes), but it also carries lots of white "No Step" stencils. As a bonus, it's pretty cheap, too. ;)
Wow, considering the issues you had with this build I think it turned out great! :thumbsup: I can't wait to read the backstory.
Between this build and Kit's F5, it makes me want to tackle building a Tornado 2000.
Magic, thanks. I just bought it. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
You're welcome! ;D
Unexpected delays due to sickness... :-\
I hope recovery goes well and quickly. :thumbsup:
Thank you very much, it's already getting better.
I've got that F3 sheet now thanks Thomas. It looks REALLY great! :thumbsup:
Final pics from the finishing touches on the work bench, beauty pics and more info concerning the updated Tornado F.3 are just being made.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1952/44073561475_2eecef8b12_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9CwjX)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2a9CwjX) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/44073559265_182cd345f2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9CvER)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2a9CvER) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Here she finally is, a 1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1919/30051630237_9160fb4caa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MMysFP)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/MMysFP) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1980/44268519024_83bc3e7b47_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRJq1)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRJq1) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1968/44076204275_bf18be40f0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9S4Wt)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9S4Wt) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Some background:
The Tornado ADV had its origins in an RAF Air Staff Requirement 395 (or ASR.395), which called for a long-range interceptor to replace the Lightning F6 and Phantom FGR2. The requirement for a modern interceptor was driven by the threat posed by the large Soviet long-range bomber fleet, in particular the supersonic Tupolev Tu-22M. From the beginning of the Tornado IDS's development in 1968, the possibility of a variant dedicated to air defence had been quietly considered; several American aircraft had been evaluated, but found to be unsuitable. However, the concept proved unattractive to the other European partners on the Tornado project, thus the UK elected to proceed in its development alone. On 4 March 1976, the development of the Tornado ADV was formally approved.
In 1976, British Aerospace was contracted to provide three prototype aircraft. The first prototype was rolled out at Warton on 9 August 1979, before making its maiden flight on 27 October 1979. During the flight testing, the ADV demonstrated noticeably superior supersonic acceleration to the IDS, even while carrying a full weapons loadout.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1919/44076189805_218eb2b2f8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RZCZ)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RZCZ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1943/44076185665_1613067d1d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RYpB)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RYpB) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/30051635277_a9bd961e4e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MMyubH)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/MMyubH) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The Tornado ADV's differences compared to the IDS include a greater sweep angle on the wing gloves, and the deletion of their kruger flaps, deletion of the port cannon, a longer radome for the Foxhunter radar, slightly longer airbrakes and a fuselage stretch of 1.36 m to allow the carriage of four Skyflash semi-active radar homing missiles. The stretch was applied to the Tornado front fuselage being built by the UK, with a plug being added immediately behind the cockpit, which had the unexpected benefit of reducing drag and making space for an additional fuel tank (Tank '0') carrying 200 imperial gallons (909 l; 240 U.S. gal) of fuel. The artificial feel of the flight controls was lighter on the ADV than on the IDS. Various internal avionics, pilot displays, guidance systems and software also differed; including an automatic wing sweep selector not fitted to the strike aircraft.
Production of the Tornado ADV was performed between 1980 and 1993, the last such aircraft being delivered that same year. A total of 165 Tornado ADVs were ordered by Britain, the majority being the Tornado F3. However, the Tornado ADV's replacement, the aircraft that is known today as the Eurofighter Typhoon, met several delays – primarily of political nature. Even though the first production contract was already signed on 30 January 1998 between Eurofighter GmbH, Eurojet and NETMA for the procurement of a total of 232 for the UK, the development and eventually the delivery of the new aircraft was a protracted affair. It actually took until 9 August 2007, when the UK's Ministry of Defence reported that No. 11 Squadron RAF, which stood up as a Typhoon squadron on 29 March 2007, had received its first two multi-role Typhoons. Until then, the Tornado F.3 had become more and more obsolete, since the type was only suited to a limited kind of missions, and it became obvious that the Tornado ADV would have to be kept in service for several years in order to keep Great Britain's aerial defence up.
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRuqs) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9S6vv) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRtA1) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
In order to bridge the Typhoon service gap, two update programs had already been launched by the MoD in 2004, which led to the Tornado F.5 and F.6 versions. These were both modified F.3 airframes, catering to different, more specialized roles. The F.5 had a further extended fuselage and modified wings, so that it could operate more effectively in the long range fighter patrol role over the North Sea and the Northern Atlantic. On the other side, the F.6 was tailored to the mainland interceptor role at low and medium altitudes and featured new engines for a better performance in QRA duties. Both fighter variants shared improved avionics and weapons that had already been developed for the Eurofighter Typhoon, or were still under development.
