bentwaters81tfw Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 This is a bit of a trip for me. I bought one of these years back, and sold it to a guy stateside who was desperate for one. I picked this one up from Graham at BCWM as stuff he wanted to clear. Some background. After the success of Project Bullseye http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234947286-monogram-b-58-148-project-bullseye/?hl=%2Bproject+%2Bbullseye the General Staff at USAF HQ wanted to take this further. Their latest toy was under threat of cancellation as it's strategic role was limited, and it's recon capabilities were taken over by the SR (RS) 71, the CIA having kept everyone in the dark about Project Oxcart. With the Vietnam war still in full swing, and the B-70's intended role as a replacement for the BUFF, Gen Curtis LeMay managed to get funding to complete AV-3 Bu 20208 as a fully fitted bomber, the previous airframes being relegated to research. B-52s were being lost over Hanoi, and the idea of a High Mach dash across North Vietnam was being pursued as a possible means to avoid losses. Consequently 20208 was tested for weapons release in secret from Groom Lake, over the adjacent nuclear weapons test sites, and found to be effective and accurate. Prior to deployment in theatre, the aircraft was painted under Tech Order 1.1.4a in the standard SAC over Black scheme, and despatched to Guam for operational use. Several successful sorties were undertaken, which apparently scared the VC. Their superstitions based on fear of dragons came to the fore when faced with the double sonic boom, and a fast moving trail of fire in the sky from the 6 afterburning GE J93s. Although classed as a success, operations were halted as only 30 engines were made, and parts were unavailable. The aircraft never returned to CONUS, and it's fate is shrouded in mystery, although rumours abound it suffered an engine fire on take off from Guam and it went into the sea. Ladies and Gentlepeeps, I give you 'Project Bullsh*t: ' This is a brute of a kit. Not many parts - about 80, and not as much filler as I expected. Its just the size of the thing - you could put strings on it and play it like a Balalaika. 33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helios16v Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 The storyline is priceless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learstang Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Very nice! Now you need to do a B-47 in SEAC colours. Regards, Jason 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Pretty. Me like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallBlondJohn Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Nice. Always wondered about B-70 Whifs - can the airframe be other than white or did heat issues limit it like Concorde? A NMF with white underside and SAC shield/stripe would be something. Here are a few more suggestions: http://www.edwardsflighttest.com/b70.html 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan B Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Very nice, that would have been quite something to see/hear. Duncan B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Amazing shape, actually suits the scheme really well. Nice one! Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Brilliant, modelling & story. I like. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glatisant Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Magnificent looking beast.Top class paint job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polo1112 Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Not only "what if?" But also "why not?" Very interesting and unusual project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdonnell Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Hello,bentwaters81tfw - That's a very impressive subject and a beautifully built and finished tribute to the 'Valkyrie'.A massive model on an equally massive cutting pad! All the best,Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jockster Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 I'm used to seeing these going down in flames on Ace Combat, nice to see one up close and intact! What a monster and I've been looking forward to seeing it after you mentioned it in your email! Very impressive! Silver tyres stand out a bit though mate! Lol! Jeez, it's got to be nearly a metre long! I take it that you would have had to get B&Q to mix up sufficient quantities of paint!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 8, 2016 Author Share Posted June 8, 2016 Silver Tyres are correct. http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/howard_mason2/xb-70/images/xb-70_22_of_30.jpg http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/howard_mason3/xb-70_valkyrie/images/xb-70_valkyrie_22_of_56.jpg She's a big beastie, sitting on two A3 cutting mats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vh-bob Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 It's funny you mention the musical connection. When I built mine, I thought , "This is bigger than my Fender Stratocaster" and looks like something a Guitar Hero would play. Trev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nachtwulf Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 Very cool! What kit is that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 9, 2016 Author Share Posted June 9, 2016 AMT. Italeri repopped it recently. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romeo Alpha Yankee Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 The B-70 Looks so right in that scheme Very nice build Great back story as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannie Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 Fantastic - and the storyline sounds like it could have been lifted from "The Watchmen" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearmatt Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 Great Looking Valkyrie in SEA Camo! I'm also having two in the stash, waiting for some whiffery... Nice. Always wondered about B-70 Whifs - can the airframe be other than white or did heat issues limit it like Concorde? A NMF with white underside and SAC shield/stripe would be something. Here are a few more suggestions: http://www.edwardsflighttest.com/b70.html Your wish shall become true ;-) General Melchetts excellent B-70 http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/32764-italeri-amt-xb-70a-valkyrie/page-11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallBlondJohn Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 Great Looking Valkyrie in SEA Camo! I'm also having two in the stash, waiting for some whiffery... Your wish shall become true ;-) General Melchetts excellent B-70 http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/32764-italeri-amt-xb-70a-valkyrie/page-11 Knew I'd seen one somewhere, what a beauty. Still like to see a Thunderbirds B-70 though... I did start the Academy 1/300 XB-70 kit to whif it but its a dog. If only the 1/200 Cyber-Hobby would get a move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted June 12, 2016 Share Posted June 12, 2016 Looks just right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephLalor Posted June 12, 2016 Share Posted June 12, 2016 (edited) It's funny you mention the musical connection. When I built mine, I thought , "This is bigger than my Fender Stratocaster" and looks like something a Guitar Hero would play. Trev Looks a bit like a Gibson Flying V doesn't it? Or a balalaika Edited June 12, 2016 by JosephLalor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBaron Posted June 12, 2016 Share Posted June 12, 2016 That's an epic piece of kit and beautifully turned out. The backstory makes it. Spot on sir. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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