general melchett Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) Hi gang,another oddity from the insane asylum , this time it's a 'what if' along the lines of my earlier Bomcorde only a hell of a lot bigger. The time line is 1968 and the RAF is about to hand over responsibility for the nuclear role to the Royal Navy and it's Polaris subs. The RAF's V-force is to stand down as a nuclear force, however events in the Soviet Union halt this process and the aircraft bought back to operational readiness .A massive expansion of Soviet offensive weapons takes place and the west grows very weary of her intentions.The Victors and Vulcans of the newly formed Strike Command are on constant QRA as political solutions are sought .Production of US nuclear capable aircraft is stepped up and the USAF receives it's first of 32 B-70 Valkyrie Mach 3 bombers .Here in the UK it is realised that if we wish to strike further with more punch into 'enemy' territory then a new aircraft system will be needed to perform this hazardous duty .Nothing is on the production lines of the British aircraft manufacturers, ( though many great designs like the Avro 730 and Handley Page 100 supersonic bombers are axed on the grounds of spiraling costs, how they rue that mistake now!!). It is at this point that the US steps in with a proposal and vested interest.The US SST program was all but dead in the water as thoughts turned to high capacity ' jumbo ' jets, the desire for supersonic airliners had all but dwindled.However Boeing in it's infinite wisdom had set up jigs and production tools for it's mighty model 2707 SST 'clipper', against the wishes of the current administration!!.The US proposed reactivating the line and building a total of 12 of these monsters in military configuration, out fitted with the latest ECM/ countermeasures and weapons delivery systems available.The UK would have to foot some of the pre production cost and this was arranged accordingly ( much to the anger of a large number of political lobbyists!). the idea being a lease of machines and equipment for a minimum ten year period. The project was called 'Dark Star' and the aircraft given the designation B-72 , in deference to the mighty B-52 Stratofortress. It was decided to keep the project name for the production bomber, Britain was destined to receive 4 of these aircraft which in conjunction with the V-force and TSR 2 Eagle tactical nuclear aircraft was destined to provide 'sufficient' capability for the foreseeable future. Strike Command crews were trained up at Carswell AFB in Texas and Fairchild , Washington , accruing time on the B-70's based at these airfields. The aircraft was surprisingly easy to fly , had enormous thrust ( nearly 400,000 lbs ) and range ( plus in flight refueling capability) , plus the ability to carry a mix of either four WD210 stand off nuclear missiles , two air launched Polaris/ Poseidon , four Blue Steel mk 2's or 100,000 lbs of standard 1,000 lb bombs carried in the fuselage bays (four) and fuselage pods ( which could also act as fuel tanks when depleted). The GE-4 engines were retained as part of the deal , though Rolls Royce did do a fair bit of development work on them to increase efficiency and hour /rate consumption , which was adopted by General Electric on the US aircraft !!. The four aircraft were delivered to RAF Fairford in July 1971, all went to number 100 squadron and were given dedicated ground crews with specialist equipment and training, it was the premier posting in the RAF, with very high standards required from all personnel particularly aircrew , all must have gold star ratings and be V-bomber captains.. ( much envied by other units!!) The Dark Stars were all given names of Gods... , Zeus, Loki, Thor and Zui and these appeared on the inside of the crew entry area only. Painted in their anti flash white they were an impressive sight and sound for almost 15 years when in August 1986 as tensions thawed the last Dark Star retired from active service to spend it's remaining life at the AMARC facility at Davis Monthan , Arizona , (in late 1990 it was decided to put the four ex Strike Command aircraft in US museums where they remain to this day as visible reminders of a once proud strike force). Just a bit of fun, this kit was done in a weekend as a bit of an 'I'm bored' thing.The kit is of course the re-issued Revell Boeing SST. the missiles, a pair of low altitude stand off missile proposals (almost an early ALCM) and air launched Poseidons, are based on drawings from the brilliant 'British Secret Projects' series , and the bomb pods/ fuel tanks resin for a Buccaneer. I'll post pics when base and 'bits' are done. I have another 5 of these , think the next might be USAF MAC or RAF wrap around Hope you like it , Cheers, Andy Start of a diorama base, hopefully have it done for Telford !! Edited October 31, 2008 by general melchett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smuts Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Bloomin ell...that's awesome . Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastien Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Looks like someone gave an entertaining mix of LSD and moonshine whiskey to Gerry Anderson. I like that (the model, not the mix). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebos Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I do like this! With 2 kits in that boxing it was a neat idea to turn one into a whif (though I suppose anything would be a whif as it never flew). How did you find the kit? It looks rather scary on the sprues, a potential nightmare of heavy seam filling and gloss white! Really has turned out well though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obi-Jiff Kenobi Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Nice whiffing, General, although those fuel pods look like they might lower the top speed a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 General, your insanity is wonderful!! That is, yet again, fanbl**dytastic!! And done in a weekend too?? Brilliant!! Cor, wouldn't it have been fun standing in the lay-by outside Fairfords peri fence when those four scrambled over yer 'ead!!! Keef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 31, 2008 Author Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) Thanks everyone, glad you like it , cheers Andy, actually Stebos it's a really easy kit , provided you know that your in for a bit of filling and sanding ( but are we not modelers !!!!!!). The only problem area was the U/C as none of the wheel sets touch the ground !!!, so it's a lot of add sprue here and shave some off there, also there are no wheel 'hubs' so I used ali sequins ( from a catsuit I was building for myself , what with these long nights what's a girl to do !!!??. The kit is quite easy to find as it was only re issued last year , I have two of the originals ( 1967) and five re issues , loads of ideas..whilst not a huge kit it is over 18 inches long and bloody awkward to photograph !!). Obi , quite right , I envisaged them to be jettisoned if carrying fuel before final run in or if carrying bombs, post mission for a speedy getaway. Keef , cheers old thing , have me doubts as to whether there would be enough tarmac for four of em on QRA, but just imagine the noise and smoke if they were !!...fuel bill would make interesting reading ! Thanks again all, Now Flash , have at em !!......chaaaaaaaaaarge !! Andy,( I'll get back in my box now ). Edited October 31, 2008 by general melchett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigReg Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Andy, Another stunning idea leading to a stunning model. Are we to see a Tu144 BomberConcordski in reply????????????/ Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Pat on the back for that one, Andy! Great build, great idea and a brilliant execution. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 31, 2008 Author Share Posted October 31, 2008 Thanks again fella's, David it just so happens that I have a couple of Nitto 144's just crying out to be 'wiffed' , ( serious consideration was given to a military variant of the 'Concordski' , one was in a wonderful scheme similar to the standard SU-25 Frogfoot, but it was dropped along with the totally awesome T4-MS in favour of the TU-160), Al you're too kind Tallyho................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousDFB1 Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Wonderful General, well done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 31, 2008 Author Share Posted October 31, 2008 Thanks Mish , appreciated !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nev Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Awesome! Very Gerry Anderson. Look forward to seeing it at Telford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 31, 2008 Author Share Posted October 31, 2008 Cheers Nev , twill be there !! , Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overkiller Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 SMOKIN!!!!! That is such a lovely looking build Andy, I've got one of them 2707 kits in the stash, been thinking of a military use. My idea was as a fast personnel transporter for SAC, or maybe as a straight up bomber as per your RAF one but in SEA camo....then again Air Force One would be a nice idea Duncan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 Hi Dunc , Air Force one was also my first thought, but I always like the old MAC colours , grey and white similar to tranny command , and as I have an old decal set for the Italeri 1/200th C141 ( same scale !!) knocking around, I thought I would use them on a MAC variant. Trying to see it as a TC aircraft but couldn't see the RAF forking out for a few of these just to lug grunts around somehow I have one in the original Boeing house colours posted here on BM but fancied doing something a bit different. 'Flights Of Fancy' also do a whole range of commercial schemes for it and I have their Air India set waiting to go at some point. Quick, easy build , fun too !! Cheers , Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexwh773 Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 General, late on parade as usual I like this one alot Andy, very smart and great back story I think General a trip to the MO is in order, this one doesnt seem quite so Loony Tunes as your normal efforts Bexy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 What !, late again young Bex, guardhouse for you ! I must apologise profusely for it not being bonkers enough, I shall try much harder next time Miss ..honest !! I have been totally 'wiffed' out the last couple of weeks , trying to cobble together five models for Telford.Once that is out of the way I shall re double my efforts to produce ever more insane flying machines for your perusal.My new years resolution shall be to ' produce more mentally deranged aircraft than ever before no matter what the weather!!!', I think this model in my collection made about 15 years ago sums up my mental state at the moment, I was feeling a bit down at the time ( and yes it is life size...... talk about bringing your work home with you !!!!!!!!!!!).......... Appointment with MO duly noted and addressed............ Cheers now, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexwh773 Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 (edited) Appointment with MO duly noted and addressed............ Cheers now, Andy Ok fair enough then Andy, althugh it may not be a bonkers model, youre still bonkers by trying to crank out that many models for Telford That photo looks remarkably like my ex gf Bex Edited November 1, 2008 by bexwh773 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 cheers Bex, I know !, wish I would learn to keep my trap shut , always volunteering for dangerous missions ! That photo looks remarkably like my ex gf puke.gif rofl.gif This is obviously why she's an ex ? actually it was modelled on the wife during one of her more strenuous attempts at make up !!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 cheers Bex, I know !, wish I would learn to keep my trap shut , always volunteering for dangerous missions !This is obviously why she's an ex ? actually it was modelled on the wife during one of her more strenuous attempts at make up !!!!! Melchett, I do hope the Mem-sahib hasn't yet learnt to log onto BM, or your dangerous missions will suddenly seem like child's play.....!!!! Keef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 Good heavens man , she's only just worked out how to switch the iron on , ( thank God , the ironing has been piling up for years!!). She's not to be trusted with anything that has a plug attached , might do untold damage ........................................ , to the equipment. Love her dearly of course.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenDragon Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 Great job General I was going to do one of mine as Air Force One but it seems a lot of people are thinking in that direction. Never thought of sticking whacking great Missiles on it! Looking forward to seeing what turns up next. Paul Harrison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard of Effingham Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 hmm, i know which kit the under fuselage drop tanks came from! great idea general! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted November 4, 2008 Author Share Posted November 4, 2008 Hi Trevor , though they are off a bucc they are actually from a resin set I had knocking about, a lot easier to mould into the fuselage contours ! Paul , thanks, I am at this very time preparing to do battle with something a hell of a lot bigger and quite a bit more ambitious.... Cheers, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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