The Tornado F.6's new engines were a pair of Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofans, which offered 30% more dry and 20% more afterburner thrust than the F.3's original Turbo-Union RB199-34R turbofans. These more modern and fuel-efficient engines allowed prolonged supercruise, and range as well as top speed were improved, too. Furthermore, there was the (theoretical) option to combine the new engine with vectored thrust nozzles, even though this would most probably not take place since the Tornado ADV had never been designed as a true dogfighter, even though it was, for an aircraft of its size, quite an agile aircraft.
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RXoD) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/MMywXe) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9S2Hv) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
However, the integration of the EJ200 into the existing airframe called for major modifications that affected the aircraft's structure. The tail section had to be modified in order to carry the EJ200's different afterburner section. Its bigger diameter and longer nozzle precluded the use of the original thrust reverser. This unique feature was retained, though, so that the mechanism had to be modified: the standard deflectors, which used to extend backwards behind the nozzles, now opened inwards into the airflow before the exhaust.
Since the new engines had a considerably higher airflow rate, the air intakes with the respective ducts had to be enlarged and adapted, too. Several layouts were tested, including two dorsal auxiliary air intakes to the original, wedge-shaped orifices, but eventually the whole intake arrangement with horizontal ramps was changed into tall side intakes with vertical splitter plates, reminiscent of the F-4 Phantom. Even though this meant a thorough redesign of the fuselage section under the wing sweep mechanism and a reduction of tank "0"'s volume, the new arrangement improved the aircraft's aerodynamics further and slightly enlarged the wing area, which resulted in a minor net increase of range.
The F.3's GEC-Marconi/Ferranti AI.24 Foxhunter radar was retained, but an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, the Passive Infra-Red Airborne Track Equipment (PIRATE), was mounted in a semispherical housing on the port side of the fuselage in front of the windscreen and linked to the pilot's helmet-mounted display. By supercooling the sensor, the system was able to detect even small variations in temperature at a long range, and it allowed the detection of both hot exhaust plumes of jet engines and surface heating caused by friction.
PIRATE operated in two IR bands and could be used together with the radar in an air-to-air role, adding visual input to the radar's readings. Beyond that, PIRATE could also function as an independent infrared search and track system, providing passive target detection and tracking, and the system was also able to provide navigation and landing aid.
In an optional air-to-surface role, PIRATE can also perform target identification and acquisition, up to 200 targets could be simultaneously tracked. Although no definitive ranges had been released, an upper limit of 80 nm has been hinted at; a more typical figure would be 30 to 50 nm.
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2bxoB1i) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/PpvNv1) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRv7C) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The Tornado F.3's Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon was retained and the F.6 was from the start outfitted with the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile, with the outlook to switch as soon as possible to the new, ram jet-driven Meteor AAM with higher speed and range. Meteor had been under development since 1994 and was to be carried by the Eurofighter Typhoon as its primary mid-range weapon. With a range of 100+ km (63 mi, 60 km no-escape zone) and a top speed of more than Mach 4, Meteor, with its throttleable ducted rocket engine, offered a considerably improvement above AMRAAM. However, it took until 2016 that Meteor became fully operational and was rolled out to operational RAF fighter units.
A total of 36 Tornado F.3 airframes with relatively low flying hours were brought to F.6 standard in the course of 2006-8 and gradually replaced older F.3s in RAF fighter units until 2009. The Tornado F.3 itself was retired in March 2011 when No. 111 Squadron RAF, located at RAF Leuchars, was disbanded. Both the F.5 and F.6 will at least keep on serving until the Eurofighter Typhoon is in full service, probably until 2020.
