Javelin conversion sets

[Selwyn]

Did anyone see or get any of the new conversion sets for the airfix Javelin at Telford?

Anyone care to comment?

Selwyn

[Shar2]

We've got that will be reviewed very soon. From what I saw they were selling like hot cakes and looked great in the box.

[avro683]

I've got an F4 one on order, should have it by the end of the month.

[AnonymousAA72]

Did anyone see or get any of the new conversion sets for the airfix Javelin at Telford?

Anyone care to comment?

Selwyn

Have you seen their bits on their website....

Some good looking parts and decals there.....

http://www.a2zeemodels.co.uk/alley-cat-aircraft-sets-148-scale-232-c.asp

[Duncan B]

I got the FAW 5 and in the box it looks very nice. they have included a brass etched fret for replacing the vortex generators and a brass template so that we can't muck up the position. The decal options are good too, 5 different aircraft but they have included a sheet of numbers and letters so we can basically make any one we like, neat touch I thought. I'd recommend one anyway.

Duncan B

[pigsty]

They're the business, so far as I can tell. One thing to watch for is that the instructions on replacing the leading edge (to take out the droop) are a little opaque. Just cut between the inner pair of lines and you'll be away, is the theory, but if I were you I'd see if Alley Cat has a picture on its website of the new part in situ. It all makes sense when you see that.

The T.Mk.3 and the red-and-white horror are billed as "coming soon".

[Welkin]

I picked up the Mk.2 conversion at SMW - it looks very good.

The only problem was deciding which one to do!

[Rhino]

^{I got the F.6 set, and it does look really nice. I had to get an 85 Sqn set as that is one of 2 Sqdns I was with .}

[Selwyn]

Toi be honest I am rather annoyed, the one I want to build is the FAW 7 but they haven't done that one!

Selwyn

[Ali62]

Hi guys

Thanks for the comments, hey Selwyn, do not be angry, I can only do so much at once, the mk 7 And some other bits are on the way hopefully in the next few weeks, I had to work out what parts would make the most versions firstly, the 7 and 3 and the special schemes will be popular I am sure, but just like large companies it gets almost impossible to release all versions at once.

Cheers Ali

[SLoB]

Ali

I have largely completed my build of the kit OOB, but how easy/hard would it be to retrofit your resin?

I am interested in the FAW5. I assume it is a matter of cutting out certain wing leading edge sections and the tail section, but is this possible with the original put together (I am thinking mainly of the tailpipe alteration)?

If too difficult I may have to wait until I can afford/justify another Javelin, but if not too hard I may have a go with what I've got.

[Selwyn]

Hi guys

Thanks for the comments, hey Selwyn, do not be angry, I can only do so much at once, the mk 7 And some other bits are on the way hopefully in the next few weeks, I had to work out what parts would make the most versions firstly, the 7 and 3 and the special schemes will be popular I am sure, but just like large companies it gets almost impossible to release all versions at once.

Cheers Ali

OK,

"I will let you off on this one -just this once!"

Selwyn

[tonyot]

Ali

I have largely completed my build of the kit OOB, but how easy/hard would it be to retrofit your resin?

I am interested in the FAW5. I assume it is a matter of cutting out certain wing leading edge sections and the tail section, but is this possible with the original put together (I am thinking mainly of the tailpipe alteration)?

If too difficult I may have to wait until I can afford/justify another Javelin, but if not too hard I may have a go with what I've got.

Personally, having bought three sets (Mk.4.5 & 8) I would say that you are OK for the first two but the Mk.8 has a new nose and might be easier to do during the construction stages. I`ve just painted my FAW.9 so will have to build it as such now,.....pity as I`d have loved to build it as an earlier one and it means forking out for another Airfix kit. Im`, also going to order a Mk.1 or 2 (87 Sqn),......these sets are very good and the decal options are superb!

Cheers

Tony

[SLoB]

Tony

I have painted most of mine (hairy stick painter so got odd bits to finish off) and if care is taken with cutting, fitting, filling and sanding it may be possible to simply paint the new parts and gradully blend in.

Or am I being too optimistic about

a) how easy it might be and/or

my skills

I am thinking:

1) that cutting off the vortices is no big deal and clean up should be OK if care is taken

2) cutting out the wing leading edges should not be too much of a big deal

3) not sure what the tail changes will require and it is this that troubles me most

4) not sure if there are other chagnes that might be easy/problematic

The whole reason behind this is that I want to depict the 228 OCU squadron that my dad served in (as armourer/general ground crew) when Javelins first arrived there, but when I started the build any conversion set seemed a way off. I am also not sure I could get past SWMBO a second Javelin! (they are a bit big to hide). For these various reasons it may be a while before I get another Javelin to have a go at. I am therefore keen to try to fit the conversion to what I have built.

The pic below gives an indication of how far I have got.

I suspect I am not the only one who has started one of these and now wishes they had waited

If someone could give an indication of how practical it might be to make the changes at this late stage I would be grateful.

Thanks.

P.S. I hope I am not hi-jacking this thread - sorry if you think I am.

[pigsty]

Personally I think if you're at the "last few bits to add" stage you're too far along to convert your Javelin.

• Nose: if your preferred Mark has the UK radar, no worries. If it has the US radar you're in a spot of bother - you have to remove the forward fuselage as far as the intakes to fit the replacement part. With enough care it might be possible to trim the replacement parts down to just the mounting ring for the oblique-hinged radome, but I wouldn't relish it.
• Wings: you have two bits of cutting out to do to the leading edge if you're after any model earlier than the FAW.Mk.8. That should be possible but it will take some care. Removing the middle row of vortex generators should also be OK.
• Tail: to fit the pen-nib fairings (or the different tail of the FAW.Mk.7) you'll be cutting away the aft end to just ahead of the trailing edge of the rudder. But you'll also have fitted the exhaust ducts by now, which will probably make the task of connecting the new bits quite tricky.

Best thing is probably to look closely on the A2Zee website at what's on offer, and judge for yourself.

[SLoB]

Sean

I suspect you are correct.

I have looked at the website and I think it is the tail that is the problem, as you say.

Seems like I will have to get the conversion set and then see about another Javelin kit in due course.

Thanks for input.

[tonyot]

This is how far I`ve got with mine,......I`ll probably keep it as it is and order another kit from Hattons! So Ali,....I`ll be ordering that conversion set with the 87 Sqn option asap!

Cheers

Tony

[Jennings Heilig]

Wait, those must be 1/72 Harriers?!?!?

[general melchett]

Yes, went for the FAW 6 in the end and will probably go for a Mk 8 next year. Up to Ali's usual high standard and almost all his own hard work. Great to be able to build the stubby nosed beggers....always preferred the look of these over the longer nosed versions....

[tonyot]

Wait, those must be 1/72 Harriers?!?!?

Yes,....the new Airfix kits which I`m building alongside the Javelin.

Tony

[avro683]

Don't forget that the kit seats are only correct for later marks (7 (I think) 8 and 9). All the others will need the early mark lll seats for accuracy.