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9S3Fc) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1944/30051625767_e580490e40_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MMyrmK)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/MMyrmK) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
General characteristics:
Crew: 2
Length: 18.68 m (61 ft 3½ in)
Wingspan: 13.91 m (45 ft 7½ in) at 25° wing position
8.60 m (28 ft 2½ in) at 67° wing position
Height: 5.95 m (19 ft 6½ in)
Wing area: 27.55 m² (295.5 sq ft)
Empty weight: 14,750 kg (32,490 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 28,450 kg (62,655 lb)
Powerplant:
2× Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofans with 60 kN (13,500 lbf) dry thrust and
90 kN (20,230 lbf) thrust with afterburner each
Performance:
Maximum speed: Mach 2.3 (2,500 km/h, 1,550 mph) at 9,000 m (30,000 ft)
921 mph (800 knots, 1,482 km/h) indicated airspeed limit near sea level
Combat radius: more than 1,990 km (1.100 nmi, 1,236 mi) subsonic,
more than 556 km (300 nmi, 345 mi) supersonic
Ferry range: 4,265 km (2,300 nmi, 2,650 mi) with four external tanks
Endurance: 2 hr combat air patrol at 560-740 km (300-400 nmi, 345-460 mi) from base
Service ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
Armament:
1× 27 mm (1.063 in) Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 180 RPG under starboard fuselage side
A total of 10 hardpoints (4× semi-recessed under-fuselage, 2× under-fuselage, 4× swivelling
under-wing) holding up to 9000 kg (19,800 lb) of payload; the two inner wing pylons have shoulder
launch rails for 2× Short-Range AAM (SRAAM) each (AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-132 ASRAAM)
4× MBDO Meteor or AIM-120 AMRAAM, mounted under the fuselage
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RT8p) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRkv3) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1916/44268435624_a51654e15b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRiC5)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2arRiC5) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
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1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RWaB) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/44076173085_6ceb3d112b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RUEH)
1:72 Panavia "Tornado F.6"; aircraft "ZF205/CG" of the Royal Air Force 5 Squadron; RAF Cranwell, summer 2018 (Whif/modified Italeri kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2a9RUEH) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
With many troubles involved (the paint job, but furthermore the wing pylons as well as one stabilizer broke off during the building and painting process...), I must say that the modified Tonka turned out better than expected while I was still working on it. In the end, I am happy with it – it's very subtle, I wonder how many people actually notice the change of air intakes and jet exhausts, and the Meteor AAMs are, while not overtly visible, a nice update, too.
The paint scheme looks basically also good (if you overlook the not-so-good finish due to the problems with the Tamiya paint), and the darker tones suit the Tonka well, as well as the fake RAF 5 Squadron markings.
:tornado:
Very, VERY good Thomas, one of your best. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Mind you, I am slightly biased, being as you've saved me the problem of writing the backstory for my F5. ;D ;)
At first sight you think, 'Yeah, it's a Tornado F3.................er, no it isn't!' The intakes and exhausts take a while to impinge themselves on your brain. As you say, very subtle.
Oh yes, I LOVE the 'Bear intercept' pics. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Another really great build by you Dizzyfugu :thumbsup: :wub:
Gondor
Most glorious!
Cool.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on September 29, 2018, 09:19:40 AM
Very, VERY good Thomas, one of your best. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Agree totally :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
You've also managed to make the Tornado look attractive :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on September 29, 2018, 09:19:40 AM
Mind you, I am slightly biased, being as you've saved me the problem of writing the backstory for my F5. ;D ;)
Thank you, you're welcome. Since your F5 has been on the bench, too, I'd thought I'd cook up a combo update development for the F3, with slightly different roles. It's just a personal interpretation of your build, but the longer wings and fuselage just cried "more patrol time" to me, and my conversion would rather target at a slightly higher performance at closer range. ;)
The "action scenes" also cam out nicely. Everyday business over the North Sea and the Atlantic...
Glad you like it and don't mind my creative ideas!
Quote from: NARSES2 on September 30, 2018, 06:21:54 AM
You've also managed to make the Tornado look attractive :thumbsup:
LOL. It really looks ...different. I am not certain if the pictures convey it, but the fuselage, without the original wedge intakes and also without the "lateral step" in front of the landing gear wells, looks really sleek. I hoped for a good (read: non-goofy) look, but it turned out better than hoped for. :lol:
Wow, that's excellent! Awesome job :thumbsup:
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on September 30, 2018, 09:35:26 AM
Thank you, you're welcome. Since your F5 has been on the bench, too, I'd thought I'd cook up a combo update development for the F3, with slightly different roles. It's just a personal interpretation of your build, but the longer wings and fuselage just cried "more patrol time" to me, and my conversion would rather target at a slightly higher performance at closer range. ;)
That was
exactly the scenario I had in mind for the F5, longer loiter time etc. :thumbsup:
In return I may steal your weapons load of four Meteors and some 'winders too, sounds like a good mix.
I better get on and finish the model now! :o
He he, I am curious how the long range sister ship turns out! :thumbsup:
Excellent, the Meteors are a lovely touch
Sweet ! I like to look at the final pics before the start of the thread....this one took me awhile ! Funny how the mind works....is that a Flogger ? lol Great stuff
Somehow missed this one too... :banghead:
Love the look of the Tonka with those intakes, excellent work as always, Dizzy! :bow: :bow: :bow:
Thank you, glad you like it!
That is brilliant !!